Resources for Food Services

SCORE mentors and their clients, owners and staff of La Divina Italian Cafe

Elevate Your Food Service Business with SCORE

At SCORE, we’re dedicated to helping your food service business thrive. Our experienced mentors offer guidance on everything from menu planning and cost management to marketing and regulations. Explore our specialized resources to attract more customers, streamline your operations and stand out in this competitive industry.

Food truck business, black owned business

A Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Food Truck Business

Join this webinar to learn step-by-step how to launch and run a successful food truck business.

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Black women in business, food truck, women small business owners

From Recipe to Revenue - How to Start a Successful Food Business

Learn how to start a successful food business, from choosing the type of food business, legal requirements and resources.

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5 Tips to Make Your Restaurant's Social Media Appetizing

Learn how to post the best food photos on Instagram, ways to request testimonials, what to tweet and other social media tips for restaurants.

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black restaurant owner in chefs coat and mask presenting a dish

9 Tips To Write a Restaurant Business Plan

To help aspiring restaurateurs write a business plan for their dream restaurant, we asked business professionals and seasoned business owners for their best advice.

Rules and Regulations for Restaurants and Bars

Most businesses need certain state/federal licenses, but when you’re serving food and drink, the stakes are much higher because consumer health is involved.

9 Steps to Launching a Food Truck Business

Owning and operating a food truck business requires good financial and operational management skills. Review these steps for a successful launch before you hit the road with your idea.

Checklist: Licenses and Permits for a Restaurant

New businesses need to get licenses and permits, and those that sell food need more than most. This checklist explains what you’ll need to open a restaurant.

Shop assistant looks at the payment terminal after female customer paid in the fashion store

Use a Loyalty Program to Grow Sales at Your Retail Store or Restaurant

The long-term success of your retail store or restaurant depends on repeat customers. One way to encourage customer loyalty is with a loyalty program.

Navigating Licenses and Permits: What Small Businesses Need to Know

Without the right permits, licenses, and other documents, your business could face issues, so let’s break down the basic ones and discuss some of the most important factors to consider.

Male coffee shop owner standing at the counter

12 Steps to Starting a Restaurant

If you want to start a restaurant, there’s no better time. How can you make your new restaurant stand out from the crowd? Follow these 12 steps.

Is a Food Truck Business Right for You?

Chances are you're interested in starting a food truck business because friends and family love your food, and you're passionate about preparing it. However, succeeding in the food truck business requires more than just great food at competitive prices.

Starting a food truck business requires careful planning, preparation and hustle. It's about more than just the food; owning and operating a food truck can be stressful and time-consuming, requiring financial and operational management skills and good business sense.

Food trucks are a significant and growing $2.2 billion industry segment in

What to Know Before You Buy a Restaurant

Past success may be a broad indication of future prosperity, but a more detailed evaluation of an existing restaurant is essential before purchasing it.

Food Service Entrepreneurs Who Found Success with SCORE

SCORE has helped countless food service entrepreneurs find success in their small businesses. Discover how our expert guidance has supported owners in launching and growing restaurants, food trucks, catering services, and more—yours could be the next success story!

Lance and Mary LeBlanc owners of La Davina Cafe

Local Café to Get National Recognition

La Divina Italian Café in Baton Rouge, guided by SCORE mentoring, earned national recognition in SCORE’s 2024 “Stories of Success.”

Melissa Harlan, Owner, Drink Me Tea Room

A One-of-a-Kind Magical Tea Escape in Tempe, Arizona

Surviving the pandemic with SCORE's guidance, we created Drink Me! Tea Room – Tempe's vegan, gluten-free, and magical tea experience.

M.A.D Bakery

By refining their business plan, focusing on high-quality products, and staying resilient through challenges, the bakery grew from a small startup idea into a beloved community staple. This journey underscores the power of mentorship, strategic planning, and a dedicated owner determined to bring sweet treats—and success—to the Quad Cities.

Vanlice Lemonade

With the help of SCORE mentors, the founder turned a homemade lemonade concept into a local favorite by sharpening her business plan, developing a robust marketing strategy, and overcoming early challenges. Today, Vanlice Lemonade delights the Twin Cities community with refreshing flavors and a commitment to quality, proving that the right guidance and passion can make any small dream flourish.

From Recovery to Culinary Success: Wholly Schmidt

With guidance and resources from SCORE, they transformed challenges into motivation, refining their business plan and brand strategy along the way. Today, Wholly Schmidt flourishes in Northwest Arkansas, proving that passion, perseverance, and expert mentorship can turn life’s toughest trials into a recipe for success.

Go Gaga with Chaga

Discover the power of Chaga! The Chaga Company brings you superfood-infused treats and drinks with 35x higher antioxidants than acai. Experience the Chaga difference today.

Mike Long and Richard Parker, Owners of 2 Fat Guys Spirits

From Home-made Gin to Award-Winning Spirits: The Story of Two Fat Guys in Bozeman, Montana

Crafting award-winning, non-traditional gins with a twist of Montana spirit. Discover our journey from a birthday party in 2010 to gold medals in 2021.

Mothership Coffee Roasters

Are you a coffee lover? Learn more about how Mothership Coffee Roasters came to be and how they succeeded in this Success story!

Silver Slice Bakery

Silver Slice Bakery's success: Leveraging SCORE mentorship to expand its gluten-free pizza crust business, including a partnership with Hormel Foods.

Amberlulu Bubble Tea and Sweet Creation

Amberlulu Bubble Tea in Appleton, WI: Sip on diverse bubble teas & smoothies. A place celebrating Asian culture with SCORE mentorship.

Sum Bar

Sum Bar: Authentic Chinese Dim Sum & Cocktails - A First-Generation Success Story with SCORE's Support

Find a SCORE Mentor for Your Food Service Business

Share your zip code to be matched with a SCORE mentor who understands the unique challenges of the food service industry. From fine-tuning your menu and managing costs to navigating regulations and growing your customer base, our experts are here to guide you toward a thriving, successful future.