A successful restaurant opening starts long before the first guest is seated – and for restaurant suppliers, timing is everything. According to new research from Preopening Restaurants Resource, The leading source of early-stage intelligence on new restaurant openings in the United States, the majority of restaurant operators are making critical purchasing decisions more than three months before their doors open, creating both a challenge and an opportunity for vendors across the foodservice ecosystem.
The findings come from a nationwide survey of 220 restaurant owners, operators, and technology decision-makers involved in preopening efforts. Conducted between May 6–24, 2025, the study sought to quantify the timeline for vendor engagement and evaluate supplier effectiveness in reaching operators during this vital planning phase.
Key Findings:
- 71% of respondents said they begin selecting key vendors – including POS platforms, kitchen equipment suppliers, and food and beverage distributors – more than 90 days before opening.
- 64% reported finalizing vendor relationships prior to any public announcement of the restaurant’s launch.
- 76% said they are not receptive to vendor outreach within 30 days of opening, citing operational stress, decision fatigue, and a shift toward execution.
- 83% agreed that earlier, more structured engagement with suppliers leads to better business outcomes.
- 58% cited a lack of visibility into early-stage vendors as a key preopening challenge.
“These findings highlight a clear gap between when operators make purchasing decisions and when many suppliers attempt to enter the conversation,” said Marv Allen, Vice President of Sales at Preopening Restaurants Resource. “By the time most restaurants are in the public eye, the window of opportunity for vendors has already closed.”
The survey underscores a growing need for restaurant suppliers – ranging from technology vendors to interior design consultants – to rethink how they identify and engage with preopening prospects. With foundational decisions often made during the architectural and planning phases, waiting for public announcements or visible construction activity may be too late.
Industry Implications
According to the National Restaurant Association’s 2024 Technology Landscape Report, 60% of restaurant operators admit to “frequently regretting” not initiating vendor discussions earlier. Meanwhile, McKinsey research suggests that early vendor integration can reduce project costs by up to 25%.
“This isn’t just about sales timing – it’s about operational alignment and long-term partnership,” the spokesperson added. “Vendors who engage earlier are in a better position to shape the scope of work, streamline integration, and support the restaurant’s success from the ground up.”
Click here to learn more about the research survey on Restaurant Technology News.
Preopening Restaurants Resource is the leading subscription-based platform for early-stage intelligence on new restaurant openings. It helps suppliers connect with decision-makers during the most critical phases of development – often months before public launch. Subscribers receive twice-weekly reports with verified leads, including restaurant name, location, concept, timeline, and direct contact info for owners and key stakeholders. Regional and national plans are available, starting at under $100/month. Since 2019, it has helped hundreds of vendors build early relationships and close more deals before competitors are even aware.
To learn more about Preopening Restaurants Resource, activate a new subscription, or sign up for a free sample lead report aligned with your target prospect criteria, visit PreopeningRestaurants.com.