If you’re passionate about food and love creating memorable experiences, opening a restaurant may be your dream.  But passion alone is not enough.  The hospitality industry is heavily regulated, and you must comply with several internal control systems to get started and stay in business.

IK‑mat (internal control for food safety) ensures safe food handling and hygiene.  This means developing routines for receiving goods, storage, preparation and serving.  You must document temperatures, cleaning routines and allergen labelling.  Staff need training in hygienic work methods.

IK‑alkohol (Alcohol Licensing) focuses on responsible alcohol service.  You must prevent overserving, check IDs, monitor serving times and document refusals.  Good training and clear procedures help you stay compliant.  

‍IK‑brann (Fire Safety) deals with fire safety: having up‑to‑date evacuation plans, functioning fire extinguishers, clear escape routes and regular fire drills are mandatory.

Finally, systematic HSE work (health, environment and safety) is required by law.  This involves identifying hazards, assessing risks, implementing measures, training employees and documenting everything.  The goal is to prevent accidents and protect both employees and guests.  Without a structured system these tasks can feel overwhelming.

Runwell provides an all‑in‑one solution for your new restaurant.  The platform includes digital checklists, training modules, deviation reporting, chat, scheduling, integration with Planday and even access to occupational health services.  Implementation and support are free.  With Runwell, you avoid common startup mistakes, keep all documentation in one place and can focus on creating a unique dining experience