Restaurant Build-Out Cost in Palm Beach County, FL (2025 Guide)

By Pajaziti & Associates · Licensed Commercial GC, CBC1265699 · Palm Beach County, FL

If you're opening a restaurant in Palm Beach County, one of the first questions you'll ask is: how much is this going to cost? The honest answer is — it depends. But after completing dozens of restaurant build-outs across West Palm Beach, North Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Palm Beach Gardens, we can give you real numbers that the internet usually won't.

The Short Answer: What Restaurant Build-Outs Cost in South Florida

Here's a ballpark breakdown based on current South Florida market conditions:

These numbers assume you're starting from a cold dark shell or vanilla shell space. If you're taking over a former restaurant space with existing kitchen infrastructure, costs can drop significantly.

What Drives Restaurant Build-Out Costs in Palm Beach County

1. Kitchen Type and Hood System

This is the single biggest cost variable. A Type I commercial hood system with fire suppression (Ansul), makeup air, and exhaust ductwork can run $40,000–$80,000 by itself for a full-service kitchen. Fast casual concepts with lighter cooking equipment cost considerably less. Always confirm what type of cooking you'll do before budgeting.

2. Grease Trap Requirements

Palm Beach County requires grease interceptors for all food service establishments. Interior grease traps typically run $3,000–$8,000. Exterior underground grease interceptors (required for higher-volume kitchens) can run $15,000–$30,000 including excavation and permitting. Your GC and plumber need to confirm requirements with the county early in design.

3. Electrical Service Upgrade

Commercial kitchens are power-hungry. Most restaurant spaces need 400–600 amp 3-phase service. If the existing building service is insufficient, a utility upgrade can add $15,000–$40,000 to your project. This is something we assess on every restaurant pre-construction walk-through.

4. Plumbing Rough-In

Restaurants need significant plumbing — 3-compartment sink, hand wash sinks, mop sink, floor drains, dishwasher connections, and restroom facilities. In slab-on-grade construction (common in Palm Beach County strip centers), cutting and relocating floor plumbing adds cost. Budget $25,000–$60,000 for plumbing alone on a full-service restaurant.

5. Finishes and Dining Room

Flooring, wall finishes, ceilings, lighting, bar construction, and millwork vary enormously by concept. A fast casual build runs lean. A full-service fine dining build with custom millwork and designer tile can add $50–$100/sq ft to the dining room alone.

Permitting Timeline for Restaurants in Palm Beach County

Palm Beach County permitting for restaurant construction typically takes:

• Plan review: 4–8 weeks (depending on complexity)
• Health Department review (concurrent): 3–6 weeks
• Construction: 10–20 weeks depending on scope
• Final inspections + Certificate of Occupancy: 2–4 weeks

Total timeline from permit submittal to CO: 6–9 months for a full-service restaurant. Fast casual with simpler kitchens can move faster.

How to Reduce Your Restaurant Build-Out Cost

The biggest cost savings come from decisions made before you sign a lease:

• Take over an existing restaurant space — existing hood systems, grease traps, and electrical service can save $50,000–$100,000
• Negotiate a Tenant Improvement allowance — landlords in Palm Beach County typically offer $30–$75/sq ft TI allowance; a good GC can help you maximize this
• Get a pre-construction review — before signing a lease, have a licensed GC walk the space and identify hidden costs
• Design for constructability — complex kitchens with unusual equipment layouts cost more to build; simplify where possible

Why Your Choice of GC Matters

Restaurant construction is one of the most technically complex commercial build-outs. You need a GC who understands health department requirements, hood system coordination, grease trap sizing, and the inspection process for food service establishments. A GC without restaurant experience will cause delays that cost you rent, payroll, and lost revenue.

Pajaziti & Associates has completed restaurant build-outs across Palm Beach County, from fast casual to full-service. We manage the entire process — design coordination, permitting, construction, and final inspections through Certificate of Occupancy.