Queens service

Restaurant buildouts in Queens

We build restaurants across Queens, from a raw white box to an inspected, ready-to-open space. Kitchens, ventilation, and code compliance are handled under one accountable team.

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The short answer

What is a restaurant buildout in Queens?

A restaurant buildout is the full interior construction of a food service space, turning a vacant or repurposed unit into a working kitchen and dining room. In Queens that means coordinating DOB construction permits, commercial kitchen ventilation, grease and gas lines, plumbing, electrical loads, and an FDNY and Health Department path to opening.

Scope

What is included

Finishes during a Queens renovation by CityCore Builders

Commercial kitchen

Cooking line layout, stainless fabrication coordination, floor drains, hot and cold water, and equipment power and gas rough-in for ranges, fryers, and walk-ins.

Hvac during a Queens renovation by CityCore Builders

Ventilation and exhaust

Type I and Type II hoods, fire suppression tie-ins, makeup air, and rooftop exhaust fans sized and routed to meet mechanical code and neighbor air quality concerns.

Plumbing during a Queens renovation by CityCore Builders

Plumbing and gas

Grease trap or interceptor sizing, three-compartment sinks, mop and hand sinks, backflow prevention, and new gas service or meter upgrades where load requires it.

Electrical during a Queens renovation by CityCore Builders

Electrical and lighting

Panel upgrades, dedicated equipment circuits, emergency and exit lighting, dimmable dining lighting, and low-voltage rough-in for POS and security.

Tile during a Queens renovation by CityCore Builders

Dining room and bar

Storefront and entry work, finished flooring, millwork, bar plumbing, banquettes, ceilings, and acoustic treatment that holds up to daily service.

Flooring during a Queens renovation by CityCore Builders

Restrooms and ADA

Accessible restrooms, clearances, grab bars, and an accessible entry route, built to keep the space compliant and inspection ready.

NYC specifics

Permits and approvals for Queens restaurants

Most restaurant work is filed as a DOB Alt-2 because it changes plumbing, mechanical, and egress without altering the building use or occupancy. A change from retail to eating and drinking, or work that crosses floors, can push the job into an Alt-1 with a new or amended Certificate of Occupancy. We work with a registered design professional to file the right path.

FDNY review covers the hood fire suppression system, gas piping, and any place of assembly permit once seating passes the threshold. The Department of Health inspects the kitchen, finishes, and equipment before the food service establishment permit is issued. Egress, occupant load, and exit signage are confirmed against the dining layout.

Common approvals

DOB Alt-1 or Alt-2 filing; FDNY hood suppression and gas; place of assembly permit if seating applies; DOHMH plan review; accessibility and egress sign-off.

Site-specific factors

Co-op and condo alteration agreements for ground-floor units, Landmarks (LPC) review on storefronts in historic districts, and flood zone rules for low-lying waterfront blocks.

Coverage

Where we work in Queens

We build restaurants across the borough, from corridor storefronts to standalone buildings. Start at the borough hub or jump to a region near your space.

All of Queens Northwest Queens Northeast Queens Central Queens Southwest Queens

Ready to open

Plan your Queens restaurant buildout

Send us your space, your concept, and your timeline. We will walk the unit, flag the filing path, and put together a clear estimate.

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