Shaina, It all starts with the menu. This dictates the equipment you need and the design of the kitchen, even the FOH. You need to be able to serve a menu that has a point of differentiation from the market you want to be in. Finding a spot that has existing infrastructure, particularly hoods, walk-in and grease traps (if you will be requried to have them) will save you a large amount of cash. You will definately need some local professional attorney and/or commercial real estate agent with expereince in restaurant leases. There are many many aspects to these leases that you need to be aware of before you sign up, for example, you will almost certainly be required to provide a Personal Guarantee. As for financing, you can try SBA, but there is no doubt restaurants are risky and traditional financing is difficult. You need to have some cash or your own or be able to provide collateral.