How to Write a Grand Opening Press Release (Examples + Templates)

Opening a new business location? Congrats! A thoughtful grand opening press release helps spread the word to local media, potential customers, and community members about your new venture.

This guide walks you through creating an announcement that communicates your key details clearly and increases your chances of getting media coverage for your opening day.

Grand Opening Press Release Template (Free Download)

There’s no need to start from scratch. Below, you’ll find three customizable press release templates designed for different scenarios. Just fill in the details, tweak as needed, and you’re ready to go.

Standard Grand Opening Press Release Template

This template works well for most new business openings—retail shops, cozy cafés, professional services, you name it. Fill in your details, add some personality, and you're ready to spread the word.

Reopening or Relaunch Press Release Template

Coming back new and improved? This format helps you highlight your glow-up after renovations, rebranding, or other big changes.

Community-Focused Grand Opening Press Release Template

When community involvement is central to your business model or opening strategy, this template helps you showcase those connections and contributions.

Any good grand opening press release needs these crucial ingredients:

• A newsworthy angle (why should anyone care?)
• Your location and opening date
• Background of your business
• Quotes from leadership
• A rundown of any special festivities
• Information about products or services
• Contact information for media inquiries

A well-structured press release not only makes life easier for reporters but also increases the chance of your story getting published with minimal edits.

Free publicity? Yes, please.

How to Write a Grand Opening Press Release

Step 1: Identify Your Audience

Your press release needs to speak directly to the right people. Before you write, ask yourself:

• Who needs to see this? Local journalists? Industry publications? Potential customers?
• What do they care about? A restaurant opening might highlight unique menu items for food bloggers but focus on job creation when pitching to local news outlets.

A little audience research goes a long way in shaping your message.

Step 2: Gather the Key Details

Before writing anything, collect all the essential details of your grand opening using basic journalistic questions:

• What’s happening? Your grand opening, plus any special events or promotions.
• When is it? Date and time.
• Where is it? Full address (nearby landmarks help, too).
• Who’s involved? Your business, key partners, or special guests.
• Why is it newsworthy? What makes your business stand out?
• How can people participate? RSVP links, promo details, or social media handles.

Having all these answers ready makes the writing process much smoother.

Step 3: Structure Your Press Release

Now let's put those details into the standard press release format:

📌 Headline

This needs to grab attention while clearly stating what's happening. Keep it under 13 words if possible.

📌 Summary

Write 2-3 sentences that provide a quick overview of the entire story. Many journalists won't read beyond this point if it doesn't interest them.

📌 Leading Paragraph

This is your "hook"—pack all those key information points from step 2 into an engaging introduction that answers the who, what, when, where, and why.

You need to include the most important information right up front, because journalists often make decisions about coverage based on this paragraph alone.

📌 Body Paragraphs

This is where you expand on the event details and provide context:

• Provide background on your business and its mission
• Include a quote from a business owner, community leader, or partner.
• Explain the significance of your business to the community or industry
• Unique elements that make your grand opening stand out (think ribbon-cutting, giveaways, or live entertainment)

Don't forget about the pre-opening buzz—If you have testimonials from early visitors, reviews from soft openings, or endorsements from community leaders, include them to build credibility and create excitement around your event.

📌 Call-to-Action

Before you conclude, clearly tell readers what you want them to do next—attend the event, visit your website, follow you on social media, or contact us for more information.

📌 Boilerplate

This short paragraph appears at the end and provides standardized information about your company—who you are, what you do, and any key background info. Think of it as your business biography in third person.

📌 Contact Information

Include a media contact (name, email, phone, website) for journalists and attendees to reach out.

Best Practices for a Strong Press Release

• Write in third-person – Keep it neutral and professional, like a news article. Your press release should inform, not sound like an ad.
• Keep it concise – Aim for 300-500 words (about 4-6 paragraphs). Say what needs to be said, then wrap it up.
• Make quotes sound real – A good quote adds personality and context, not corporate jargon. Compare these:

🚫 Corporate-speak: “We are thrilled to provide high-quality products to meet the growing needs of our valued customers in the Springfield area.”

✔ Sounds like a real person: “Families in Springfield used to drive 30 minutes just to find quality children’s clothing. Now, they can shop locally and save time for what matters most—being with their kids.”

• Use high-quality visuals – A logo, photos of your location, or product images help bring your story to life. Journalists (and readers) love visuals.

Grand Opening Press Release Examples

Now, let's look at some real-world examples that got it right. Each one shows different approaches you can borrow for your own announcement.

Movie Theater Grand Opening

What Makes It Work:

This press release succeeds by focusing on the unique selling point—the cutting-edge IMAX technology. The headline immediately communicates both what's opening and why locals should care ("ultimate cinematic experience").

The release smartly includes specific technical details about the theater's capabilities without becoming overly technical. By mentioning the "immersive sound system" and "crystal-clear projection," it gives journalists concrete points to highlight.

Their quote from the regional manager strikes a balance between enthusiasm and informative content: "Gold Coast movie fans have been asking for this experience for years. We didn't just want to bring IMAX here—we wanted to create the best viewing environment in the country."

Restaurant Grand Opening

What Makes It Work:

This announcement stands out by combining the business opening with a product launch. The "SouperFast" soup series creates two newsworthy angles in one press release.

The smart inclusion of a local sports figure (Cheah Liek Hou) adds celebrity appeal and gives journalists a human interest angle. Notice how they included a direct quote from the athlete about why he personally enjoys their food, creating authenticity.

The press release also cleverly highlights health benefits without making medical claims: "Traditional recipes prepared for modern lifestyles" tells the story without overreaching.

Retail Store Grand Opening

What Makes It Work:

This hardware store's press release succeeds by focusing on expansion and local impact. Instead of just announcing a new store, they frame it as part of a growth story: "expands its reach."

The release provides context about the company's history as a wholesale supplier before moving into retail, giving depth to what could otherwise be a simple announcement.

Their quote from the owner explains specifically why Holden was chosen: "We noticed customers driving from this area to our Worcester location. Now we're bringing our selection directly to their neighborhood." This shows thoughtful business planning and community awareness.

The clear listing of grand opening specials gives media an easy detail to include in their coverage.

Resort Grand Opening

What Makes It Work:

This press release leverages a unique angle—the "historic dual chamber of commerce ribbon cutting." By highlighting this unusual circumstance, they transform a standard opening into something more noteworthy.

The release effectively communicates the resort's key amenities in just a few sentences, prioritizing those most likely to interest potential guests.

Notice how they included quotes from both chamber presidents, providing multiple perspectives and showing broad community support. This gives journalists ready-made content from different sources.

The press release also smartly mentions both short-term visitors and seasonal residents, clearly defining their target markets.

Cultural/Arts Center Grand Opening

What Makes It Work:

This announcement succeeds by focusing on the journey—the center had operated as a pop-up before securing its permanent location. This creates a narrative arc that's more interesting than simply announcing a new business.

The press release does an excellent job describing their unique programming without becoming a boring list. By highlighting "interactive art installations" and "multi-sensory experiences," they paint a picture of what visitors can expect.

Their quote from the founder shares the personal motivation behind creating the center: "As a parent of a child with sensory processing differences, I wanted to create a space where everyone could engage with art in their own way." This adds emotional depth and purpose beyond a simple business venture.

Workshop/Manufacturing Reopening

What Makes It Work:

This press release turns adversity into opportunity by framing the reopening around recovery from a devastating fire. This creates an instant comeback story that appeals to journalists looking for human interest angles.

The release effectively communicates both what the company creates and how they do it, giving clear context for those unfamiliar with the business.

Their quote from the owner balances emotion with forward-looking optimism: "Losing our original workshop was heartbreaking, but this new facility allows us to improve our crafting process and expand our custom offerings." This transforms a potentially negative story into one of growth and resilience.

The clear mention of the grand opening event details makes it easy for media to share actionable information with their audience.

Each of these examples shows how to go beyond simply announcing an opening—they tell a story about why this specific grand opening matters, highlight what makes the business unique, include meaningful quotes about the opening itself, and give media outlets clear angles to cover the event.

Publishing Your Grand Opening Press Release

Once you've crafted the perfect announcement, you need a strategic plan to get it in front of the right people. Here's how to maximize visibility for your grand opening:

Distribute to Local and Industry Media

Identify specific journalists who cover business openings or your industry in local publications. Send personalized emails directly to these writers rather than generic newsroom addresses. Include a brief pitch explaining why your opening matters to their specific audience.

Key local outlets to consider:

• Community newspapers
• Business journals
• Local TV news stations
• Radio stations (especially those with community calendars)
• Neighborhood blogs and websites

Use Press Release Distribution Services

If you want a wider reach, consider using a press release distribution service. These platforms help get your news in front of journalists, bloggers, and news outlets across different regions.

While these services typically involve a fee, they provide access to networks that would be difficult to build independently.

Leverage Your Own Channels

Don't overlook your existing communication channels:

• Post the full press release on your website's news section
• Share key points on all social media platforms
• Include the announcement in your email newsletter
• Update your Google Business Profile with opening information

Pro Tip!

Send your press release about 1-2 weeks before your grand opening to allow time for media planning. If you have an exclusive story angle, consider giving it to one journalist first before distributing widely.

By taking these steps, you’ll increase the chances of your press release getting picked up by media and reaching a wider audience.

The Final Step

A well-crafted press release turns your business launch into a newsworthy event that attracts customers and media attention without spending a fortune on advertising.

The templates and examples we've shared provide a solid foundation—now all that's left is to add your unique business story and send it out into the world.

Ready to announce your grand opening to the world? Download our free templates and make your grand opening a success!