diff --git a/pytest_sanic/utils.py b/pytest_sanic/utils.py
index 05c6f9f..7d4bae2 100644
--- a/pytest_sanic/utils.py
+++ b/pytest_sanic/utils.py
@@ -100,6 +100,8 @@ async def start_server(self):
         server_settings.pop("main_start", None)
         server_settings.pop("main_stop", None)
 
+        await self.app._startup()
+
         # Trigger before_start events
         await trigger_events(self.before_server_start, self.loop)