To become a restaurant owner is not as simple as great food and drinks. It’s actually a whole lot of paperwork to get started.
Restaurant regulations and permits vary from state to state, but one thing is the same no matter where you live: if you want to start a restaurant, you’ve got to get some licenses out of the way or risk penalties.
Business License
To open a restaurant, even before you have a restaurant business plan fully flushed out, you’ll want to obtain a business license. This license gives you permission to operate your restaurant. Depending on where you live, the process for how to get a business license differs. The business license cost, however, is around $50 for the application. Depending on your state, other costs vary from as much as $25 to $7,000.
Learn More About How To Get A Business License for Your Restaurant
Food Service License
Food service licenses are issued by your health department – which means they’ll also vary depending on where you’re located. They also will require an in-person visit from the health department. They’ll be ensuring you are in accordance with restaurant food safety regulations – and they’ll be back to check in on that from time to time, too. The process for how to get a food service license is pretty simple: you can apply online with the name and location of your restaurant.
Learn More About How To Get A Food Service License
Liquor License
Your food service license won’t cover the liquor you intend to serve at the bar – and no amount of bartender tricks will change that. You’ll want to start this process early if you intend to serve alcohol as liquor licensing authorities usually have various levels of licenses you can apply for. The type of license you obtain will be determined by the type of liquor you intend to sell as well as where you are located.
Learn More About How To Get A Liquor License
When all is said and done, to obtain even just one of the proper licenses and permits can cost as much as 10,000 dollars. Luckily, the only resource you’ll need to open your doors with the right licenses and permits is here.
Get The GuideFood Handler’s Permit
There are a wide array of restaurant labor laws you’ll have to follow, but an important first step is an employee health permit. This is a legal necessity. This permit ensures your restaurant meets very important regulations for food sanitation, storage, protection, and preparation. On top of this, your workers will also need to obtain a permit to ensure they’ve completed a food safety certification. This is another one you’ll want to start the process for early.
Learn More About How To Get A Food Hander’s License Here
Employer Identification Number (EIN)
While we’re on the subject of employees, you’ll also need an employee identification number. This is assigned by the IRS. It’s basically a tax ID number. Fun fact, the IRS only issues one EIN per day. You can apply online to get an EIN and it’s free – so that’s the silver lining.
Learn More About How To Get An Employee Identification Number (EIN)
Sign Permit
Before you put up your carefully designed restaurant sign, you’ll need a permit. Sizing, location and all that is determined by your city.
Learn What You Need To Know About Restaurant Sign Permits Here
