When it comes to opening a new fine dining restaurant, fast food establishment, or a fast-casual restaurant, you will definitely need a series of restaurant permits to get set up. Unfortunately, the permitting process and trying to navigate the array of permits you will need to open your restaurant business can be lengthy and overwhelming. At Permit Advisors, we are an experienced restaurant permit expediter that can help fast-track permits for your restaurant and make the process less overwhelming for you.
Restaurant Permits and Licenses
Here are just some of the licenses and restaurant permits needed to open a restaurant that you should know about:
Business License
You will undoubtedly need a business license in order to open a restaurant. Business license requirements and processes are different depending on where you live, and you will need to see with your local government about what you will need to obtain a business license.
City Building Permit
To renovate or make changes to an existing building or to erect a new structure, you must have a city building permit. City building permits encompass:
- Renovations
- Add-ons/enlargements to the property
- Plumbing, electrical, mechanical, or other types of repairs;
- and other types of changes.
City building permits are necessary so that your restaurant follows all of the proper codes and protocols for safety purposes.
Building Health Permit
This is the permit you will need if you are building a new structure from the ground up, and most of the time you will apply for this in conjunction with your business license.
Depending on your location and the laws of that area, the requirements you have to meet will vary, but overall, this permit ensures that the new building is clean and sanitary, that everything’s up to code and the indoor air quality is safe for customers.
Employee Health Permit
You will need to get a health department restaurant permit and any people who come under your employ in the restaurant will need to obtain a food handler’s permit by completing a food handler’s course. This certification educates your employees about proper sanitation techniques, how to handle and store food, and how to avoid food-borne illnesses through proper safety measures.
Liquor License
Depending on the type of restaurant you’re opening, this may or may not be applicable to you. Liquor licenses are optional, as many food establishments do not serve alcohol.
If you are going to be needing a liquor license for your business, you will likely need two types: one for hard liquor and a separate one for beer and wine. Bear in mind that liquor licenses can take longer than the other permits and licenses and you are not permitted to serve alcohol until you have been approved for one or both.
Our restaurant permit clientele
At Permit Resources, we’ve become proficient at restaurant projects. Our clientele now includes:
- La Colombe
- Mendocino Farms
- Shake Shack
- Maggiano’s
- Corner Bakery
- Ruth’s Chris Steak House
- Hopdoddy
- The Fish Market
- Larson’s Steak House
- Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
- Chipotle Mexican Grill
- Sweetgreen
- Segerstrom & Sons
- Simon Property Group
- The Taubman Group
- Westfield
These brands chose us because of our proven ability to anticipate and expertly handle potential problems when it comes to foodservice and restaurant permits. From parking and traffic issues to handicap accessibility to exterior design approval to neighborhood pushback, our efficient, quality work will have you up and running much more quickly and smoothly than you otherwise would if you were left on your own.
We know there’s nothing easy or ‘fast’ when it comes to restaurants, and we want to help you succeed by being your restaurant permit expediter. Contact us here for more information.
