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Such establishments are required to obtain a permit from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). Once you apply for a permit, you can open up 22 days after you submit an application, whether or not you've had a pre-permit inspection.
To open a restaurant in NYC, you need certain certificates, permits and licenses from various city and state agencies, including the Health Department. To see which type of permit and licenses you may need to apply for, visit our food service establishment permits page.
A liquor license, a food facility health permit, a certificate of occupancy — they all have varying (and sometimes overlapping) requirements, so it’s important to know exactly what you need to get to legally open a restaurant in your particular city or county in New York.
- Katherine Boyarsky
- Business License. Step one: a business license. This is required to open and operate any business in the United States. This license legitimizes new businesses as legal entities.
- Employer Identification Number (EIN) Like a business license, all businesses must also obtain an employee identification number in order to operate in the U.S. An EIN is assigned by the IRS and it is really just a tax ID number.
- Certificate of Occupancy. Once your location has passed the final building inspection, the local building or zoning department in your city will issue a certificate of occupancy.
- Food Service License. Food service licenses are generally issued by the city or county health department. The health department will make an in-person visit to your establishment to ensure that you are following all restaurant food safety regulations.
Getting your New York restaurant licenses and permits, including all your food-related permits, should be done at least 3-6 months before you plan to open. Since some permits are city- and county-based while others are administered by the state, processing times can vary widely.
- Katherine Boyarsky
Jan 17, 2022 · Step 1: Create a business plan. Step 2: Find the right location. Step 3: Get your licenses and permits in order. Step 4: Find the right insurance. Step 5: Build your team. 9-step survival guide to opening a restaurant. Don't miss out on these key steps before opening your restaurant.
A restaurant must pass a pre-permit inspection before a permit can be issued. If you use uncommon cooking methods, such as sous-vide, ensure you have an approved Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan. Multiple options are available to help restaurateurs quickly open for business and perform well on inspections. Learn
