What licenses and permits are required to open a restaurant in Indiana?

Opening a restaurant in Indiana involves several steps, including registering your food establishment with the state or county health department, complying with regulatory requirements from various state agencies, and obtaining specific licenses or permits. The exact requirements may vary depending on the location of your establishment and the nature of your business.

1. Food Establishment Registration

• Purpose: This registration is required to operate a food establishment in Indiana. It ensures that your establishment complies with the “Retail Food Establishment Sanitation Requirements”.
• Estimated Cost: The cost may vary depending on the county. Contact your local health department for more information.
• How to Register: If your establishment is not on state property, contact your local county health department. If your establishment is on state property, call the Indiana State Department of Health office at 317-234-8569 or email food@isdh.state.in.us. You need to send plans for your operation and a registration form to their office. The plans should include various details about your operation, such as the intended menu, proposed layout, and proposed equipment types. You should notify the regulatory authority with intent to operate at least thirty (30) days prior to registering under the rule.

2. Business Regulatory Requirements

• Purpose: All businesses operating in Indiana are subject to regulatory requirements that may involve several state agencies. These requirements ensure that your business is operating legally and ethically.
• How to Register: Contact the State Information Center at 317-233-0800 or 800-45-STATE to discuss the current requirements for your restaurant. Depending on your business structure, you may need to file with the Secretary of State’s Corporations Division. If your restaurant is doing business in a name other than the one listed on the Articles of Incorporation, you must file a Certificate of Assumed Business Name with the County Recorder and the Office of the Secretary of State.

3. Restaurant License

• Purpose: This license is required to operate a restaurant in South Bend, Indiana. It ensures that your restaurant complies with all applicable Municipal Code Sections.
• Estimated Cost: The application processing fee is $5.00. The license fee is $90.00 if the restaurant has 150 seats or less, $110.00 if it has more than 150 seats, and $525.00 for Mobile Food Vendor Vehicles. If the restaurant provides live entertainment, an additional $30.00 is added to the above fees.
• How to Register: You need to apply for a restaurant license from the Department of Community Investment. The application process involves several steps, including printing and completing all sections of the application form, reviewing all applicable Municipal Code Sections, and providing several pieces of information and materials.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the following links:

• How to Start a Retail Food Business
• Indiana Business Guide
• Restaurant License Application

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• Food Delivery Trends And Restaurant Insights