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

To open a restaurant in Michigan, you need to apply for a Food Service License from the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) or your Local Health Department. The type of license you need depends on the nature of your establishment. The application process involves providing details about your organization, selecting the license type, providing payment information, and submitting authorized agent information. 

1. Food Service License – Fixed Establishment

• Purpose: This license is required for restaurants that operate from a fixed location.
• Estimated Cost: The cost is determined by your local health department.
• How to Register: Complete and submit a Michigan Food Establishment License Application on the Michigan government’s website. Contact your local health department for fees, methods of payment, and means for sending in the application and payment.

2. Food Service License – Mobile Establishment

• Purpose: This license is required for restaurants that operate from a vehicle, trailer, or watercraft which is not fully equipped for full food service and, therefore, must return to a licensed commissary at least once every 24 hours for servicing and maintenance.
• Estimated Cost: The cost is $192.
• How to Register: Complete and submit a Michigan Food Mobile Establishment License Application on the Michigan government’s website. Contact your local health department for fees, methods of payment, and means of sending in the application and payment.

3. Food Service License – Mobile Commissary

• Purpose: This license is required for the commissary that services mobile food establishments.
• Estimated Cost: The cost is $192.
• How to Register: You need to complete and submit a Michigan Food Establishment Mobile Commissary License Application on the Michigan government’s website. Contact your local health department for fees, methods of payment, and means of sending in the application and payment.

4. Food Service License – Special Transitory Food Unit (STFU)

• Purpose: This license is required for a temporary food service establishment that operates throughout the state without a 14-day limit.
• Estimated Cost: The cost is determined by the local health department.
• How to Register: Complete and submit a Michigan Food Establishment License Application on the Michigan government’s website. Contact your local health department for fees, methods of payment, and means of sending in the application and payment.

5. Extended Retail Food Establishment License

• Purpose: This license is required for restaurants that serve food for immediate consumption and provide customer seating in the food service area.
• Estimated Cost: The cost is $471.
• How to Register: Complete and submit a Michigan Extended Retail Food Establishment License Application on the Michigan government’s website. Contact your local health department for fees, methods of payment, and means of sending in the application and payment.

6. Temporary Food Establishment License

• Purpose: This license is required for restaurants that operate at a fixed location for a temporary period not to exceed 14 consecutive days.
• Estimated Cost: The cost is $73.
• How to Register: You need to complete and submit a Michigan Food Establishment License Application at the Michigan government’s website. Contact your local health department for fees, methods of payment, and means of sending in the application and payment.

For more information, you can visit the following links:

• Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
• Michigan Food Establishment License Applications
• Food Establishment Licensing Step-by-Step Guide
• Food Service License Application
• Food Establishment Licensing Guide

Learn more about local food delivery trends and insights:

• Food Delivery Trends And Restaurant Insights