Opening a restaurant in New York requires obtaining several permits and licenses from various city and state agencies, including the state’s Health Department. These permits and licenses are mandatory to ensure the safety and health standards of food service establishments. Key permits and licenses include the Food Service Establishment Permit, Temporary Food Service Establishment Permit, Mobile Food Vendors Permit, and the Food Protection Certificate, among others.
1. Food Service Establishment Permit
- Purpose: This permit is mandatory for any establishment that plans to serve food. It ensures that the establishment meets the health and safety standards set by the state Health Department.
- How to Register: You can apply for this permit on the New York government’s website.
2. Temporary Food Service Establishment Permit
- Purpose: This permit is required if you plan to operate a temporary food service establishment at special events such as street fairs, flea markets, carnivals, etc.
- Estimated Cost: The permit fee is $70.00, plus $25.00 if you manufacture frozen desserts.
- How to Register: You can apply for this permit at the New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Bureau of Food Safety & Community Sanitation, Temporary Food Service Establishment Inspection Program, or via the New York government’s website.
3. Mobile Food Vendors Permit
- Purpose: If you plan to operate a mobile food vending business, you will need this permit. It allows you to sell food from a mobile unit like a food truck or cart.
- How to Register: You can apply for this permit on the New York government’s website.
4. Food Protection Certificate
- Purpose: This certificate is required for restaurant managers, operators, and other staff. It ensures that food service establishments have a supervisor of food operations with a Food Protection Certificate on duty during all hours of operation to supervise food preparation and processing.
- Estimated Cost: The in-person class at the NYC Health Academy costs $114, and the online course with a final exam fee is $24.
- How to Register: You can apply for this certificate at the NYC Health Academy or via the New York government’s website.
For more detailed information on each permit and license in New York City, visit the NYC government website. For help opening your business, visit the NYC Small Business Services Start a Business portal. To organize and maintain all of your NYC permits in one place, sign up for NYC Business.
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