What licenses and permits are required to open a restaurant in New York City, New York?

Jan 11, 2024 | 3 min read

Planning to open a restaurant in New York City, NY? This guide simplifies the process by detailing the required licenses and permits, and explaining the registration steps involved, making it easier for restaurant owners to get started.

1. Food Service Establishment Permit

Purpose: To comply with city regulations for food quality, hygiene, and safety in establishments serving food.

Cost: $280.00 as of Dec 2023 (additional $25.00 for manufacturing frozen desserts).

How to Register: Apply at the NYC Business website.

2. Temporary Food Service Establishment Permit

Purpose: To allow the operation of food services at events or seasonal locations.

How to Register: Apply at the NYC Business website.

3. Mobile Food Vendors Permit

Purpose: To regulate and ensure food safety standards in mobile food vending operations.

Cost: $50 as of Dec 2023

How to Register: Apply at the NYC Government website.

4. Non-Retail Food Processing Establishment Permit

Purpose: For businesses involved in non-retail food processing.

Cost: $200 as of Dec 2023 with an annual renewal fee of $200

How to Register: Apply at the NYC Business website.

5. Permit to Manufacture Frozen Desserts - Retail

Purpose: To authorize and inspect the manufacturing process of frozen desserts sold at retail outlets.

Cost: $12.50 to $25 as of Dec 2023 with an annual renewal fee of $12.50 to $25.

How to Register: Apply at the NYC Business website.

6. Shared Kitchen Permit

Purpose: To facilitate food preparation in a communal or shared kitchen environment.

Cost: Not specified.

How to Register: Apply at the NYC Business website.

7. Food Protection Certificate

Purpose: To certify that food service managers are educated in food safety practices

Cost: $24 to $114 as of Dec 2023

How to Register: Apply at the NYC Business website.

8. Wheelchair Friendly Decal

Purpose: To recognize and promote accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Cost: Not specified.

How to Register: Apply at the NYC government website.

9. Restricted Area Mobile Food Vending Permit

Purpose: To grant permission for food vending in specific, regulated areas of the city.

Cost: $200 to $75 as of Dec 2023, with an bi-annual recurring fee of $200 - $50.

How to Register: Apply at the NYC government website.

Resources

For the latest information on permits and licenses, visit the NYC government website. For help with opening your business, you can visit the NYC Small Business Services Start a Business portal. To organize and maintain all of your NYC permits in one place, you can sign up for an NYC Business.

Learn More About New York City

Jan 11, 2024 | 3 min read

About Otter

Otter helps your restaurant business grow. Here a few of our key results:
  • Increase revenue up to 10% with Marketing*
  • Reduce storefront downtime by up to 50% with Live Alerts*
  • Increase sales up to 50% with Digital Dine-In's QR code ordering*
  • Reduce missed orders to less than 1% with Order Manager's Auto-Accept feature*
  • Supercharge your food business with our all-in-one restaurant POS system*
* Results based on typical Otter customer performance

DISCLAIMER: This information is provided for general informational purposes only and the content does not constitute an endorsement. Otter does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of any information, text, images/graphics, links, or other content contained within the content. We recommend that you consult with financial, legal, and business professionals for advice specific to your situation.

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