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

Opening a restaurant in Oregon requires several licenses and permits, including a Restaurant License, a variance for specialized processing, and a Retail Food Store License. These licenses are necessary to ensure the safety and health of the public, and their requirements are governed by the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Department of Agriculture.

1. Restaurant License

• Purpose: This license is required to open a restaurant in Oregon. It ensures that your establishment complies with the rules and regulations set by your local public health authority.
• Estimated Cost: The cost of this licensing may vary, so it is recommended to contact your local public health authority for details.
• How to Register: The application for this license must be submitted to the local public health authority in your area. If your facility is being constructed or remodeled, you must complete the plan review process locally prior to construction. The application form can be found on the Oregon government’s website.

2. Variance for Specialized Processing

• Purpose: If your restaurant plans to do any specialized processing, such as curing or vacuum-packaging foods, you must apply for a variance. This ensures that your proposed alternative will provide public health protection equal to or greater than the measures provided for in the current rules.
• Estimated Cost: The application fee for a variance is $500.
• How to Register: To apply, you need to fill out the Variance Application Form and send your application packet and fee directly to the Oregon Health Authority’s Foodborne Illness Prevention Program. More information can be found on the Variance webpage.

3. Retail Food Store License

• Purpose: This license is required for establishments that prepare, package, store, handle, or display food for sale. It covers activities such as produce trimming, processed meat slicing, cheese slicing, preparing gutted and fileted fish, and changing the form of food such as squeezing fruit into juice.
• How to Register: To obtain this license, you must apply through the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA). More information can be found on the ODA website.

For more detailed information, please refer to the following sources:

• Oregon Health Authority
• Oregon Legislature
• Oregon Department of Agriculture

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• Food Delivery Trends And Restaurant Insights