To open a restaurant in Pennsylvania, you are required to obtain a Retail Food Facility License. This license is mandatory for all new facilities and changes of ownership. The application process involves submitting an application packet to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) and allowing for a 4-6 weeks processing time. The fees for a new retail food facility vary depending on the size and ownership of the facility.
1. Retail Food Facility License
- Purpose: This license is required to operate a restaurant in Pennsylvania. It applies to all new facilities and changes of ownership. The license is non-transferable to another proprietor, new facility, or location.
- Estimated Cost: The fee for a new retail food facility is $241, for a new owner-operated facility under 50 seats is $103, and for a change of ownership is $82. Annual renewals are $82, courtesy inspections are $150, 2nd follow-up inspections are $150, 3rd follow-up inspections are $300, and a duplicate license fee is $14.
- How to Register: The application process involves downloading and printing the “Application Packet – Retail Food Facilities and Restaurants” which can be found on the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s website. If there's a change of ownership, new owners must submit the “Application Packet – CHANGE OF OWNER”. If you are remodeling, you must submit the “Application Packet – Retail Food Facility – REMODEL” to the Department prior to any remodeling or significant changes to your service, equipment, or facilities. All material must be submitted at least 60 days prior to the preparation/sale of food from a retail food facility. Submit completed applications and requested documentation to RA-AGPLANREVIEW@pa.gov. If your county is under a County Health Department Jurisdiction, you should contact them directly for licensing. These counties include Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Erie, Montgomery, and Philadelphia.
For more information, you can contact Stefanie Smith, Program Specialist at (717) 787-5108 or stefsmith@pa.gov, or Sheri Morris, Acting Bureau Director of Food Safety at (717) 787-5289 or shmorris@pa.gov.
Useful Information Source Links:
- Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
- Application Packet – Retail Food Facilities and Restaurants
- Application Packet- CHANGE OF OWNER
- Application Packet- Retail Food Facility- REMODEL
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