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

Opening a restaurant in South Dakota involves a comprehensive process that requires obtaining a food service license. This process is governed by the South Dakota Department of Health and involves several steps, including completing a Food Service Licensing Packet, meeting the requirements outlined in South Dakota Codified Law 34-18-23, having your layout plan reviewed by the Department of Health, undergoing an onsite inspection, and completing a Certified Food Service course. If you plan to offer mobile or temporary food services, additional guidelines and requirements apply.

1. Food Service License

• Purpose: This license is required to operate a restaurant in South Dakota. It ensures that your establishment meets health and safety standards.
• How to Register: Complete the Food Service Licensing Packet, which includes the Food Service Establishments Health and Safety Manual, License Application, Food Service Plan Review Questionnaire, Food Service Establishment Guidelines, Sample Kitchen Layout, Prep Sinks with Air Breaks Illustration, and Mobile Food Service Plan Review Questionnaire. Submit a detailed floor plan of your kitchen to the Office of Health Protection 30 days before construction starts, and complete, notarize, and submit the license/registration application with the correct fee 30 days before completion of construction. If your establishment uses private sewer or water systems, it must be approved by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

2. Certified Food Service Manager

• Purpose: At least one person on staff must have passed an 8-hour food service training and certification program. This ensures that your establishment is managed by a person who is knowledgeable about food safety.
• Estimated Cost: The costs for these courses vary, ranging from $59.95 for online training and a $40.00 final exam fee at the Professional Server Certification Corporation, to $136.00 at Reinhart FoodService. The SDRA offers the 8-hour ServSafe® training online at $125.00 for members and $175.00 for non-members.
• How to Register: Attend a food service course from an approved agency such as State Food Safety, Professional Server Certification Corporation, Restaurant Division of South Dakota Retailers Association (SDRA), Cash-Wa Distributing, Reinhart FoodService, SuperSafeMark, US Foods – North Dakota, Sysco North Dakota, AAA Food Handler Training School, 360training.com, or M&M Biz Solutions.

3. Mobile Food Service License (if applicable)

• Purpose: This license is required if you plan to operate a mobile food service establishment. It ensures that your mobile unit meets health and safety standards.
• How to Register: Submit layout plans to the Department of Health for approval at least 30 days before the beginning of any construction of a new mobile unit, or major renovation of an existing licensed mobile unit. Comply with the requirements outlined in the guidelines for mobile food services.

4. Temporary Food Service License (if applicable)

• Purpose: This license is required if you plan to offer temporary food service. It ensures that your temporary service meets health and safety standards.
• How to Register: Learn the requirements of temporary food service and apply for a license.

For additional information, you can refer to the following sources:

• South Dakota Department of Health – Food Service Licensure and Codes
• South Dakota Department of Health – Mobile Food Service
• South Dakota Department of Health – Temporary Food Service
• South Dakota Department of Health – Food Service Manager Training
• South Dakota Government's Digital Citizen Portal

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