Opening a restaurant in Texas involves obtaining several licenses and permits, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations, and meeting specific equipment and facility requirements. Key permits and licenses include a permit from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), a Certified Food Manager certificate, a food handler certification, and a sales tax ID number. Additionally, your restaurant must adhere to the Texas Food Establishment Rules and other relevant laws and regulations.
1. Permit from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)
- Purpose: This permit is required to operate a retail food establishment in Texas. The DSHS regulates retail food establishments in all areas of the State that are not permitted and inspected by local health agencies. There are three types of permits: Fixed Establishment, Mobile food unit (including roadside vendors), and Temporary establishment.
- How to Register: You can contact DSHS at (512) 834-6753 or visit their website for more information.
2. Certified Food Manager Certificate
- Purpose: All food service establishments under the jurisdiction of the DSHS, with some exemptions, must employ a Certified Food Manager. This certification is obtained by passing a department-approved or American National Standard Institute (ANSI)-certified food manager examination.
- How to Register: You can find additional information on obtaining this certificate here.
3. Food Handler Certification
- Purpose: All food employees are required to obtain a Food Handler Certificate from an accredited course. This rule went into effect on September 1, 2016. Any food employee hired after that date is required to obtain food handler certification within 60 days of employment.
- How to Register: More information can be found on the certificate’s website.
4. Sales Tax ID Number
- Purpose: You must have a sales tax ID number before you submit a permit application. This covers various taxes and fees including Sales and Use Tax, 911 Surcharge and Fees, and Sales Tax Surcharge on Diesel Equipment.
- How to Register: Visit the Online Tax Registration page of the State Comptroller’s Office website or call 1-800-252-5555 for information about obtaining a sales tax ID number.
5. Compliance with Texas Food Establishment Rules
- Purpose: There are specific equipment and facility requirements that your restaurant must meet. These include having a 3-compartment sink, hand wash sink(s), employee restroom(s) with hand wash facilities, hot and cold water under pressure at all sinks, a service sink or curbed cleaning facility for mops, a sewage disposal system, water from an approved source, adequate heating and/or refrigeration equipment, and appropriate temperature measuring devices.
- How to Register: For more detailed requirements, refer to the Texas Food Establishment Rules.
For more information, visit the following websites:
- Texas Department of State Health Services
- Certified Food Manager (CFM) Program
- Texas Online Tax Registration Application
- Texas Food Establishment Rules
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