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1. I am thinking about opening a restaurant. How do I go about it?

To find this information, visit our Opening a Restaurant Page.

2. I want to start catering out of my home. How do I go about becoming licensed?

Catering from your home is not allowed. State regulations require that caterers work out of a licensed food service establishment.

3. I want to open a home based business that involves food sales. What do I need to be concerned about?

Operating out of your home where food service is concerned is allowed for very limited products. Only non-potentially hazardous foods can be produced in your home kitchen, under certain regulations. Foods allowed could include candy and baked goods (without custards); foods not allowed include meat and dairy products.

View State Regulations (PDF)

4. Do I need a permit to prepare and/or sell food products at a non-profit fundraising event?

Generally speaking, yes. Some foods and programs are exempt from the permitting requirements, so call the office to discuss the project at least two weeks in advance.

5. Our non-profit would like to host a chili cook-off. How do we go about it?

State guidelines and regulations do not allow for home made chili to be served in these contests because they have a great potential for making people ill. Many people cook their chili ahead of time, and do not maintain proper temperature control in the process. A cook-off could happen under certain conditions, such as the chili being prepared in an already licensed food establishment, or the chili being prepared in a central site under strict guidelines. Contact the Health Division for discussion before planning a program.

6. What are the requirements if I want to set up a mobile food cart?

In general, mobile carts must begin and end the day at a licensed food establishment, and hand washing stations and wastewater disposal will need to be addressed. Depending on your plans, you may need a hawkers and Peddlers License from the state, and a special permit from the local Police Department (for ice cream vendors). Do not purchase a cart until it has been reviewed and approved by the Health Division first.

For detailed requirements, view the State Regulations (PDF).