What are the requirements to open a coffee shop in southern California?

Question

My wife & I are planning on starting a Coffee shop, but have only a vague idea on what is required to get the business started. Any info would be appreciated.

Answer 1

California has a website called CALGold - California Government Online Business Permits Made Simple http://www.calgold.ca.gov It is a database that will show you the permits and licenses needed by various types of businesses in various counties of California.

There's no category for a coffee shop, but I take it that they might fall under the broader category of restaurants. If you are operating in Los Angeles, here are the requirements you need:

Building and Construction Permit: Required for all new and remodeling construction, including change of occupancy.

Burglar Alarm Permit: A permit must be obtained from this department for any businesses requiring a burglar alarm or security system.

Business License (Business Tax Certificate): Required for all entities doing business within city limits.

Conditional Use Permit/Alcohol Sales: Required for retail alcoholic beverage sales.

Industrial Wastewater Discharge Permit: Required by most businesses discharging wastewater to the sewer system. Certain areas may be regulated by the County Department of Public Works.

Land Use Permit: Zone change, variance,conditional use permit.

Zoning Approval: Permitted uses, development regulations, design review, sign permit, parking regulations.

Business Personal Property: Property used in the operation of a business such as machinery, equipment, trade fixtures, etc. is taxable and subject to assessment. Business operations need to file a Business Property Statement annually with the Assessor declaring property on hand as of January 1 of each year. Generally those businesses with personal property and fixtures with a cost less that $100,000 are not required to file a property statement.

Fictitious Name Filing (DBA): Required if fictitious name is used.

Public Health Operating License: Required of restaurants and businesses manufacturing food, ice or soft drinks

Corporation, Company or Partnership Filings: If you are considering becoming a corporation, (either stock or nonprofit), a limited liability company or a partnership (limited, or limited liability), you must file with the Secretary of State's Office.

Occupational Safety and Health Information: Businesses with employees must prepare an Injury and Illness Prevention Plan. The state provides a no-fee consultation service to assist employers with preventing unsafe working conditions and workplace hazards.

Sales & Use Permit (Seller's Permit): All businesses selling or leasing tangible property must obtain a Seller's Permit.

Registration Form for Employers: Required to file a registration form within 15 days after paying more than $100.00 in wages to one or more employees. No distinction is made between full-time and part-time or permanent and temporary employees in meeting this requirement.

State Income Tax Information: Businesses should obtain the appropriate State income tax forms from the Franchise Tax Board.

Employer Identification Number (EIN or SSN): Employers with employees, business partnerships, and corporations, must obtain an Employer Identification Number from the I.R.S. Businesses can obtain appropriate Federal income tax forms from this location.

Proof of Residency Requirement: Employees hired after November 6, 1986 must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.

You may want to read the following articles:

So, You Wanna Open a Coffee Shop http://www.restaurantreport.com/Departments/c_coffeeshop.html
EspressoBusiness.com (has a nice section on what to avoid in terms of coffee shop business) http://www.espressobusiness.com/
Links to various resources on starting a coffee business http://www.aboutcoffee.net/linkster/linkster.php?CID=9
Coffee Shop Sample Business Plan (free) http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/business-plans/Business-Plans-Volume-04/Coffee-House.html

For in-depth information, you may want to read the following books:

Complete Idiot's Guide to Starting and Running a Coffee Bar (The Complete Idiot's Guide)by Linda Formichelli
Start and Run a Coffee Bar (Start & Run a)by Tom Matzen, Marybeth Harrison
How to Open a Financially Successful Coffee, Espresso & Tea Shop by Elizabeth Godsmark
FabJob Guide to Become a Coffee House Owner (FabJob Guides)by Tom Hennessey
ESPRESSO! Starting and Running Your Own Specialty Coffee Business by Joe Monaghan and Julie Sheldon Huffaker

Answer 2

The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.

I recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.

Associations may be a good avenue to explore. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

Coffee Shop Specific:
* Ultimate Guide to Specialty Retail: How to Start a Cart, Kiosk or Store -- by Patricia Norins
* Start and Run a Coffee Bar by Tom Matzen, Marybeth Harrison
* Coffee Basics: A Quick and Easy Guide by Kevin Knox
* How to Open a Financially Successful Coffee, Espresso & Tea Shop by Elizabeth Godsmark
* ESPRESSO! Starting and Running Your Own Specialty Coffee Business by Joe Monaghan

California Specific:
* Small Business Start-up Kit for California by Peri Pakroo, Barbara Kate Repa
* How to Start a Business in California by Entrepreneur Press

There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 3

Starting A Coffee Stand

Answer 4

the small business administration has all the answers