How do I start a catering business in NC?

You will need a Culinary Permit, a Permit for Food Service Facility and a Mixed Beverages Catering Permit. Use the Resources link to access application information for each of these permits through the Department of Commerce. Apply for tax certifications with the North Carolina Department of Commerce.

Do you need a catering license in NC?

North Carolina caterers need a license from their county health department. You must submit a detailed plan covering your equipment and menu.

Can you sell food from your home in North Carolina?

North Carolina does not have specific laws for selling homemade food, but the state’s Food and Drug Protection Division allows home-based food businesses to operate.

How much do you need to start a catering business?

According to the pros, you should be prepared to budget $10,000 to $50,000 in startup costs for your catering company. Naturally, startup costs vary business to business. You’ll need to take into account your equipment, transportation, and marketing needs.

Do you need a license to sell food in NC?

You cannot sell food to the public unless you have a valid permit from the Health Department or qualify for an exemption to the permitting requirements.

Do you need a commissary for a food truck in North Carolina?

One of the fundamental requirements in North Carolina is that both pushcarts and mobile food units must operate in conjunction with a permitted restaurant establishment (a commissary). A permit cannot be issued until a commissary is approved to service the pushcart or mobile food unit.

Can I run a catering business out of my home?

In California, you may not sell indirectly outside of your own county, unless the county where you want to sell has specifically stated that they will allow indirect sales of cottage food products. To get a Class B permit, your kitchen must pass an annual physical inspection.

Do I need a license to sell food in NC?

How much is a food license in North Carolina?

A fee of $75.00 per permit must be paid with each Food Vendor Application. Please Note: All applications and fees must be submitted at least 15 days prior to the event. No TFE applications will be accepted after this deadline.

What certificate do I need for catering?

A Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene for Catering course is recommended for all those who work in a school or college kitchen to ensure you understand safe cooking temperatures, preparation methods, cleaning procedures and food poisoning controls.

Can you run a catering business from home?

With no “customer-facing” space needed, starting a catering business from home can be affordable to start, and a great way to either supplement your full-time income or replace it entirely.

How do you get a food permit in NC?

You need to apply for an Temporary Food Service Establishment operating permit from the Health Department. You can contact us at (704) 336-5100, but you need to be working in conjunction with a festival, carnival, or other public exhibition to qualify for a TFSE permit.

How do I register a catering business in North Carolina?

Use the Resources link to find the website for the correct Register of Deeds office. Register your catering business with the North Carolina Secretary of State office if it is a corporation, LLC, LLP or limited partnership. Access forms and further information on the Secretary of State’s website (see Resources).

What do you need to start a catering business?

Obtain the merchandise and equipment you’ll need to provide your catering service. In addition to a kitchen, you will need cooking utensils, places to store food (both perishable and non-perishable items), dishes, linens and silverware in large amounts, depending on how you plan to serve the food.

What do I need to start a business in North Carolina?

Choose a name, choose a business structure, register your business. Your business may need a North Carolina business license, an occupational license, environmental permits, and/or to meet zoning requirements for your specific type of business and location. Employee withholding, are they employees or contractors? Employer requirements.

What permits do I need to open a restaurant in NC?