National Resources
Federal Resources
FoodService Federal & National Resources provides access to a comprehensive database of information and tools to support the operational needs of food service businesses, including insights on food sourcing, sustainability practices, and industry regulations.
Employer Identification Number (EIN)
An EIN is required if you plan to hire employees for your restaurant. It's essentially a tax identification number for your business.
Apply for an EINI-9, Employment Eligibility Verification
Use Form I-9 to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States. All U.S. employers must properly complete Form I-9 for each individual they hire for employment.
USCIS Form I-9FDA Food Code
The FDA Food Code is a model for safeguarding public health and ensuring food is unadulterated and honestly presented when offered to the consumer. It represents FDA's best advice for a uniform system of provisions that address the safety and protection of food offered at retail and in food service.
FDA Food CodeOSHA – Occupational Safety and Health Administration
OSHA's mission is to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for workers by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance. Restaurant employers must comply with OSHA standards.
OSHA.govU.S. Department of Labor – Wage and Hour Division
The Wage and Hour Division administers and enforces federal labor laws including the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and youth employment standards.
Wage & Hour DivisionTTB – Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
The TTB regulates the production, importation, wholesale distribution, labeling, and advertising of alcohol beverages. Restaurants and bars serving alcohol must understand federal requirements.
TTB.govSBA – U.S. Small Business Administration
The SBA helps Americans start, build, and grow businesses. Find resources for business licenses, permits, financing, and federal contracting opportunities for your foodservice business.
SBA.govIRS – Tax Information for Businesses
The IRS provides tax information for small businesses and self-employed individuals, including information on business taxes, employment taxes, and tax credits relevant to restaurant operators.
IRS Business Tax CenterEPA – Environmental Protection Agency
The EPA sets environmental regulations that affect restaurants, including grease trap requirements, waste disposal, and air quality standards. Understanding EPA guidelines helps ensure your operation stays compliant.
EPA.govADA – Americans with Disabilities Act
The ADA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, transportation, public accommodations, and more. Restaurants must meet ADA accessibility requirements for both customers and employees.
ADA.govState Resources
These State and Government Resources can help restaurant owners navigate the complexities of the industry, enhance their operations, and ultimately achieve long-term success.
State Governments
Find your state's official government portal for business licensing, permits, tax registration, and regulatory compliance requirements specific to foodservice operations.
Find Your State GovernmentAlcohol Beverage Authorities in United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico Resources
Each state regulates the sale and service of alcohol differently. Find your state's Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) authority for licensing requirements, server training mandates, and compliance regulations.
Find Your State ABC AuthorityFDA State Retail Food Protection Programs
The FDA works with state, local, tribal, and territorial regulatory agencies that oversee retail food establishments. Find your state's retail food protection program, inspection standards, and food safety training requirements.
Find Your State ProgramState Health Departments
Your state health department oversees food safety inspections, food handler certification requirements, and foodborne illness reporting. Contact your state health department to understand inspection schedules and compliance requirements.
Find Your State Health DepartmentState Labor Laws & Employment Regulations
State labor laws often exceed federal minimums for minimum wage, overtime, paid leave, and worker protections. The Department of Labor provides a state-by-state directory of labor offices and applicable employment laws for restaurant operators.
State Labor Law ContactsState Business Registration & Secretary of State
Register your restaurant as a legal business entity with your state's Secretary of State office. This includes LLC formation, corporation registration, trade name (DBA) filings, and annual report requirements.
Register Your BusinessState Sales Tax & Revenue Departments
Restaurants must collect and remit state sales tax on food and beverage sales. Requirements vary significantly by state — some exempt groceries while taxing prepared food. Find your state's revenue department for registration and filing requirements.
State Tax Agencies DirectoryState Workers' Compensation Requirements
Most states require employers to carry workers' compensation insurance. Requirements, rates, and coverage rules vary by state. Find your state's workers' compensation board to understand your obligations as a restaurant employer.
Workers' Compensation by StateState Food Handler & Food Manager Certification
Many states require food handlers and food managers to obtain certification. Requirements differ by state and sometimes by county. The National Registry of Food Safety Professionals provides a state-by-state guide to certification requirements.
Food Safety Certification RequirementsState Environmental & Waste Regulations
Restaurants generate grease, food waste, and wastewater that are subject to state environmental regulations. Find your state's environmental agency for grease trap requirements, waste disposal rules, and stormwater compliance.
State Environmental AgenciesLocal Resources
Find contact information for local governments by state. Health Inspections, City Halls, Government Complexes, Fire Marshalls, Building Inspectors, Permitting Information, Local Regulations, Water Department, Waste Disposal, Planning & Development, Local Building Codes, and more.
American Legal Publishing Code Library
Search for municipal codes directly on individual city or county websites, or search public code libraries. Find local ordinances, zoning laws, health codes, and building regulations that apply to your restaurant location.
Search Code LibraryLocal Health Departments – Food Inspection Programs
Your local health department conducts restaurant inspections and issues food establishment permits. Contact your county or city health department to schedule pre-opening inspections, understand grading systems, and obtain your food service permit.
Find Your Local Health DepartmentLocal Fire Marshal & Fire Safety Inspections
Before opening, your restaurant must pass a fire safety inspection. The local fire marshal reviews hood suppression systems, fire extinguisher placement, exit signage, occupancy loads, and kitchen ventilation compliance.
USFA Fire Safety ResourcesBuilding Permits & Local Building Departments
Any construction, renovation, or change of use for a restaurant space requires building permits from your local building department. They review plans for structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical compliance with local building codes.
International Code CouncilCity & County Business Licenses
Most cities and counties require a local business license or business tax certificate in addition to state registration. Contact your city hall or county clerk's office to obtain the required local business operating permits.
Find Your Local GovernmentZoning & Land Use – Planning Departments
Zoning laws determine where restaurants can operate and what types of food service are permitted. Your local planning or zoning department can confirm whether your location is properly zoned for a restaurant and what conditional use permits may be required.
American Planning AssociationLocal Water & Sewer Departments
Restaurants are high water users and must comply with local water and sewer regulations. Contact your local utility for grease interceptor (grease trap) requirements, backflow prevention, and commercial water meter installation.
American Water Works AssociationWaste Disposal & Recycling Requirements
Local governments regulate commercial waste disposal, recycling mandates, and food waste composting programs. Contact your city or county sanitation department for commercial dumpster permits, waste hauler requirements, and recycling compliance.
EPA Food Waste ResourcesOutdoor Dining & Sidewalk Café Permits
Operating a patio, sidewalk café, or outdoor dining area typically requires a separate permit from your city or county. Requirements cover encroachment on public right-of-way, ADA accessibility, noise ordinances, and alcohol service in outdoor areas.
Contact Your Local GovernmentSign Permits & Local Signage Regulations
Installing exterior signage for your restaurant requires a sign permit from your local building or planning department. Regulations govern sign size, illumination, placement, and design to ensure compliance with local aesthetic and safety standards.
Sign Industry Resources