How to Start a Restaurant in Pennsylvania

Opening a restaurant can be rewarding if done correctly.

Starting a restaurant requires hard work, planning and dedication. According to the Restaurant Start-up & Growth Magazine, 23 percent of new restaurants fail in their first year. However, it is possible to start a profitable restaurant in Pennsylvania if done correctly.

Instructions

1. Register your business with the Corporation Bureau of the Pennsylvania Department of State. Registration will consist of filing the appropriate forms with the bureau and paying the necessary filing fees depending upon the business structure you intend to use. For example, you could form a corporation or limited liability company (LLC).

2. Apply for a tax account number with the State of Pennsylvania. This is done by completing Form PA100 with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. You will also need to apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by completing Form SS-4 or an online application on the IRS website.

3. Apply for a food preparation license. Every restaurant is required to have this license before opening. Complete the Retail Food Facility Application from the Bureau of Food Safety and Laboratory Services, which is within the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

4. Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy by completing an the Application for UCC Building Permit from the Bureau of Occupational and Industrial Safety, within the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.

5. Call your local Pennsylvania health jurisdiction and schedule a final inspection for your business. Upon passing your health inspection, you will be permitted to open your restaurant.

References

• Restaurant Startup & Growth Magazine: Restaurant Failure Rate Study
• Philadelphia Retail: Opening a Restaurant
• Pennsylvania Department of Agricultural: Retail Foods Facilities and Restaurants

Resources

• Pennsylvania Department of Agricultural: Local Health Jurisdictions in PA