How to Start a Food Retail Store in Oklahoma
Any business in Oklahoma that wishes to sell food must comply with the food safety regulations set forth by the Oklahoma Department of Health, including obtaining the proper licenses. Retail food stores, such as grocers and specialty food shops, may have a license to sell only pre-made, prepackaged foods and whole produce or additional permissions to operate a deli, bakery or butcher's counter within their establishments. In conjunction with the laws you must follow on food safety, you must also comply with local and state laws governing business operations and tax regulations to start a food retail store in Oklahoma.
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Instructions
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Create a business operating plan that outlines what food and any other items you will offer in your retail store, the geographic area in Oklahoma and target demographic you wish to serve, accounting methods. advertising strategies. Also include how you will obtain funding and equipment and inventory needed to get started. Begin researching local vendors that carry the foods you want to sell, especially if you intend to sell things like produce, nuts or other plant food items, dairy items, specialty cheeses or breads, as you will be able to offer customers fresher items at lower prices and support your local economy.
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Find a suitable location to open your food retail store, keeping in mind the storage and refrigeration requirements of certain types of foods according to Oklahoma food safety laws. If you plan to construct a new building or make modifications to an existing location, you must hire an architect or construction professional to create scaled drawings of your building or plans for remodeling. Additionally, contact your local zoning authority to ensure that you can operate a retail food establishment in the desired location and obtain any construction permits you may need.
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File a Trade Name Report form with the Oklahoma Secretary of State's office to register your business name. Additionally, obtain a federal employer identification number (FEIN) and use this number to register with the Oklahoma Tax Commission for a sales permit. You may also need a city and/or county sales tax permit in some locations.
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Complete and submit a Plan Review application for a retail food establishment to the Health Department office that oversees your Oklahoma county. A copy of the scaled drawings and plans you commissioned, copies of your local permits, state and local tax information and the licensing fee should be included with your application. Upon approval of your plan, you can begin any construction or remodeling of your food establishment.
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Prepare your food retail store for inspection upon completion of any construction or remodeling, or upon approval of your Plan Review Application if no work was required. Usually within four to six weeks after the inspection, you will be notified of the status of your application and inspection. If approved, you are issued a retail food license. If denied, you are notified of the reasons for denial along with information about fixing any deficiencies or re-applying.
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Tips & Warnings
Some Oklahoma cities require you to obtain a separate city food license in addition to your state license, so check with your local government before opening.
