Info for Retail Food Establishments

Chicago has a long history of culinary excellence and is home to some of the greatest restaurants, bars, and cafés in the world.

Opening a retail food establishment in Chicago requires attention to detail to ensure you provide the public with a safe and sanitary dining experience.

A retail food license is required any time perishable food is sold or served to the public including but not limited to restaurants, cafés, banquet halls, grocery stores, and convenience stores.

 • What You Need to Know When Getting Started
 • Preparing for a Food Sanitation Insepction
 • More on Operating a Retail Food Establishment
 • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
 • Contact Us

For more information regarding license application requirements, please refer to “The Guide to Starting a Business” brochure or schedule an appointment to speak with a business consultant by calling the Dept. of Business Affairs and Licensing (DBA) at (312) 74-GOBIZ.

What You Need to Know When Getting Started

Most retail food businesses must obtain a Retail Food Establishment License before operations can begin. Before seeking a license, you should consider the following:

Proper Zoning Designation:

• Before signing a lease, make sure the location you have selected allows retail food service by checking the zoning classification at www.cityofchicago.org/zoning, or ask a Business Consultant at DBA.
   
• A retail food establishment may only operate within the following zoning classifications: B1, B2, B3, C1, C2, C3 and M 1-3 (max 4,000 ft.², no entertainment allowed).

Food Service Sanitation Manager Certificate:

All retail food establishments are required to have at least one person on site at all times who has completed the Food Service Sanitation Manager’s Course. The Food Service Sanitation Manager Certification course is designed to offer persons who prepare and handle food a basic food science background and information on the proper handling of food and maintaining a sanitary food establishment. Upon completion of an approved course, you will receive a Food Sanitation Certificate. This certificate must be posted in your establishment.

Approved courses are offered at the following locations:

• Harold Washington College Foodservice Sanitation Certificate
  Web: hwc.ccc.edu
  Phone: (312) 553-5600
   
• Illinois Restaurant Association
  33 W. Monroe, Suite 250
  Chicago  60603
  Phone: (312) 787-4000 / 1-800-572-1086

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Preparing for a Food Sanitation Inspection

Prior to receiving a license you must pass a public health inspection that focuses on food handling practices, product temperature, personal hygiene, facility maintenance and pest control.

As a food business operator, you should be familiar with City Ordinances and the Dept. of Health’s Rules and Regulations. This information is available online at www.cityofchicago.org/restaurants.

More on Operating a Retail Food Establishment

License Fees:

The cost of a Retail Food Establishment License is based on the square footage of your business establishment. Information regarding square footage is required at the time of application. License application fees are non-refundable.

• 0–4,500 ft.² = $660
• 4,501–10,000 ft.² = $880
• 10,000+ ft.² = $1,100

License Renewal:

You are required to renew your license every two years. A renewal application will be mailed to your business within 45 days of the date your license expires. You may renew a license online.

Health Inspection:

Once you have obtained your license and are operating your business, the Dept. of Public Health will conduct routine inspections of your establishment to ensure continued compliance with safe food preparation practices and sanitation requirements. You will receive an inspection report each time an inspection is completed.

Building Inspection:

Restaurants are required to undergo inspection by the Dept. of Buildings once every two years and are required to pay an inspection fee every two years. The fee is based on the size of your restaurant and is billed at the time of your license renewal.

How to Apply for a License:

Applications are accepted in person at the Dept. of Business Affairs and Licensing, 121 N. LaSalle St., Room 800. Call (312) 74-GOBIZ to make an appointment with a Business Consultant or complete an application online.

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FAQ

• What permits do I need to build a new restaurant or remodel an existing restaurant?
  A building permit is required to build a new restaurant or to remodel an existing one. You must submit a permit application to the Dept. of Buildings. You should also submit your plans to the Dept. of Public Health to ensure that your plans address all requirements of the health code and regulations.
   
  A copy of the Plan Review application is available for viewing/download at the bottom of the page. You can also pick up a copy at our offices 2133 W. Lexington. Call (312) 746-8030 for our office hours or if you prefer to be faxed a copy.
   
• What other licenses will I need to obtain to start a restaurant?
  Your business may require additional licenses depending on the products and services you provide. For example separate licenses and permits are required to serve liquor, sell tobacco, offer valet parking, and to have a sidewalk café.
   
• Am I permitted to allow BYOB inside my restaurant?
  Yes, BYOB is permitted inside a restaurant; however the City encourages business owners to obtain liquor liability insurance to protect against potential lawsuits. There should not be any direct or indirect fees charged for the allowance of BYOB unless the business location has a liquor license.
   
• I want to offer my patrons entertainment inside my retail food establishment; will I need separate license to do so?
  You may require a Public Place of Amusement License if you are providing live entertainment, music and dancing or another form of entertainment. More detail is available in the Public Place of Amusement Guide, also available online.
   
• Did you know that DBA offers free educational workshops?
  You can learn how to write a business plan, obtain financing, how to market your business and more. Visit DBA's web site for a current schedule of workshops.

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Contact Us