Licenses and permits to open a restaurant in Plano

1. 1

   Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN)

   Internal Revenue ServiceUS federal

   Owners with an SSN or ITIN apply online. A company whose responsible party has neither (most China-based owners) faxes or mails Form SS-4, or calls the IRS international line.

   Fee

   Free

   Filed

   Paper form, faxed or mailed

   Takes

   Fax: about 4 business days. Mail: about 4 to 5 weeks. Phone: issued on the call.

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

2. 2

   Certificate of Formation (Texas LLC)

   Texas Secretary of StateTexas

   Filed online in SOSDirect, or by mail or fax.

   Fee

   $300

   Filed

   Filed online

   Takes

   No standard time published; paid expedited service typically takes 2 to 3 business days.

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

3. 3

   Assumed Name Certificate (DBA)

   Texas Secretary of StateTexas

   Filed when the store trades under a name other than the legal name.

   Fee

   $25

   Filed

   Filed online

   Takes

   No standard time published; paid expedited service typically takes 2 to 3 business days.

   Renews

   Valid up to 10 years.

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

4. 4

   Texas Sales and Use Tax Permit Application

   Texas Comptroller of Public AccountsTexas

   Apply online in eSystems before your first sale; one permit for each location.

   Fee

   Free

   Filed

   Filed online

   Takes

   Permit arrives in about 2 to 3 weeks.

   Renews

   Does not expire.

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

5. 5

   Certified food manager

   Texas Department of State Health ServicesTexas

   At least one manager passes an exam from a DSHS-licensed certified food manager program. Local health departments require a certified food manager on site whenever the place is open.

   Fee

   Varies

   Filed

   Filed online

   Takes

   DSHS doesn't issue the certificate itself; the accredited exam provider issues it as soon as you pass the exam.

   Renews

   Every 5 years.

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

6. 6

   Food handler certificates for staff

   Texas Department of State Health ServicesTexas

   Every employee who works with unpackaged food, equipment or food-contact surfaces finishes an accredited food handler course within 30 days of hire. Certified food managers are exempt.

   Fee

   Varies

   Filed

   Filed online

   Takes

   Each food employee must complete an accredited food handler course within 30 days of being hired; the training provider issues the card.

   Renews

   Valid to the date on the card, or 2 years if none.

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

7. 7

   Unemployment tax account

   Texas Workforce CommissionTexas

   Register online once you pay wages in Texas.

   Fee

   Free

   Filed

   Filed online

   Takes

   Account number issued instantly online.

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

8. 8

   Food establishment plan review

   City of Plano Environmental Health and SustainabilityPlano

   Submit the plans to Building Inspections with the Environmental Health review form and the fee; construction starts only after written approval. The fee covers the two required inspections, and every fee is paid before approval to operate.

   Fee

   $475

   Filed

   Filed in person

   Takes

   Notice within 10 business days of submission; revised plans can take another 10. Reviews aren't expedited.

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

9. 9

   Certificate of Occupancy

   City of Plano Building InspectionsPlano

   Required to occupy any nonresidential space, and again when the business, its name or owner changes or a new tenant moves in. Submit the packet with the application fee; Building Inspections, Planning and, for a restaurant, Environmental Health review it and inspect. It must be approved before staff move in, stock arrives or the doors open, and it's posted on site.

   Fee

   Varies

   Filed

   Filed in person

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

10. 10

    Food establishment permit

    City of Plano Environmental Health and SustainabilityPlano

    Issued by the city's Environmental Health division once the fee is paid; the business may not open before its Certificate of Occupancy is issued.

    Fee

    Varies

    Filed

    Filed in person

    File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

11. 11

    Franchise tax annual report

    Texas Comptroller of Public AccountsTexas

    Filed every year by May 15, even when no tax is due.

    Fee

    Free

    Filed

    Filed online

    Takes

    The Comptroller doesn't publish a processing time for the report; the annual franchise tax report is due May 15 (next business day if it falls on a weekend or holiday).

    Renews

    Every year by May 15.

    File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

Use this checklist on your site

Copy this into your site or article. It credits the source.

<div class="placetta-checklist"><p><strong>Licenses and permits to open a restaurant in Plano</strong></p><ol><li>Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN) (Internal Revenue Service)</li><li>Certificate of Formation (Texas LLC) (Texas Secretary of State)</li><li>Assumed Name Certificate (DBA) (Texas Secretary of State)</li><li>Texas Sales and Use Tax Permit Application (Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts)</li><li>Certified food manager (Texas Department of State Health Services)</li><li>Food handler certificates for staff (Texas Department of State Health Services)</li><li>Unemployment tax account (Texas Workforce Commission)</li><li>Food establishment plan review (City of Plano Environmental Health and Sustainability)</li><li>Certificate of Occupancy (City of Plano Building Inspections)</li><li>Food establishment permit (City of Plano Environmental Health and Sustainability)</li><li>Franchise tax annual report (Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts)</li></ol><p>Source: <a href="https://placetta.com/guides/plano/restaurant.html">Placetta license guide</a></p></div>Copy the code

More on opening in Plano

• How much permits cost to open in Plano
• How long permits take in Plano
• Opening in Plano as a foreign company
• Hiring your first employees in Plano
• Build-out and occupancy permits in Plano
• Importing goods into Plano
• Renewals and annual filings in Plano

Questions people ask

• How do I get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN?
• How long does it take to get an EIN?
• Does a foreign-owned single-member LLC have to file Form 5472?
• How do I become an importer of record in the US?
• Does a Texas LLC have to file a franchise tax report if it owes no tax?
• Do I need a sales tax permit in Texas?

Other businesses in Plano

• Milk tea and bubble tea shops
• Coffee shops
• Hot pot restaurants
• Bakeries
• Dessert shops
• Grocery stores
• Retail stores
• Cosmetics stores
• Toy stores
• Importers and online sellers
• Warehouses and 3PLs

Agency requirements change. Check each agency's page before you file.