To open a coffee shop in Georgia, move fast on entity, taxes, local zoning, and health approvals. Form a Georgia LLC with the Secretary of State (then file the mandatory Annual Registration by April 1), get an EIN, and register for a Georgia sales and use tax number via the Georgia Tax Center before you ring a sale. Lock a lease only after a written zoning confirmation that coffee/restaurant use and any drive‑thru are allowed; many cities require a use permit for drive‑thrus. Submit health plan review to your county health department with menu, equipment schedule (NSF/ANSI), floor plan, plumbing (three‑compartment, hand, and mop sinks, backflow), and finish schedule; expect 10–30 business days. Most jurisdictions will also require a grease interceptor even for milk-heavy menus—verify early. Buildout needs building and fire permits and ends with a certificate of occupancy and fire inspection, plus ADA compliance. Keep a Certified Food Protection Manager on staff; ensure a trained Person in Charge each shift. Obtain an occupational tax certificate (business license), general liability coverage, and workers’ comp if you have three or more employees. Prioritize power (208V for espresso), water softening and filtration, floor drains, and POS with tip pooling compliant with FLSA.
