For coffee shop business setup in Louisiana, start on GeauxBiz to form your LLC or corporation, file a trade name, and register with the Louisiana Department of Revenue and Louisiana Workforce Commission; then obtain an EIN. Before build‑out, submit an LDH Retail Food Plan Review (menu, scaled floor plan, equipment specs) and apply for the LDH Retail Food Permit plus the LDH Food Safety Certificate, which requires an ANSI‑accredited Certified Food Protection Manager on duty. Secure State Fire Marshal plan review/occupancy and local building, zoning, signage, and drive‑thru approvals; confirm grease trap sizing with the parish sewer authority and install backflow protection; ensure ADA access and required restrooms. Open a sales tax account in LaTAP and register with your parish/city collector for local sales/use tax; program your POS for combined rates and file monthly; obtain a Louisiana Resale Certificate to buy beans, cups, and syrups tax‑free for resale. Get a parish/city occupational license and schedule pre‑opening health and fire inspections. Set up payroll, workers’ compensation (required with any employees), unemployment insurance, new‑hire reporting, and labor law postings. If serving alcohol, secure ATC and local approvals; if roasting on‑site, consult LDH Manufactured Foods and LDEQ on air permitting. Then you open.
