To set up a coffee shop in Mississippi, lock in compliance and location first: pick a site zoned for food service and drive‑thru (if desired), then start permits in parallel to compress timelines. Form an LLC with the MS Secretary of State online, get an EIN, and register a Sales Tax account in TAP; charge 7% state sales tax plus any local hospitality tax (often 1–3%) and remit monthly. Apply for your city/county privilege license, sign permit, and grease‑trap sizing with the local utility. Before build‑out, submit a plan review to the Mississippi State Department of Health (Food Protection): menu, equipment cut sheets, plumbing, ventilation, and finishes; expect a pre‑opening inspection for your Food Facility Permit. Design to pass on first try: NSF equipment, 3‑compartment sink, dedicated hand sinks, mop sink, backflow preventers, dish machine with final‑rinse gauge, adequate hot water, and compliant ventilation; install water filtration tailored to your source to hit ~50–150 ppm hardness and protect espresso boilers. Staff with at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (ServSafe, NRFSP, or Prometric) and train handlers. If you roast on‑site, consult MDEQ for air permitting and fire code. Budget $60k–$150k for equipment; 8–12 weeks from plan approval to open doors.
