For coffee shop business setup New Hampshire, secure your entity and permits upfront: form an LLC or corporation with the NH Secretary of State (NH QuickStart), obtain an EIN, and register with the Department of Revenue Administration for a Meals and Rooms (Rentals) Tax operator license (8.5% on prepared beverages). Before lease signing, confirm zoning for “restaurant/food service,” parking, grease interceptor, and ability to vent/bring 200A power/water line for espresso and backflow prevention. Submit plans to your local health officer (or NH DHHS Food Protection, where applicable) for plan review; typical approvals take 2–4 weeks. Build to commercial code: handwash sinks, 3-bay warewashing, mop sink, NSF equipment, hot water capacity sizing, water filtration, vacuum breaker on espresso, and if on a well, bacteriological/nitrate tests. Appoint an ANSI-CFP Certified Food Protection Manager on duty. Coordinate building, electrical, plumbing permits, ADA access, and fire/alarm hood as required; obtain Certificate of Occupancy, then schedule pre-opening health inspection. If serving beer/wine, apply to the NH Liquor Commission and add liquor liability. Set payroll, workers’ comp and unemployment with NH Employment Security; use tip policies compliant with federal minimums. Budget: $150–$300/sf build-out and $60k–$150k equipment; expect 60–90 days to open with contingency reserves in place.
