To open a coffee shop in Colorado, secure your licenses in this order: register your entity and trade name with the Colorado Secretary of State, get an EIN, then apply for a Colorado Sales Tax License through MyBizColorado; if you’re in a home‑rule city (e.g., Denver, Aurora, Boulder), also obtain the separate local sales/use tax account. Before any build‑out, submit plans to your county or city health department for Retail Food Establishment plan review; expect equipment schedules (espresso machine specs, handwash sinks, 3‑comp sink or commercial dishwasher), finish schedules, plumbing (backflow on water lines), and a menu. After approval and inspection, they issue the Retail Food Establishment License. Verify zoning/use, parking, and a Certificate of Occupancy with the local building department; a change‑of‑use permit, hood/suppression, or a grease control device may be required if cooking beyond reheating. At least one Certified Food Protection Manager must be in charge; train staff in food safety and maintain temperature logs, sanitizer test strips, and allergen labeling for packaged items. If serving alcohol, pursue a local/state liquor license. Typical timeline: 30–90 days, longer with construction. Budget for separate music licensing, worker’s comp, and general liability. Keep all approvals posted before opening, including health signage.
