To get a coffee shop license in Mississippi, line up these approvals in order: form your entity and register with the Mississippi Secretary of State, obtain an EIN, then register for a Sales Tax Permit with the Mississippi Department of Revenue (TAP portal) and, if you’ll have employees, state withholding and unemployment accounts. Secure local zoning clearance for “restaurant/food service,” then apply for your city/county privilege (business) license. Before any buildout, submit scaled plans to the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) for plan review—include equipment schedule (NSF/ANSI-listed), plumbing and grease interceptor details, finish schedule for floors/walls/ceilings, hot-water capacity, ventilation/hood specs, and seating count; obtain water/sewer approvals and schedule the pre-opening food facility inspection to receive your MSDH Food Service Permit. Ensure a Certified Food Protection Manager (e.g., ServSafe) is on duty each shift, and establish TCS controls for milk and prepared foods. Coordinate building permits, fire suppression, and certificate of occupancy with the local building department and Fire Marshal; get signage and sidewalk seating permits if applicable. If roasting coffee, consult the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality for air permitting thresholds. If selling beer/light wine or liquor, apply to ABC for the proper on-premise permits and confirm wet-area and distance rules. Maintain SOPs for cleaning, temperature logs, and pest control to pass routine inspections.
