To open a coffee shop in Montana, secure a county retail food establishment license after a health plan review; there is no statewide general business license, so approvals are local and project-specific. Form your entity with the Montana Secretary of State (online) and set up tax accounts: IRS EIN, Montana Department of Revenue TAP for withholding/other business taxes, Unemployment Insurance with the Department of Labor, and Workers’ Compensation (Montana State Fund or private carrier). For the food license, submit scaled plans showing menu, equipment specs, plumbing (backflow on espresso, indirect drains, 3-compartment sink or commercial dishwasher), handwash sinks, finishes, cold/hot holding, ice machine, and water/sewer approvals (well/septic require separate clearance); designate a Certified Food Protection Manager and schedule preopening inspection. Confirm city zoning for coffee/drive‑thru, obtain building/occupancy and sign permits, fire inspection, and grease interceptor or hood if required by local code. If serving beer/wine, apply to Alcoholic Beverage Control for a Restaurant Beer & Wine license—quota-controlled, often purchased on the market—and maintain the food‑revenue requirement. Montana has no general sales tax, but resort towns (e.g., Whitefish, Big Sky, Red Lodge) require resort tax registration. Add tobacco/vape retail licensing if applicable. Typical timeline: plan approval plus 2–8 weeks to open.
