To open a coffee shop in Virginia, secure local business licensing, a Virginia Department of Health (VDH) food establishment permit, and Virginia tax registration, then layer zoning/building approvals and any optional ABC alcohol license. Form your entity with the State Corporation Commission (SCC), file a fictitious name if using a DBA, obtain an EIN, and register with the Virginia Department of Taxation for sales and use tax; set up your locality’s meals‑tax account and BPOL/business license. Verify zoning for “restaurant/coffee shop,” obtain building permits, a Certificate of Occupancy, Fire Marshal sign‑off, and any required grease interceptor from the utility. For VDH: submit floor plan, menu, equipment spec sheets, plumbing and finish schedules for plan review before build‑out; pass a pre‑opening inspection; maintain a Certified Food Protection Manager in charge; implement employee health policy, cold holding at 41°F, date‑marking, and sanitizer procedures. Specialized processes (nitro or extended‑shelf‑life cold brew) may trigger a variance and HACCP plan—confirm with VDH early. Mobile carts require a VDH mobile food unit permit and commissary agreement. Serving beer/wine? Apply to Virginia ABC for an on‑premises wine and beer license (zoning affidavit, background checks, 30‑day posting/notice). Start 90–120 days out and calendar monthly meals‑tax and sales‑tax filings.
