To start a coffee business in Alabama, pick your model first—brick‑and‑mortar café, drive‑thru kiosk, mobile cart/truck, or roasting/wholesale—because permits, build‑out, and cash needs differ. Form an LLC with the Alabama Secretary of State, get an EIN, register for sales tax in My Alabama Taxes (MAT), and obtain your city/county business/privilege licenses. For cafés and trucks, file an ADPH food establishment plan review before construction, secure a permit through the county health department, and expect a pre‑opening inspection; a Certified Food Protection Manager and a PIC on duty, plus hand/three‑comp sinks, are required. Mobile units need a commissary agreement, onboard hot/cold water, and fire approvals. Roasters selling packaged beans typically license with the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries as a manufactured food facility and follow FDA labeling (identity, net weight in U.S./metric, business name/address). Verify zoning, parking, signage, and drive‑thru stacking with your municipality; build for 240V service, water filtration meeting SCA targets, floor drains, and ADA restrooms. Set up payroll, Alabama withholding/UI, and workers’ comp at five+ employees. Price to include locality sales tax, negotiate a lease with TIs and power capacity, launch Google Business Profile, and soft‑open before a full marketing push to build traction and morning traffic.
