To start a coffee business in Arkansas, execute the critical approvals in order: form your LLC or corporation with the Arkansas Secretary of State (file a fictitious name if branding differs), secure an EIN, and register for an Arkansas sales tax permit via ATAP with the Department of Finance and Administration; use that permit number to collect sales tax and issue resale certificates to suppliers. Lock a site zoned for food service and obtain your city business license and Certificate of Occupancy. File an Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) Retail Food plan review with a scaled floor plan, equipment spec sheets (NSF/ANSI), plumbing showing a 3‑compartment sink, hand sinks, backflow prevention, and any required grease interceptor; pass the ADH pre‑opening inspection. For a truck/cart, get the ADH Mobile Food Unit permit and a signed commissary agreement. Staff a Certified Food Protection Manager, train food handlers, and document SOPs for espresso calibration, milk temps, ice handling, and sanitizer checks. Build for throughput—800–1,200 sq ft cafe or double‑window drive‑thru—with 200A electrical, water filtration, and preventive boiler maintenance. Insure (general/product/property; workers’ comp if 3+ employees), enroll for payroll withholding and unemployment. Timelines: 2–4 weeks for a cart, 45–90 days for brick‑and‑mortar post plan approval. Budget: $15k–$50k cart, $150k–$350k cafe, $8k–$20k espresso machine, $5k–$20k small roaster.
