To start a coffee business in Georgia, lock in compliance and location before beans: form a Georgia LLC with the Corporations Division, get an EIN, register on the Georgia Tax Center for sales tax, and secure your local Occupation Tax Certificate (business license) and zoning approval from the city/county (Atlanta, Savannah, Athens). Submit a food-service plan review to your county Environmental Health office (Georgia Department of Public Health) with menu, floor plan, equipment specs (espresso machine backflow preventer, 3-compartment sink, hand sinks), and grease interceptor details; pass pre-opening inspection to receive your Food Service Permit. If roasting or wholesaling, license separately with the Georgia Department of Agriculture as a Food Sales Establishment and use NTEP-certified scales with Weights & Measures inspection; label retail bags with identity, net weight, ingredients, and business name/address. Charge sales tax on prepared beverages; use Georgia ST-5 resale certificate for cups and resold goods. Hire with GA DOR withholding and GA DOL unemployment accounts, carry workers’ comp if 3+ employees, and ensure a certified food safety manager (e.g., ServSafe) on duty. Budget for build-out (floor drains, 220V, ventilation) and negotiate TI; expect $150k–$400k in metro areas. Obtain sign and fire permits, ADA access, and music licenses.
