To start a coffee business in Indiana, pick your operating model (café with seating, drive‑thru kiosk, mobile cart, or roastery/wholesale) and verify zoning and parking before you sign a lease. Form an LLC or corporation on INBiz, secure a registered agent, obtain an EIN, then register with the Indiana Department of Revenue for a Registered Retail Merchant Certificate to collect the statewide 7% sales tax (enable any local 1–2% food‑and‑beverage tax in your POS). For a shop or truck, obtain a Retail Food Establishment permit from your county health department under 410 IAC 7‑24; for roasting/packaging beans, contact the Indiana Department of Health Food Protection Program (410 IAC 7‑21) and check IDEM air rules for roaster venting/afterburner thresholds. Plan build‑out around utilities and code: 3‑phase power and gas for roasters, make‑up air and venting, backflow prevention on espresso, indirect waste/air gaps on sinks, and a Certificate of Occupancy after building and fire inspections. Keep a certified food manager (e.g., ServSafe) on duty, document HACCP‑style milk/temperature controls, and secure commissary agreements for mobile units. Use NTEP‑approved scales and register with Weights & Measures if selling beans by weight. Carry liability and workers’ comp, and budget for personal property tax on equipment.
