To start a coffee business in Michigan, lock down licensing, location, and equipment in the right order to avoid rework. Form your entity with LARA, get an EIN, and register for sales tax via Michigan Treasury Online (you’ll also issue resale certificates to buy beans/cups tax‑exempt). Choose your model: café, mobile cart/truck, roastery, or cottage coffee. Cafés and mobile units require a Food Service Establishment license from your county health department with plan review before build‑out; expect specs for a three‑compartment sink, hand sinks, washable finishes, hot/cold holding, backflow prevention, and water filtration for espresso. At least one Certified Food Protection Manager (ANSI‑CFP) must be on staff and often on‑site. Mobile units may need a Special Transitory Food Unit or Mobile Food Establishment license; confirm which class if you serve dairy. Roasteries selling wholesale/packaged retail license with MDARD as a food processing/retail establishment; design for ventilation, sanitation zones, and packaging/labeling compliance. Selling only roasted beans from home can qualify under Michigan’s Cottage Food Law with required labels and in‑person sales. Secure zoning, build permits, and signage approval, then pass pre‑opening inspection. Negotiate utility capacity, water softening, grease trap (if food), and hood needs. Carry general/product liability and workers’ comp coverage.
