To start a coffee business in Mississippi, secure a location that passes zoning and fire marshal review, then complete permits in the right order: register an LLC with the Mississippi Secretary of State, obtain a sales tax permit via MSDOR TAP, and apply for a city/county privilege license. Before build‑out, submit plans to the Mississippi State Department of Health for a Food Facility Permit and plan review (required for new, remodeled, and mobile units); expect specs for 3‑comp sinks, hand sinks, mop sink, NSF equipment, water filtration, and possibly a grease interceptor if you serve food. Ensure a certified food protection manager (e.g., ServSafe) on every shift. If you roast, use a commercial space, vent per code, and register any scales with MS Weights & Measures; cottage food rules allow limited direct sales of roasted coffee but prohibit wholesale. Hire properly: register withholding with MSDOR, unemployment with MDES, and carry workers’ comp if you have five or more employees. Model unit economics (target beverage COGS 25–30%, prime cost under 60%), prioritize drive‑thru or morning foot‑traffic corridors (I‑55, Hwy 49, college towns), and harden equipment against hard water. Open with a strong Google Business Profile, consistent local SEO, and music licensing.
