How to start a coffee business in Montana: pick a format (brick‑and‑mortar coffee shop, drive‑thru stand, mobile cart, or roastery) and align it with local zoning and traffic before you sign a lease. Form your entity with the Montana Secretary of State (LLC is common), secure an EIN, and register any assumed business name; then apply for your city/county business license. For serving beverages/food, submit plans to the county sanitarian for Retail Food Establishment plan review, specify equipment (espresso machine, 3‑comp sink, hand sinks, backflow, grease interceptor if required), and pass pre‑opening inspection; mobile units need a commissary agreement and winterization for sub‑zero temps. Design for code: adequate electrical, ventilation, fire clearance, and, if roasting, coordinate with DEQ for air‑quality registration/permit and install proper exhaust/afterburner and chaff/dust control. Montana has no statewide sales tax, but you must register and collect local resort taxes where applicable (e.g., Big Sky, Whitefish); set up payroll withholding and unemployment tax accounts and obtain workers’ comp. Require a Certified Food Protection Manager on staff and documented procedures for cleaning, temperature control, and water quality. Validate a site that supports right‑hand access and 6–10 car stacking, negotiate utility upgrades, and build robust cold‑weather operations and logistics.
