To start a coffee business in New Jersey, lock your concept (cafe, cart, or roastery) and secure a compliant site, then form an LLC with the NJ Division of Revenue, get an EIN, and file NJ‑REG to collect sales tax (hot drinks are taxable; whole beans often aren’t). For brick‑and‑mortar, obtain a mercantile license, zoning approval, Certificate of Occupancy, fire inspection, and a Retail Food Establishment license through the health department (plan review, pre‑opening inspection, certified Food Protection Manager on duty). Mobile carts/trucks need a commissary agreement and an RFE license in each operating jurisdiction. Roasting or wholesale packaging requires a NJ Food Processor license, FDA facility registration if shipping across state lines, and an NJDEP air permit (often a General Permit) sized to your roaster; confirm venting, spark arrestor, and dust collection with your fire official. Build for water and power: dedicated circuits (often 208–240V for espresso), backflow prevention, filtration to SCA specs to protect boilers, and a grease interceptor if required locally. Negotiate a lease with exclusivity, utility capacity, and exhaust rights. Insure for general/product liability and workers’ comp, configure POS to charge NJ’s 6.625% tax, train staff, and launch with Google Business Profile, local SEO, and partnerships.
