To start a coffee business in South Carolina, lock down zoning and utilities for your address, then sequence permits so construction and hiring never sit idle. Form an LLC with the SC Secretary of State, get an EIN, and register for a South Carolina Retail License and sales tax on MyDORWAY (6% state plus local options; many cities add a hospitality tax on prepared drinks). Secure your local business license and sign permit. For a café or cart, submit DHEC Retail Food Establishment plan review before buildout; install approved hand sinks, warewashing, hot water capacity, and a grease interceptor if milk or food waste hits the drain. A Certified Food Protection Manager (ANSI) must be on staff; pass pre‑opening inspection to receive the permit. Roasting or packaging beans triggers SC Department of Agriculture food manufacturing registration; home kitchens aren’t allowed. Gas roasters may require building, mechanical, and fire approvals and, in some cases, DHEC Air Quality review; vent chaff to code. Set up payroll with SCDOR withholding and SCDEW unemployment; obtain workers’ comp if you regularly employ four or more people. Configure your POS to apply state, local, and hospitality taxes and file via MyDORWAY monthly or quarterly as required.
