To start a coffee business in Texas, pick your model—cafe, cart/truck, or roastery—because permits, buildout, and costs change by category. Form a Texas LLC online via SOSDirect (Certificate of Formation) and get an EIN, then obtain a Texas Sales and Use Tax Permit from the Comptroller to collect up to 8.25% sales tax. Secure a site that meets zoning/parking, then pass city plan review: Retail Food Establishment permit (or Mobile Food Unit), Certified Food Manager on staff, Food Handler cards, grease interceptor/backflow as required, Certificate of Occupancy, and fire inspection (hood/suppression if cooking; roasters often need fire marshal sign‑off). If serving beer/wine, add a TABC permit; otherwise skip. For roasteries or wholesale, license with Texas DSHS as a Food Manufacturer and register the facility with FDA; verify air emissions authorization with TCEQ for roasting equipment and install proper ventilation/afterburner if needed. Home sales of roasted beans may qualify under Texas Cottage Food; brewed beverages do not. Set up payroll and unemployment tax with the Texas Workforce Commission; workers’ comp is optional but smart. File Texas Franchise Tax/Public Information Report annually. Protect operations with general/product liability, water filtration, equipment maintenance, and supplier redundancy; budget for utilities, POS, opening inventory, and contingency.
