To start a coffee shop in Georgia, lock down permits and a location in parallel so you can open within 90-120 days. Form an LLC with the Georgia Secretary of State, get an EIN, register for sales tax in the Georgia Tax Center, and secure your city/county occupational tax certificate (business license). Before build-out, submit floor plans to your county Environmental Health for food-service plan review and a Georgia DPH permit; expect requirements for a Certified Food Safety Manager, a three-compartment sink, hand sinks, a mop sink, and an approved grease trap. Choose a site with morning foot traffic (Atlanta BeltLine, Midtown, Savannah Historic District, Athens near UGA), 1-1.5" water service, 200-amp power, and ventilation; most coffee bars avoid a hood unless cooking grease-producing food. Budget $150-300/sq ft for build-out; specify 208-240V dedicated circuits for a 2-group espresso machine, inline filtration/softening to protect boilers, and a POS with cashless speed. Get fire and building inspections, then health inspection. Source from Georgia roasters on wholesale contracts and target COGS under 25% and combined labor under 30%; price to cover rent (aim <10% of sales) and collect applicable state and local sales tax. Launch with commuter-hour hours and a tight menu initially.
