To start a coffee shop in New Hampshire, secure a compliant site and permits first, then build for speed and winter resilience. Form an LLC and register it on NH QuickStart with the Secretary of State, get an EIN, and register with the NH Department of Revenue Administration for the Meals and Rooms Tax (8.5%)—there’s no general state business license, but you must charge tax on prepared coffee and food. Obtain a local Food Service Establishment license through your city/town health officer under NH DHHS Food Protection rules: submit stamped layout plans (plumbing/electrical), specify a grease trap, vent hood with fire suppression, three-compartment and hand sinks, NSF equipment; schedule final inspections. Verify zoning, building, fire, and signage permits; if on a well or septic, complete required water tests and capacity reviews. Budget $200k–$400k for a 1,000–1,500 sf build-out; line up SBA 7(a)/504 financing and utility rebates via NHSaves for Energy Star espresso machines, brewers, and HVAC. Register for unemployment insurance (NHES), carry workers’ comp, designate a Certified Food Protection Manager, and set a tip policy. Prioritize drive‑thru or curbside for snow season, negotiate snow removal/CAM in the lease, and launch with a soft opening and an optimized Google Business Profile.
