To start a coffee shop in West Virginia, line up location and permits in this order: confirm zoning and parking with city/county, then submit a plan review to your health department for a Food Establishment Permit with scaled floor plan, NSF/UL equipment list, plumbing/ventilation, handwash and 3-compartment sinks, and a grease interceptor if food is cooked. Register your entity with the West Virginia Secretary of State (One Stop Business Portal), get an EIN, and file the Combined Registration Application on mytaxes.wvtax.gov for sales tax (6% plus 1% municipal add-on), withholding, and B&O/local licenses where applicable. Build-out to code: GFCI outlets, 220V for espresso boilers, backflow preventer on water lines, water filtration sized for hardness to protect boilers, ADA-compliant counters and restrooms, and fire/life safety inspections before occupancy. Hire by setting up workers’ comp, unemployment with WorkForce WV, and reporting new hires; train staff to hold milk ≤41°F, sanitize at proper ppm, and log temps. Decide drive-thru vs. walk-up—drive-thru may require a WVDOH encroachment/curb-cut permit on state roads. Add POS with tip management, loyalty, and gift cards; if offering beer/wine, secure ABCA licensing. Validate demand near WVU, Marshall, hospitals, or commuter corridors, and leverage WV SBDC for projections and lender-ready financials.
