To start your coffee brand in Chicago, pick your operating model first—private label via a local roaster, toll-roast in a shared kitchen, or build your own roastery-café—because that choice drives licensing. Form an Illinois LLC, get an EIN, and register with the Illinois Department of Revenue in MyTax Illinois for sales tax; brewed coffee is taxed at Chicago’s combined rate and may trigger Restaurant Tax, while packaged beans are at the reduced grocery rate. For production, use a Chicago-licensed shared kitchen (Shared Kitchen User license) or lease zoned space, then complete CDPH plan review and BACP licensing (Retail Food for cafés; Wholesale Food for packaged-only; Mobile Food Dispenser for carts/trucks). If you roast, verify air/emissions requirements with CDPH Environmental Permitting and Illinois EPA; larger roasters need air permits and afterburners. Manufacturing or importing requires FDA facility registration; if importing green coffee, source from an FSVP-compliant importer. Build a HACCP-style sanitation program, keep lot codes, and carry product liability insurance. Label retail bags with statement of identity, net weight in dual units, business name/address, and ingredients; Nutrition Facts are often exempt for plain coffee—confirm under 21 CFR 101.9(j). Launch via wholesale to cafés, e-commerce, and neighborhood pop-ups; price to 60–70% margins.
