FOOD SERVICE BUSINESS

Starting a food service business may appeal to many entrepreneurs as an easy way to use their culinary talents to make money. The range of opportunities covers everything from simple home-produced food, called “cottage foods”, to a full-scale restaurant. The frustration develops when one begins to navigate the numerous regulations that govern the food service business at all levels. Every state has its own set of rules and governing authorities overseeing the production and sale of food. Typically, the two main state government bodies are the health department and the agriculture department. Occasionally these departmental rules overlap and sometimes they are in conflict, but, none-the-less, the entrepreneur must navigate through them. We often have individuals who want to prepare meals in their homes (Cottage Foods) and sell to the public. In many states this has some restrictions because the state’s health department requires a separate kitchen facility that meets its standards of equipment and cleanliness. But some foods, such as baked goods, candies and jams can be produced in the home kitchen, providing it meets certain standards and is governed by the state’s agriculture department. Each state has specific guidelines and rules, so check your state’s regulations before you develop your business model.