Restaurants

We list license applications for restaurants and coffee shops.

Definition

A restaurant prepares food and beverages to customers for on-site dining, carryout or delivery. 

Restaurants have 13 or more seats.
Small restaurants have 12 or fewer seats. This is a food manufacturer license.

Types of businesses:  

Coffee shops
Delicatessens
Fast food restaurants
Sit-down restaurants

If you serve liquor, wine or beer, you must have an alcohol license. You will not need to fill out a restaurant application if you are serving alcohol.

Learn more about alcohol licenses

Before you begin

Look at our information about: 

Requirements

Restaurants must:

Follow State and City regulations:
- See Minnesota Food Code
- See Minneapolis Food Code
Record some employee illnesses:
- Read about employee illness
- See Sick and Safe Time resources for food businesses

Food safety

You are responsible for food safety. This includes control of food from preparation to serving customers.

See City and State food safety resources:

Application

Restaurants in Minneapolis must be licensed. This application includes the restaurant and food manufacturer license.

See Restaurant Application

Fee

Find your license fee

Submit your application 

Submit your application to Business Licenses & Consumer Services

If you have questions, contact:

Food plan review

You must submit plans to:

Open a new food or alcohol business, including:
- Food carts
- Food kiosks
- Food trucks
Remodel or expand an existing food or alcohol business
Replace food equipment that needs any of these permits for installation:
- Gas
- Mechanical
- Plumbing
Add ventless cooking equipment or ventless hoods