STEP-BY-STEP
Open a catering business
Get permits to provide food and drink services at public or private events.
Food Safety1
1
Set up your business
Follow the step by step guide to setting up your business to get your San Francisco Business Registration Certificate, establish your business name, etc. You will also need a CA Seller's Permit.
- Important: Your Business Registration address must be the address of the catering facility/commissary you are working out of and it must match the address on your SF DPH application address.
- If you register your business before choosing a final location, you will have to update your registration with the new address. This can cost money and time.
- The Catering Health Permit is location specific and cannot be transferred to another kitchen without submitting a new application and obtaining approval from SF DPH. An application fee will apply.
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2
Find a kitchen or commissary
You will need a kitchen or commissary to prepare and store food and equipment.
- Find a location from the City's kitchen and commissary list.
- If your kitchen is not on the city's list, fill out a zoning referral form to include with your catering application.
- The kitchen or commissary owner must complete a form to verify that you can use their space
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3
Get your food safety certifications and plan for food safety
Get your food safety certification online after taking a course and test.
- At least 1 person has to be certified as a food safety manager.
- Almost all others who work with food should get a food handler card.
Review food handling requirements
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4
Make an operating plan
A written operational plan and menu must be submitted with your application for a health permit. The plan must include:
- Your business name, address of the catering facility or approved kitchen, business telephone number, and days and hours of operation.
- Detailed food safety procedures for your operation.
- A copy of your catering menu
- A floorplan of your kitchen or commissary showing equipment, sinks, and storage
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5
Apply for a catering permit
Note: if you change kitchens or commissaries, you need to reapply for a catering permit.
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Operating tips
- Use containers that are compostable or recyclable if you serve takeout or allow customers to take food home. The SF Mandatory Recycling and Composting Ordinance prohibits certain food service ware, like Styrofoam containers. Learn more about San Francisco's Zero Waste program.
- Bring a copy of the approved prepared Food Safety Certificate to all events. You must be able to provide this when asked.