Licenses and permits to open a milk tea shop in Minneapolis
A tea shop that makes drinks to order is a food service business, so the health permit and food safety training apply even with no kitchen. Here are the 6 filings, in the order they're made.
Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Internal Revenue ServiceUS federal
Owners with an SSN or ITIN apply online. A company whose responsible party has neither (most China-based owners) faxes or mails Form SS-4, or calls the IRS international line.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Paper form, faxed or mailed
- Takes
- Fax: about 4 business days. Mail: about 4 to 5 weeks. Phone: issued on the call.
Minnesota tax ID and sales tax registration
Minnesota Department of RevenueMN
Before any taxable sale, get a Minnesota Tax ID and a sales and use tax account in e-Services, or by phone at 651-282-5225.
- Fee
- Varies
- Filed
- Filed online
Minnesota certified food protection manager
Minnesota Department of HealthMN
Food establishments, unless exempt, employ a Minnesota CFPM and display the certificate. Pass an approved course and exam, then apply online within six months of the exam. A newly opening place may start with someone who passed within the last six months, who then has 60 days to get certified.
- Fee
- Varies
- Filed
- Filed online
- Renews
- Every 3 years, with 4 hours of approved continuing education.
Unemployment insurance employer registration
Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program (DEED)MN
Every employer paying covered wages in Minnesota registers in Employer Self-Service, online or by phone, as soon as possible after the first wages and before the first quarterly wage detail report is due.
- Fee
- Varies
- Filed
- Filed online
Food plan review
City of Minneapolis, Development ReviewMinneapolis
The city approves the plans before any work on a new food business, a remodel or expansion, equipment that needs gas, mechanical or plumbing permits, or ventless cooking. Email the application to Development@minneapolismn.gov, upload the documents through the ProjectDox link you get back, and a plan reviewer visits the site.
- Fee
- Varies
- Filed
- Paper form, mailed
Minneapolis restaurant license
City of Minneapolis, Business Licenses, with Environmental HealthMinneapolis
Needed for food or drinks made for dining in, carryout or delivery: a restaurant license with 13 or more seats, a food manufacturer license with 12 or fewer (one application covers both). Apply at least four weeks before opening, after the plans are approved.
- Fee
- Varies
- Filed
- Filed online
- Takes
- Apply at least four weeks before opening.
More on opening in Minneapolis
Questions people ask
Other businesses in Minneapolis
Agency requirements change. Check each agency's page before you file.
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Get the plan for your milk tea shop in Minneapolis
This guide covers the city. Your exact address decides the county, the health district and the zoning. Placetta maps every filing for it, fills the official forms from your details, adds the deadlines and puts them up for your approval.
- The full list for your address, in filing order
- The official forms, filled line by line
- Renewal and inspection reminders