How to open a restaurant or café in Washington, DC
Seven stages from idea to opening day, in the order most owners work through them, with links to the agencies involved.
Concept and numbers
Test the idea and the budget before you commit.
Draft your startup budget and break-even
Use your own numbers to see how much you need and what sales cover your costs. Revisit it as quotes come in.
Look at opening activity in your ZIP code
See how much opening activity OpeningIQ tracks near your idea. It is a starting point, not a measure of demand.
Check your name against other new restaurants
See similar names among new DC restaurants and cafés. This is not a trademark search or legal clearance.
Business setup
Register the business and its taxes.
Register your business entity
Corporations, LLCs and similar entities register with DLCP’s Corporations Division through CorpOnline before applying for licenses. Entities that file also need a registered agent with a DC street address.
If you’ll use a trade name, register it
A trade name used in DC must be registered with the Corporations Division, and it can’t match an active entity or trade name.
Get a federal EIN if you need one
An EIN is generally needed to hire employees, operate as a corporation or partnership, or pay sales taxes. It is free from the IRS; be wary of sites that charge for one.
Register for DC taxes
New businesses register with the Office of Tax and Revenue by filing form FR-500 on MyTax.DC.gov. DLCP’s restaurant checklist also lists Clean Hands certification; confirm how to get it for your business.
Your site
Find a location that can be used as a restaurant.
Confirm your address can be used as a restaurant
A certificate of occupancy shows a use meets zoning and building codes, and is needed for most new tenants and changes of use. Ask DOB about your address before you commit to it.
Review your lease or ownership papers
DOB asks for a signed lease, deed or owner’s permission letter with the certificate of occupancy application. Consider having a professional review the terms; OpeningIQ can’t give legal advice.
Plans, permits and build-out
Get the approvals to build out and prepare the space.
If you’re building out, get a building permit
New construction or a major renovation of a food establishment requires a building permit, applied for through DOB, with plans submitted through ProjectDox. Skip this step if you aren’t renovating.
Complete DC Health plan review and inspection
For new construction or a major renovation, DC Health reviews a guidance packet submitted with your plans. DLCP asks for your approved DC Health inspection report when you apply; confirm your inspection steps with DC Health.
Get a Certified Food Protection Manager certificate
A certified manager must be present during all hours of operation. DC Health lists the exam organizations it accepts, and DLCP’s checklist asks for your Food Manager’s Certificate.
Apply for your certificate of occupancy
Apply online through Certifi. DOB says review typically takes about seven business days. Eating establishments also submit a questionnaire and menu, plus your lease or owner’s letter.
If you want outdoor seating on public space
Sidewalk cafés on public space have their own permit process with DDOT, and DOB issues a certificate of use for them. Skip this if you won’t have outdoor seating.
If you’ll put up an exterior sign
Ask DOB whether your sign needs a permit before you order it.
Licenses
Apply for the licenses that let you open.
Choose your license category
DLCP issues separate food-service licenses, including restaurant, bakery, caterer and delicatessen. Select only the category your business has been approved for.
Apply for your DC business license
Apply online through BOSS. DLCP asks you to reference your certificate of occupancy and approved DC Health inspection report, and may request more documents.
Apply for an alcohol license
ABCA’s application lists documents such as your lease, Clean Hands certificate, business license and zoning certificate. New retail licenses require public notice placards posted for 45 days, and the Board approves each application. Confirm timing with ABCA.
Register with TTB before you sell alcohol
Businesses that sell alcohol must register with the federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau before they start, for each location, and keep records of the alcohol they buy.
Get ready to open
Cover people, insurance and suppliers.
If you’ll hire, register as an employer
DOES handles unemployment insurance tax for employers and administers workers’ compensation for private-sector employees. Ask DOES which registrations apply to you.
Arrange business insurance
Ask an insurance broker what coverage your lease, lender and licenses call for. This is an OpeningIQ suggestion, not an agency requirement.
Line up equipment, POS and food suppliers
Get quotes early and compare delivery, payment and support terms. Your budget should guide the choices.
Check every approval is in hand
Gather your license, certificate of occupancy, DC Health approval and manager certificate in one place, and confirm each matches your address and business name.
Open and stay current
Keep approvals and inspections on track.
Keep approvals and inspections current
A certified food protection manager must be present during all hours of operation, and DC Health inspects food establishments. DLCP licenses run two or four years, so put your renewal date on your calendar.
Track these steps in a free private plan
Save your progress, notes and target dates, and see your next step at a glance. Your plan stays private and is never shared with suppliers.