How do you start a food business in washington

Step 1

Obtain a permit from your county’s Public Health Department to run a food business by submitting a food service plan and commissary agreement.  We help you with the information you need to fill out your forms that pertain to the use of the kitchen and provide you with your Kitchen Use Agreement.  Here is a link to Pierce County Health Department Food Establishment Food Review Process.

Here are links to the Pierce Counties main page regarding opening or operating a food business and the USDA Food Processor License and Facility.

Here is a link on how to obtain a Washington Business License.

Attend a food worker permit class, as should each of your employees. The classes typically last 90 minutes and can be completed online.

Step 2

Promote your catering business by joining a network such as the National Association for Catering and Event, launching a blog or website containing information about your menu and pricing and becoming a vendor at Washington event expos such as The Seattle Wedding Show, Brides Club or South Sound Wedding Shows.

Step 3

Purchase the catering equipment you’ll need, including chaffing dishes, serving ware and sanitation supplies.  Some great local supply stores are; Smart Food Service, Restaurant Depot and Costco Business.

Step 4

There are additional potential risks of a catering business that go beyond the standard, general business risks. Your insurance coverage needs to provide for all of these risks, which can include things such as employees slipping and falling while serving food to guests, transportation accidents, and people getting ill from eating the food you or your employees have prepared. Ideally, your insurance should cover every possible eventuality. If you can, find an insurance agent or broker who has experience dealing with clients in the commercial food production industry; he or she should have a good idea of the coverage you will need. Another good source of insurance information? Check with experienced catering companies in your area to see what types of coverage they have.  We recommend Brittany Wagner at Bob Wagner Insurance.