FAQs • Shelby County, TN • CivicEngage

Where Can I Find More Information On Food Service Operations?

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Health, Food Inspection Program

1. What Do I Do If I Want To Open A New Restaurant, Grocery Store Or Other Food Outlet?: If you are interested in starting a business that will provide food to the public, you should FIRST contact the Shelby County Health Department, Food Inspection Program for assistance. Office hours are 8:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Monday through Friday, except for County holidays. Our office can provide you with a copy of State regulations governing all food establishments and information on how to get started.

2. What Should I Do, If I Want To Purchase An Existing Restaurant, Grocery Store Or Other Food Outlet?: If you are interested in purchasing an existing food outlet of any type, you should contact our office. We may be able to conduct a courtesy inspection and inform you of any changes or remodeling which may be required to bring the facility up to current standards. Upon change-of-ownership or extensive remodeling, all facilities must be brought into compliance with current codes. There is no “grandfathering.”

3. How Much Does It Cost For A Food Service Permit?: The fees for restaurants are established by State laws. The fee is based on the seating capacity of the facility. The fee for an establishment with 50 or less seats is $210 per year. The fee for an establishment with 51 seats or more is $360 per year. The permit year starts on July 1st and ends on June 30th the following year.
FEES ARE ESTABLISHED BY STATE AND LOCAL STATUES FOR RETAIL GROCERY STORES, MEAT MARKETS, ETC. FEES RANGE FROM $57.50 TO $622.50 AND ARE BASED ON THE SQUARE FOOTAGE OF THE ESTABLISHMENT.

4. How Do I Obtain A Permit To Operate A Food Facility?: Permits for all food facilities are issued and approved by the Shelby County Health Department. Contact the Health Department, Food Inspection Program, for information on obtaining a food permit and approval for the particular type of facility you plan to operate.