How to Get a Food Service License in Atlanta, Georgia: A Step‑by‑Step Guide

If you plan to serve or sell food in Atlanta, Georgia, you’ll almost always need some form of food service license or permit. Whether it’s a restaurant on Peachtree Street, a food truck in Midtown, or a coffee shop near Georgia Tech, you must be approved by local and state agencies before you open.

This guide walks through how food service licensing works in Atlanta, who you contact, what permits you need, and what to expect along the way.

Who Regulates Food Service in Atlanta?

In Atlanta, food businesses usually interact with two main levels of government:

1. Fulton County Board of Health

   • Handles most restaurant and food service permits in the City of Atlanta (for locations in Fulton County).
   • Office commonly referenced:
     • Fulton County Board of Health – Environmental Health Division
       10 Park Place South SE
       Atlanta, GA 30303
       Main line: often listed via county information services.

2. Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH)

   • Oversees state food safety rules that Fulton County enforces.
   • Issues Food Service Rules and Regulations that inspectors follow.

Depending on your exact location and type of business, you may also deal with:

• City of Atlanta (for business licenses/occupational tax certificates and zoning)
• Georgia Department of Agriculture (for certain food manufacturers, bottlers, and wholesale operations)
• Georgia Department of Revenue / City alcohol licensing (if you serve beer, wine, or liquor)

Do You Need a Food Service License in Atlanta?

You typically need a food service permit if you:

• Run a restaurant, café, bar, or bakery
• Operate a food truck or mobile food unit
• Serve food in a hotel, school, daycare, or healthcare facility
• Manage a caterer, concession stand, or commissary kitchen
• Offer buffets, salad bars, or self‑service food areas

You may not need a traditional restaurant food service permit if you’re:

• A prepackaged food seller only, with sealed items from approved sources and no on‑site preparation
• Operating a cottage food business (under state cottage food laws) from your home, often permitted through the Georgia Department of Agriculture
• A temporary or special event vendor, which usually requires a separate temporary food service permit rather than a year‑round one

If you’re unsure where you fall, it’s common practice in Atlanta to call the Fulton County Environmental Health office before you sign a lease or buy equipment. They can help you determine the correct category.

Key Licenses and Permits for Food Businesses in Atlanta

Most food businesses in Atlanta will need a combination of local and state approvals. Here are the main ones:

1. Fulton County Food Service Permit

This is usually what people mean by “food service license” in Atlanta.

You’ll typically need this if you:

• Prepare, store, or serve open food to the public
• Operate at a fixed location, like a restaurant or café
• Run a mobile food unit or food truck based in or operating in Fulton County

What it covers:

• Food preparation, storage, and handling
• Employee hygiene
• Facility layout (sinks, refrigeration, equipment)
• Cleaning, sanitizing, and pest control
• Temperature control for hot and cold foods

2. City of Atlanta Business License (Occupational Tax Certificate)

Even with a health permit, you also need a business license from the City of Atlanta if you operate within city limits.

This involves:

• Registering your business name and structure
• Paying an occupational tax based on business type and revenue
• Confirming zoning allows a restaurant or food operation at your location

Common point of contact:

• City of Atlanta – Office of Revenue
  City Hall, 55 Trinity Ave SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Frequently accessed via city information or revenue division phone lines.

3. Building, Fire, and Zoning Approvals

If you’re building out a new space or renovating, expect to interact with:

• Office of Buildings (City of Atlanta) for building permits and plan review
• Atlanta Fire Rescue Department – Fire Marshal’s Office for fire safety, hoods, and suppression systems
• Zoning enforcement to confirm your use (restaurant, bakery, etc.) is allowed on that property

These approvals often come before or in parallel with your food service permit.

4. Alcohol License (If Serving Beer, Wine, or Liquor)

If your Atlanta restaurant or bar will serve alcohol, you’ll need:

• A city alcohol license from the City of Atlanta
• State alcohol licensing through the Georgia Department of Revenue

These processes are detailed and usually include background checks, public notice, and hearings.

5. State-Level Licenses for Special Operations

Some food operations in Atlanta must work with the Georgia Department of Agriculture, especially if you:

• Manufacture or process food for wholesale
• Package foods for retail distribution
• Operate certain types of warehouses or bottling plants

Step‑by‑Step: How to Get a Food Service Permit in Atlanta

While specific details can vary depending on your concept, this is the typical sequence for a new restaurant or similar food business in Atlanta/Fulton County.

Step 1: Clarify Your Concept and Location

Before contacting agencies, be prepared to describe:

• Type of business (quick‑service restaurant, full‑service, bakery, bar, food truck, caterer, etc.)
• Menu (hot foods, raw meats, sushi, baked goods, grab‑and‑go, etc.)
• Location (Atlanta neighborhood, address, shared kitchen, or mobile)

This helps officials direct you to the correct permits and rules.

Step 2: Check Zoning and Building Requirements

Before signing a long‑term lease, many Atlanta operators:

• Confirm with the City of Atlanta’s zoning division that a food service use is allowed
• Ask if the building is already set up for restaurant use (ventilation, grease trap, parking requirements, etc.)

If you’re making changes to the space:

• You may need architectural plans and building permits.
• The layout often must meet both building code and health code requirements.

Step 3: Contact Fulton County Environmental Health

Reach out to the Fulton County Board of Health – Environmental Health Division for:

• Application forms for a food service permit
• Instructions for plan review
• Local requirements for your type of operation (e.g., food truck, caterer, school, etc.)

You’ll usually be asked to submit:

• Completed application form
• Menu (final or close to final)
• Scaled floor plan of the kitchen and food areas showing:
  • Cooking equipment
  • Refrigeration and freezers
  • Handwashing sinks
  • Dishwashing area and mop sink
  • Dry storage
  • Customer service areas (like buffets or self‑service stations)
• Equipment list (with make/model for major items)
• Plan review fee (amount depends on size/type)

Step 4: Plan Review and Corrections

The Environmental Health staff will review your plans to:

• Verify food flow from delivery to service is safe
• Confirm handwashing sinks are conveniently located
• Check refrigeration capacity and hot‑holding equipment
• Confirm dishwashing and sanitizing processes
• Verify proper restrooms and waste handling

You might receive a correction list asking for:

• An added hand sink
• Different materials (e.g., non‑absorbent flooring)
• Layout changes to keep raw and ready‑to‑eat food separate

You must address these corrections and resubmit if requested.

Step 5: Build‑Out and Equipment Installation

After plan approval and any required city building permits, you:

• Build or remodel the space
• Install all approved equipment
• Set up your storage, prep, dishwashing, and service areas

It’s typical in Atlanta to schedule your final health inspection once the space is complete, clean, and fully equipped, but before you open to the public.

Step 6: Pre‑Opening Inspection

A health inspector from Fulton County will:

• Inspect all equipment and verify it’s installed and working
• Check hot and cold holding temperatures
• Confirm handwashing stations are stocked
• Review sanitizer solutions and test strips
• Evaluate food storage (off the floor, separated by type)
• Look at restrooms, walls, floors, and ceilings for cleanliness and proper materials

If everything passes:

• You’ll be approved for a food service permit
• You can post your inspection score and open

If there are problems, you may need a re‑inspection after making corrections.

Step 7: Get Your City of Atlanta Business License

In parallel with your health permitting, you’ll work with the City of Atlanta Office of Revenue to secure your:

• Business license/occupational tax certificate
• Any special permits (like sidewalk café, if applicable)

You’ll usually need:

• Your business entity documents (LLC, corporation, etc.)
• Federal EIN (Employer Identification Number)
• Lease or proof of right to occupy the space
• Sometimes your health permit approval for food service

Food Trucks, Pop‑Ups, and Mobile Food in Atlanta

Food trucks and mobile vendors are popular in Atlanta, especially around Midtown, Downtown, and events.

Key points:

• You typically need a mobile food service permit through the Fulton County Board of Health if you operate in that county.
• Your truck must often be associated with a commissary kitchen where you:
  • Store and prepare certain foods
  • Clean and refill water tanks
  • Dispose of waste properly
• The City of Atlanta may also require:
  • A business license
  • Approval for where and when you can operate (events, private property, or specific city programs)

For pop‑ups or temporary events (like festivals or farmers markets), organizers and vendors usually need temporary food service permits and must meet food safety standards similar to permanent locations.

Manager Certification and Employee Training

Atlanta food businesses operating under Georgia rules typically must have:

• At least one person in charge with food safety manager certification (often a nationally recognized exam)
• Proper on‑the‑job training for other employees on:
  • Handwashing
  • Avoiding cross‑contamination
  • Cooking and holding temperatures
  • Cleaning and sanitizing

Inspectors in Atlanta commonly ask to see proof of manager certification during inspections.

Health Inspections and Scores in Atlanta

Once licensed, your food service operation will be inspected regularly.

What Inspectors Look For

Common inspection points include:

• Food temperatures (hot and cold holding)
• Cooking and reheating practices
• Handwashing and glove use
• Cross‑contamination prevention
• Cleaning and sanitizing schedules
• Pest control and facility maintenance
• Labeling and date marking of prepared foods

You will receive a numeric score, often posted near the entrance where customers can see it.

How Often You’re Inspected

Frequency can depend on:

• The type of operation (high‑risk vs. low‑risk)
• Your past inspection results
• Any complaints or incidents

Good scores and quick corrections help keep visits more routine.

Simple Overview: Main Licenses for a Typical Atlanta Restaurant

Costs and Timelines

Exact costs and timelines vary, but in Atlanta it’s common for new operators to plan for:

• Application and plan review fees with Fulton County
• License and tax fees with the City of Atlanta
• Additional expenses for:
  • Architectural plans
  • Equipment upgrades to meet code
  • Fire suppression and hood systems

The full process can take several weeks to several months, depending on:

• How quickly you submit complete, accurate plans
• Construction timelines and inspections
• Availability of inspection appointments

Starting early, keeping documents organized, and responding quickly to correction requests can help keep your project moving.

Tips for a Smoother Food Service Licensing Process in Atlanta

• Contact agencies early
  ☑️ Reach out to Fulton County Environmental Health and the City of Atlanta before major leases or construction.

• Have a clear menu and concept
  Food safety requirements can shift based on what you serve (for example, raw seafood vs. baked goods).

• Use experienced professionals when needed
  Local architects, contractors, and consultants familiar with Atlanta codes can reduce surprises.

• Keep records handy
  Store copies of plans, permits, certifications, and inspection reports where staff can access them.

• Train your team from day one
  Good food safety habits early on make inspections easier and help maintain strong scores.

Understanding the food service licensing process in Atlanta, Georgia helps you avoid delays, budget more accurately, and open with confidence. If you’re unsure which permit you need, contacting the Fulton County Board of Health – Environmental Health Division and the City of Atlanta Office of Revenue is often the most direct way to get current, location‑specific guidance for your food business.