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Start a restaurant in Texas

Typically $100,000 to $750,000 to start, from lean to comfortable. It usually takes full-time hours from the start.

Start on Allpage

Licenses and permits in Texas

Information, not legal advice

This is general information to help you research, not legal advice. Requirements change and vary by location, so confirm with each issuing authority. Allpage doesn’t guarantee it’s complete or that your business is compliant.

Here’s what businesses like yours in Texas typically need. Requirements change, so confirm each one with the agency that issues it.

Local requirements not covered yet

This is what applies across Texas. Cities and counties often have their own permits too, so check with yours.

State: TX

Assumed name (DBA) for an LLC or corporation

LLCs and corporations in Texas that do business under a name other than their legal name typically file an assumed name certificate with the Secretary of State. Sole proprietors file with their county clerk instead.

Why it may apply: you do business in Texas.
Renews
Check with the agency
Last checked
Sep 30, 2026
Typical steps
  1. File Form 503 with the Secretary of State
  2. Pick a term of up to 10 years
Certified food manager

Food businesses in Texas typically have at least one person in charge of food prep who holds a certified food protection manager certificate.

Why it may apply: you sell food.
Renews
Check with the agency
Last checked
Sep 30, 2026
Typical steps
  1. Pass an approved food manager exam through a training or exam provider
  2. Post the certificate where customers can see it
Food handler training

People who work with food in Texas typically complete an accredited food handler course within 30 days of starting. Cottage food operators take it too.

Why it may apply: you sell food.
Renews
Every 2 years
Last checked
Sep 30, 2026
Typical steps
  1. Take an accredited food handler course, online or in person
  2. Finish it within 30 days of starting
  3. Keep each person’s card or certificate on file
Franchise tax report

LLCs, corporations and other taxable entities formed or doing business in Texas typically file a franchise tax report every year by May 15. Below the no-tax-due threshold they file an information report instead. Sole proprietors typically don’t file one.

Why it may apply: you do business in Texas.
Renews
Every year
Last checked
Sep 30, 2026
Typical steps
  1. File the yearly report by May 15
  2. File through Webfile or approved tax software
  3. Below the threshold, file the Public Information Report or Ownership Report
Sales and use tax permit

Businesses in Texas that sell or lease taxable items, or sell taxable services, typically get a sales and use tax permit from the Texas Comptroller before they start selling.

Why it may apply: you sell products or taxable items.
Renews
Check with the agency
Last checked
Sep 30, 2026
Typical steps
  1. Apply online through the Comptroller’s eSystems
  2. Have your SSN or EIN and your NAICS code ready
  3. Allow about 2 to 3 weeks for it to be processed

Federal

Terms and consent for automatic renewalsAllpage covers this

Businesses that charge customers on a renewing plan online typically show all the terms clearly and get the customer’s express consent before charging, under the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act.

Allpage shows renewal terms before checkout, sends reminders and lets customers cancel online.

Why it may apply: it applies to most US businesses.
Renews
Once
Last checked
Sep 30, 2026

What it takes

To start
Typically $100,000 to $750,000 to start, from lean to comfortable.
Time
It usually takes full-time hours from the start.
License to practice
The work itself usually doesn’t need a state license, though you may still need to register the business and get local permits.
How it charges
Per dish, from a menu.
  • A commercial space and kitchen
  • Food service and health permits, and a liquor license to serve alcohol
  • Staff, equipment and money to run the first months

What goes wrong early

  • High startup costs and long leases
  • Thin margins and staffing
  • Health inspections and permits before opening

Steps to start

  1. Check the licenses and permits. Businesses like it in Texas typically need: Terms and consent for automatic renewals; Assumed name (DBA) for an LLC or corporation; Certified food manager; Food handler training; Franchise tax report; Sales and use tax permit. This is what applies across Texas. Cities and counties often have their own permits too, so check with yours. Requirements change, so confirm each one with the agency that issues it. This isn’t legal advice.
  2. Get what you need to start. A commercial space and kitchen. Food service and health permits, and a liquor license to serve alcohol. Staff, equipment and money to run the first months. Typically $100,000 to $750,000 to start, from lean to comfortable.
  3. Set your prices. Per dish, from a menu.
  4. Set up your website and bookings. Answer a few questions and Allpage drafts your website (your menu, table reservations and a walk-in waitlist) and turns on booking reminders. You approve anything that matters.

What Allpage sets up

Answer a few questions and Allpage drafts your website (your menu, table reservations and a walk-in waitlist) and turns on booking reminders. You approve anything that matters.

  • Booking reminders. Reminds each customer before every session they’re booked into, including each one of a series.

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a restaurant?

Typically $100,000 to $750,000 to start, from lean to comfortable. Costs vary by place, so check prices where you are.

Can I start a restaurant part-time?

It usually takes full-time hours from the start.

What licenses does a restaurant need in Texas?

Businesses like it in Texas typically need: Terms and consent for automatic renewals; Assumed name (DBA) for an LLC or corporation; Certified food manager; Food handler training; Franchise tax report; Sales and use tax permit. This is what applies across Texas. Cities and counties often have their own permits too, so check with yours. Requirements change, so confirm each one with the agency that issues it. This isn’t legal advice.

How do businesses like it usually charge?

Per dish, from a menu.

What goes wrong early?

High startup costs and long leases. Thin margins and staffing. Health inspections and permits before opening.

How does Allpage help?

Answer a few questions and Allpage drafts your website (your menu, table reservations and a walk-in waitlist) and turns on booking reminders. You approve anything that matters.