Catering Business Permit Requirements in Minneapolis, MN

Complete permit and license guide for starting a catering business in Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota.

$600 -- $1400 4–8 weeks 8 requirements

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .

Minneapolis / Hennepin County Requirements

3 requirements
1

Hennepin County Environmental Health Catering License

Hennepin County Environmental Health issues catering establishment licenses for businesses that prepare food off-site and transport it to events in Hennepin County. A licensed commissary kitchen is required — catering from a home kitchen is not permitted. Annual inspections and renewal are required, with fees based on the risk level of food operations.

$300–$450/year2–4 weeks
Official government source
2

City of Minneapolis Business License

The City of Minneapolis Department of Safety & Inspections (DSI) requires a business license for catering companies operating in Minneapolis. The license must be renewed annually.

$50–$150/year1–2 weeks
Official government source
3

Commissary Kitchen Agreement

Hennepin County requires caterers to operate from a licensed commissary kitchen for food preparation, storage, and equipment cleaning. A signed commissary agreement must be provided to Hennepin County Environmental Health as part of the licensing application.

$300–$800/month (commissary rental)Arranged before licensing
Official government source

Minnesota State Requirements

4 requirements
1

Minnesota Department of Agriculture Catering Establishment License

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) may require a catering establishment license for caterers operating across multiple counties or selling packaged food products. MDA licensing covers food safety compliance and includes a facility inspection.

$100–$300/year2–4 weeks
Official government source
2

Food Safety Manager Certification

Minnesota requires at least one certified food protection manager per catering establishment. The certification is obtained through an accredited exam (ServSafe or equivalent). All staff handling food must comply with Minnesota food handler training requirements.

$100–$200 (exam and certification)1–4 weeks
Official government source
3

Minnesota Secretary of State Business Registration

All formal business entities operating in Minnesota must register with the Minnesota Secretary of State. An LLC is strongly recommended for catering businesses due to liability exposure at events.

$155 (LLC filing fee)1–2 weeks
Official government source
4

Minnesota Department of Revenue Sales Tax License

Catering services in Minnesota are generally subject to sales tax. Caterers must register for a sales tax license with the Minnesota Department of Revenue and collect and remit applicable state and local sales taxes on taxable services.

Free1 week
Official government source

Federal Requirements

1 requirement
1

EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.

FreeImmediate (online)
Official government source

Official Sources

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