How to Legally Start a Food Business in Michigan: Your 2-Step License Guide

Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) and your local City Clerk’s office for the most accurate and up-to-date requirements.

If you plan to sell perishable foods (items requiring refrigeration, such as cooked meals, yogurt, curry, or fresh sweets) in Michigan, you must secure two distinct licenses: a State License and a City Business License.

Step 1: The State License (Food Establishment License)

This license is mandatory for selling cooked or perishable foods and is issued by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD). It ensures your food preparation methods meet state safety standards.

Key Requirements for MDARD Approval

1. Commercial Kitchen Requirement: You must operate out of an approved commercial kitchen. Home kitchens are generally not acceptable for a State Food Establishment License.

Kitchen Standards: The facility must include a separate handwashing sink, proper refrigeration, adequate storage, effective pest control, and rigorous sanitation systems.

2. Food Safety Certification: At least one person in your business must complete a recognized food safety course, such as the ServSafe Food Manager Certification, which requires passing a final exam.

3. Application and Fees: Submit your application through the MDARD website, along with the required fees (typically ranging from $186 to $575, depending on the type and complexity of your operation).

Inspection: After application, an MDARD inspector will visit your commercial kitchen to verify compliance with all state health and safety regulations.
Issuance: Once the inspection is successfully passed, your official State License will be issued.

Timeline: The process typically takes 4–8 weeks, but can be faster if your kitchen is fully prepared and there are no compliance issues.

Step 2: The City/Local License (e.g., City of Warren Business License)

Even with the State License, you must obtain a local business license from the city where you operate (e.g., Detroit, Grand Rapids, Sterling Heights, or Warren). This ensures your business complies with local zoning and safety codes.

Requirements for Local Approval

Business Registration: Register your business with the City Clerk's office.
Zoning Approval: You must obtain zoning approval. This verifies that your chosen location is legally approved for use as a food business/commercial space.
Fire Department Inspection: The Fire Department will conduct an inspection to ensure the kitchen and facility meet all local fire and safety codes.
Building Department Approval: If you are constructing a new facility or making significant structural changes, approval from the Building Department may also be necessary.

Crucial Point: Your food business cannot legally operate in that city without the City License, even if you hold a valid State License.

Summary of Licenses

License Type	Issuing Authority	Key Focus	Requirements Summary
State License	MDARD	Food Safety & Preparation Standards	Commercial Kitchen, Food Manager Certification, State Inspection
City License	Local City Clerk	Local Zoning & Public Safety	Business Registration, Zoning Approval, Fire/Building Inspection

By securing both the MDARD State License and the local City License, your food business will be fully compliant. This unlocks opportunities to run a restaurant, supply wholesale to stores, cater events, or offer online orders and home delivery.

Starting legally is the best foundation for scaling your food business safely and successfully.

Source Reference: Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) and City of Warren guidelines.