How to Start a Restaurant or Café in Queensland – When starting any new business or taking over an existing one, it is crucial to research the industry and the market to follow all of the steps needed to succeed.
When the business involves food – either preparing or selling – the steps can be more involved because food safety and hygiene are an added complexity.
One of the ways that the Government regulates food safety and hygiene practices for food businesses is to require compliance with a strict set of regulations and guidelines. The purpose of this is to ensure your restaurant or café operates in a safe way for customers and serves fresh and high-quality products.
Compliance is checked and maintained annually for businesses with food licences, keeping the industry accountable and safe.
Fixed Premise Food Business Licence Requirements
Under the Food Act 2006, most food businesses in Queensland will require a food business licence to operate. The location of your business and the kinds of products you sell will also determine additional licencing requirements that may be required by your local council and possibly your State Government.
Also, the licencing requirements may differ depending on if you’re taking over an existing business or starting a new one.
If you start a restaurant or café in Queensland, your licence will be categorised as a “Fixed Premise Food Business Licence”.
It’s All in the Planning
The old saying goes, “Fail to plan, and you plan to fail”. Nowhere is this saying more appropriate than when starting a food business.
The great part about this, though, is that the preparation of your food business licence application covers much of the planning required to get all aspects of your business up and running. Ticking all the boxes will ensure that you are not only compliant but that your business has a great foundation.
Your application for a food business licence will need to address such things as:
- Workflow and daily operations
- Menu planning and stock control
- Staff hygiene
- Food safety practices
- Cleaning and maintenance procedures
- Safe food storage
- Design of your business floor plan – for staff and food safety
- Use of appropriate equipment, lighting and fixtures
If this all sounds very complex, fear not, Food Agent Australia is here to simplify the process for you.
The Process of Applying for a Fixed Premise Food Business Licence
Food Agent is your best friend when starting a restaurant or café! We have developed a simple eight-step process to guide you towards becoming successfully licenced and maintaining compliance.
1. Consultation & proposal
2. RFI schedule (request for information)
3. Complete other works/services within the proposal, including compliance audit, design requirements, Food safety program & record-keeping documents, food safety program accreditation and external auditing, food safety supervisor course, sourcing of appropriate commercial equipment, engineering requirements etc.
4. Submit applications and relevant documentation/evidence to relevant authorities
5. Communication with the council (on your behalf) and other authorities during the application assessment.
6. Preparation for inspections and attending inspections upon request.
7. Final inspection with the council and relevant authorities.
8. Approvals/licenses received, and you can start trade.
Learn more about the Food Agent Australia process of applying for a food business licence here.
Food Agent Australia Gets Your Restaurant or Cafe Off to its Possible Best Start
By now, you probably realise that the best way to start a restaurant or café in Queensland is with just one phone call to Food Agent Australia. Reach out today, and our team will formulate a plan that will result in empty plates and happy customers in no time.
