Buying a Restaurant

If you want to purchase a restaurant, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

Any new food service owner (permittee) must obtain his/her own permit. Permits do not transfer with the sale of an establishment between people or locations. The new owner must obtain a new permit from this office before legal operation.

Steps:
1. Complete a service request form. Service request forms are "work orders" for any service requested of the department.

2. Submit:

• A complete plan review application
• The restaurant menu

Important Information

• If you are building a new restaurant or remodeling an existing one, please see our information about building or remodeling a restaurant.
• Construction visits are conducted to evaluate your facility. Applicants request inspections by completing a service request form and by faxing it to 919-743-4772.
• This department may issue a permit when the facility complies with the NC Restaurant rules.

In addition to obtaining a food service permit, there are other important permits to consider, which include, but are not limited to, the following:

• The Wake County Prepared Food and Beverage Tax
• The Wake County Beer and Wine License
• Wake County Business Personal Property Taxes
• The Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission (ABC) 
• Your city or town's zoning, building inspections and public utilities.

Facility Plan Review Contacts