Who needs a retail food establishment license in Illinois?
Issued by Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, with a Chicago Department of Public Health inspection; elsewhere the county or city health department, at step 4 of 6 in the opening sequence: get the permits for your kind of business.
The health inspection comes before the license, so the kitchen has to be built to the Illinois Food Code first: hand sinks, a three-compartment sink, grease control, ventilation and finishes. Outside Chicago, find the county or city health department in IDPH’s directory and ask for its food establishment permit and plan review.
Checked Oct 17, 2026 against the agency’s page.
Step 4 of 6: Get the permits for your kind of business
1Set up the business
2Register for tax
3Approve the space
4Get the permits for your kind of business
5Alcohol permits
6Before the first hire
Issued by Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, with a Chicago Department of Public Health inspection; elsewhere the county or city health department.
Sources and dates
City of Chicago retail food establishment license page; IDPH local health department directory. Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.
Questions about opening here.
Yes. The health inspection comes before the license, so the kitchen has to be built to the Illinois Food Code first: hand sinks, a three-compartment sink, grease control, ventilation and finishes.
Yes. The health inspection comes before the license, so the kitchen has to be built to the Illinois Food Code first: hand sinks, a three-compartment sink, grease control, ventilation and finishes.
Yes. The health inspection comes before the license, so the kitchen has to be built to the Illinois Food Code first: hand sinks, a three-compartment sink, grease control, ventilation and finishes.
Yes. The health inspection comes before the license, so the kitchen has to be built to the Illinois Food Code first: hand sinks, a three-compartment sink, grease control, ventilation and finishes.
Yes. The health inspection comes before the license, so the kitchen has to be built to the Illinois Food Code first: hand sinks, a three-compartment sink, grease control, ventilation and finishes.
Yes. The health inspection comes before the license, so the kitchen has to be built to the Illinois Food Code first: hand sinks, a three-compartment sink, grease control, ventilation and finishes.
Yes. The health inspection comes before the license, so the kitchen has to be built to the Illinois Food Code first: hand sinks, a three-compartment sink, grease control, ventilation and finishes.
Yes. The health inspection comes before the license, so the kitchen has to be built to the Illinois Food Code first: hand sinks, a three-compartment sink, grease control, ventilation and finishes.
Yes. The health inspection comes before the license, so the kitchen has to be built to the Illinois Food Code first: hand sinks, a three-compartment sink, grease control, ventilation and finishes.
No. In Illinois it is listed for coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, pizza shops, bars, wine bars and 3 more.
No. In Illinois it is listed for coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, pizza shops, bars, wine bars and 3 more.
No. In Illinois it is listed for coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, pizza shops, bars, wine bars and 3 more.
No. In Illinois it is listed for coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, pizza shops, bars, wine bars and 3 more.
No. In Illinois it is listed for coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, pizza shops, bars, wine bars and 3 more.
No. In Illinois it is listed for coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, pizza shops, bars, wine bars and 3 more.
No. In Illinois it is listed for coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, pizza shops, bars, wine bars and 3 more.
No. In Illinois it is listed for coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, pizza shops, bars, wine bars and 3 more.
No. In Illinois it is listed for coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, pizza shops, bars, wine bars and 3 more.
No. In Illinois it is listed for coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, pizza shops, bars, wine bars and 3 more.
No. In Illinois it is listed for coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, pizza shops, bars, wine bars and 3 more.
Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, with a Chicago Department of Public Health inspection; elsewhere the county or city health department.
Step 4 of 6, get the permits for your kind of business. The steps before it: set up the business, register for tax and approve the space.
Who needs a retail food establishment license in Illinois?
