philadelphia food business plan review

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Instructions and applications for food business plan review

An important step in getting your stationary food business or mobile food business off the ground is getting a plan review. Use the applications and regulations below to apply for a plan review of your food business.

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Starting a food business in Philadelphia?

Here is a guide on food safety, licensing and permits in the City of Philadelphia for restaurant owners, caterers, event planners, and food truck operators.

Stationary vs. non-stationary food businesses

The City has two classifications of food industry businesses: stationary and non-stationary . A stationary or permanent food business designation includes a sit-down restaurant, grocery store, bar or food franchise business. A non-stationary food business designation includes a mobile food truck or food stand, or any moveable structure.

 Instructions for “ stationary” food operations

• First, refer to the city’s comprehensive guide for opening a stationary food business
• Inquire about a zoning permit – which is required to utilize any building as a restaurant
• A Building permit , which is different from a zoning permit, is required to build a new restaurant  
• Food Safety Certifications
• ​​ Serv Safe Certification Program
•  ​ Restaurant Plan Approval   
• Electrical and Plumbing Permits must be acquired
• Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy
• All Philadelphia businesses require a commercial activity license through the Office of Licenses and Inspections
• Finally, obtain   Food Liability Insurance

Instructions for “ non-stationary” food operations

• Refer to the City’s Comprehensive Guide for opening a non-stationary food operation  
• Obtain a non-stationary location license
• Complete Food Safety Certifications
• Serv Safe Certification Program
• Apply for a Plan Review for mobile food operation  
• Obtain  Food Liability Insurance

Event Planners and Organizers

Special Events require different approval processes. If you are an event planner/organizer and intend to serve food and beverages at your events – refer to the City’s guide for events.

If you want to serve food or drinks at no more than three special events per year, you need to submit the temporary special event permit application . Each special event requires a separate special event permit.

If you want to serve food or drinks at four or more special events per year, you need to submit the    permanent special event permit application . A permanent special event permit is good for one year.

Certified Commercial Kitchens

If you are seeking a food preparation space for mobile or event operations, it must be prepared in a certified commercial kitchen space.

A certified kitchen is a shared use space that is commercially-licensed for chefs, bakers, caterers, food trucks, and other culinary professionals. You typically pay for a membership, or by the hour in order to rent out cooking space alongside other food entrepreneurs. You also get to share resources like cold storage, equipment, and cleaning supplies.

Local commercial kitchens for rent:

• The Enterprise Center  – Center for Culinary Enterprises
• Bridesburg Commissary 
• Liberty Kitchen Commissary
• Delco Shared Kitchen
• The Kitchen Door

Professional Associations

• Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association
• National Food Truck Association   
• Philadelphia Mobile Food Association 

Social Media and Food Marketing Resources

• Philly Bite
• Eater Philly
• Philly Grub
• Philly Food Tours
• Center City District Eat and Drink 
• Visit Philly
• Discover Philadelphia

Other Food-Related Resources

• Philadelphia Food Policy and Advisory Council
• Philadelphia Magazine
• Philly Voice
• Natural Products Expo East 2021
• Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia
• Kitchen Table Consultants
• Greener Partners
• Philadelphia Good Food Caterer Guide

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