Legal Question in Business Law in New York

Re: How do I start a food business in NY?

You will need to 1) incorporate or form some other type of business entity to shield your personal assets from potential attack, 2) determine what type of food service license the state requires for such an undertaking, 3) on a county-by-county basis, determine if you need food service licenses to operate in such county(ies) and 4) if you wish to sell alcohol (beer sounds good with BBQ!) you will need an ABC license from NYS. You will also need to ensure that, regardless of what type of form you use to create the company (inc., LLC, etc) that you maintain the niceties of such form to ensure its continued protection of your personal assets.

You would most likely want an attorney to guide you through the set-up phase and to advise you on the steps to take on an annual basis to maintain your form and licenses.

Re: How do I start a food business in NY?

I would agree with Mr. Friedman. First thing you need is to get yourself a lawyer who deals with corporations and have yourself incorporated. From there you can use the lawyer to guide you through the regulatory maze. Best of luck!