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Permits

Coffee and cart permits in Union County, NJ

Union County is a major New Jersey market for a new coffee business. Around 155 coffee and snack bars already operate here, alongside roughly 949 restaurants, so a solid base of demand with moderate competition. Below is who issues permits in Union County and the steps to open a coffee shop, cart, or trailer.

Local market in Union County, NJ

A broad read on the county around your shop, so you can size up demand before you commit.

County population579,290Major metroDense demand, more competition. 2024 estimate.
Median household income$100,03125% above the U.S. median household income, 2025 estimate.

These are county figures, so read them as a broad signal. Data from DataUSA (U.S. Census ACS and County Health Rankings).

Permit office

Union County Office of Health Management400 North Avenue East, Westfield, NJ 07090
908.518.5620

In NJ retail food permits for fixed locations are issued by each town's local health agency. Union County issues mobile and temporary food establishment permits, so contact your municipality's local health department for a storefront.

Source, last verified July 14, 2026

Statewide rules in New Jersey

In New Jersey, retail food establishments are licensed by the local municipal or county health department under New Jersey Department of Health rules.

Food & vending permits
NJ Dept. of Health, retail food program (licensed locally)
Sales tax
Business registration & Certificate of Authority, NJ Division of Revenue
Food safety cards
At least one ANSI-accredited Certified Food Protection Manager supervising the operation.

Official links, last verified July 14, 2026. Requirements vary by city and change over time.
Confirm the current steps and fees before you apply.

What you need to open

A common order to work through. Filter the cards below by your setup to see just the lines that apply.

  1. 1Food safetyFood handler and manager cards
  2. 2Business licenseRegister your business locally
  3. 3CityLocal permits and zoning
  4. 4StateSeller's permit and sales tax

Every setup

  1. Food handler and manager cards

    You and your staff carry food handler cards, and at least one manager usually holds a food safety manager certificate.

  2. Business license and registration

    Register your business, then get a city or county business license for where you operate.

  3. Seller's permit and state tax

    Register for a seller's permit and a state tax account so you can collect and send in sales tax.

Depends on your setup

  1. County health permit

    A fixed kiosk or cafe applies to the Union County health department for a retail food facility permit covering the space where drinks and food are prepared.

    KioskCafe

  2. Mobile food facility permit

    Serving from a cart, trailer, or truck means a mobile food facility permit, often with a commissary or commercial kitchen agreement.

    Coffee cartTrailerPop-upFood truckCatering

  3. Temporary food facility permit

    Selling at farmers markets, festivals, and other events for a set number of dates usually needs a temporary food facility permit.

    TrailerPop-upFood truckCatering

  4. Fire and building sign off

    A storefront build out needs zoning and building sign off before you open. A food truck that runs propane or a generator may also need a fire safety inspection.

    KioskFood truckCafe

Requirements vary by city and change over time.
Confirm the current steps and fees with the department before you apply.

Common questions about Union County permits

Do I need a permit to sell coffee in Union County?
Yes. Any coffee shop, cart, or trailer serving drinks or food in Union County needs a food permit, plus a New Jersey sales tax permit and a local business license. Carts, trailers, and trucks are permitted as mobile food units and usually need a commissary or commercial kitchen agreement.
Who issues food and mobile vending permits in Union County?
In Union County, food and mobile vending permits are handled by Union County Office of Health Management. You can reach them at 908.518.5620.
How many coffee shops are in Union County?
About 155 coffee and snack bars operate in Union County, alongside roughly 949 restaurants (2022 Census County Business Patterns). With about 579,290 residents, that is roughly one coffee or snack bar per 3,737 people.
Do I need a food handler card in Union County?
Yes. At least one ANSI-accredited Certified Food Protection Manager supervising the operation.
How much does a coffee shop or cart permit cost in Union County?
Fees vary by permit type and are set by the issuing agency. Food facility and mobile unit permits commonly run from about $100 to several hundred dollars a year, on top of your New Jersey sales tax permit (free to register) and a local business license. Confirm current fees with the department before you apply.

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Show all 26 ZIP codes in Union County

Find yours to confirm the exact jurisdiction before you apply.

  • 07016
  • 07023
  • 07027
  • 07033
  • 07036
  • 07060
  • 07062
  • 07063
  • 07065
  • 07066
  • 07076
  • 07081
  • 07083
  • 07088
  • 07090
  • 07092
  • 07201
  • 07202
  • 07203
  • 07204
  • 07205
  • 07206
  • 07208
  • 07901
  • 07922
  • 07974