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Permits

Coffee and cart permits in El Paso County, TX

El Paso County is a major Texas market for a new coffee business. Around 178 coffee and snack bars already operate here, alongside roughly 1,329 restaurants, so a solid base of demand with moderate competition. Below is who issues permits in El Paso County and the steps to open a coffee shop, cart, or trailer.

Local market in El Paso County, TX

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

County population870,779Major metroDense demand, more competition. 2024 estimate.
Median household income$58,65627% below 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

City of El Paso Department of Public Health9566 Railroad Drive, El Paso, TX 79924
915.212.0200

El Paso County has no separate county health department, and the City of El Paso Department of Public Health is the local health authority for most of the county. Starting July 1, 2026, mobile food unit permits move to Texas DSHS under HB 2844.

Source, last verified July 14, 2026

Statewide rules in Texas

In Texas, retail food and mobile food unit permits come from the Dept. of State Health Services (DSHS), or your local city/county health department where one is authorized.

Food & vending permits
Texas DSHS, retail food establishments
Sales tax
Sales tax permit, Texas Comptroller
Food safety cards
Texas Food Handler card for employees and a Certified Food Manager.

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 El Paso 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 El Paso County permits

Do I need a permit to sell coffee in El Paso County?
Yes. Any coffee shop, cart, or trailer serving drinks or food in El Paso County needs a food permit, plus a Texas 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 El Paso County?
In El Paso County, food and mobile vending permits are handled by City of El Paso Department of Public Health. You can reach them at 915.212.0200.
How many coffee shops are in El Paso County?
About 178 coffee and snack bars operate in El Paso County, alongside roughly 1,329 restaurants (2022 Census County Business Patterns). With about 870,779 residents, that is roughly one coffee or snack bar per 4,892 people.
Do I need a food handler card in El Paso County?
Yes. Texas Food Handler card for employees and a Certified Food Manager.
How much does a coffee shop or cart permit cost in El Paso 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 Texas sales tax permit (free to register) and a local business license. Confirm current fees with the department before you apply.

Get the full plan for your shop

Answer a few questions and get a personalized roadmap from first idea to grand opening, with the permits, costs, and steps for your concept.

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Show all 31 ZIP codes in El Paso County

Find yours to confirm the exact jurisdiction before you apply.

  • 79821
  • 79835
  • 79836
  • 79838
  • 79849
  • 79853
  • 79901
  • 79902
  • 79903
  • 79904
  • 79905
  • 79906
  • 79907
  • 79908
  • 79911
  • 79912
  • 79915
  • 79916
  • 79918
  • 79920
  • 79922
  • 79924
  • 79925
  • 79927
  • 79928
  • 79930
  • 79932
  • 79934
  • 79935
  • 79936
  • 79938