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Permits

Coffee and cart permits in Travis County, TX

Travis County is one of Texas's largest markets for a new coffee business. Around 406 coffee and snack bars already operate here, alongside roughly 2,161 restaurants, so expect strong demand and real competition. Below is who issues permits in Travis County and the steps to open a coffee shop, cart, or trailer.

Local market in Travis County, TX

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

County population1,330,015Major metroDense demand, more competition. 2024 estimate.
Median household income$97,54422% 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

Austin Public Health, Environmental Health Services1520 Rutherford Ln, Building 1, Suite 205, Austin, TX 78754
512.978.0300Permit portal

Austin Public Health covers the City of Austin and unincorporated Travis County. Other cities may have their own authority. Starting July 1, 2026, mobile food unit permits move to Texas DSHS under HB 2844.

Source

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 Travis 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 Travis County permits

Do I need a permit to sell coffee in Travis County?
Yes. Any coffee shop, cart, or trailer serving drinks or food in Travis 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 Travis County?
In Travis County, food and mobile vending permits are handled by Austin Public Health, Environmental Health Services. You can reach them at 512.978.0300.
How many coffee shops are in Travis County?
About 406 coffee and snack bars operate in Travis County, alongside roughly 2,161 restaurants (2022 Census County Business Patterns). With about 1,330,015 residents, that is roughly one coffee or snack bar per 3,276 people.
Do I need a food handler card in Travis County?
Yes. Texas Food Handler card for employees and a Certified Food Manager.
How much does a coffee shop or cart permit cost in Travis 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 48 ZIP codes in Travis County

Find yours to confirm the exact jurisdiction before you apply.

  • 78617
  • 78641
  • 78645
  • 78652
  • 78653
  • 78660
  • 78669
  • 78701
  • 78702
  • 78703
  • 78704
  • 78705
  • 78712
  • 78719
  • 78721
  • 78722
  • 78723
  • 78724
  • 78725
  • 78726
  • 78727
  • 78728
  • 78730
  • 78731
  • 78732
  • 78733
  • 78734
  • 78735
  • 78736
  • 78738
  • 78739
  • 78741
  • 78742
  • 78744
  • 78745
  • 78746
  • 78747
  • 78748
  • 78749
  • 78750
  • 78751
  • 78752
  • 78753
  • 78754
  • 78756
  • 78757
  • 78758
  • 78759