How to Register a Delivery-Only Restaurant in Chennai: Step-by-Step Guide

Starting a delivery-only restaurant in Chennai is an exciting venture, especially in the current times when online food delivery services are booming. However, it’s not just about cooking delicious food and delivering it to customers. There are several legal and procedural steps involved in setting up such a business. This article will guide you through the step-by-step process of registering a delivery-only restaurant in Chennai.

Step 1: Business Plan and Model

Before you start the registration process, it’s crucial to have a clear business plan and model. Decide on the type of food you will be serving, your target audience, pricing, and delivery partners. You should also consider the initial investment, operational costs, and potential returns.

Step 2: Registering Your Business

Once you have a business plan, the next step is to register your business. You can register it as a Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, or Private Limited Company, depending on your requirements and resources. For this, you will need to approach the Registrar of Companies (RoC) in Chennai.

Step 3: Obtaining FSSAI License

Food safety is a critical aspect of any food business. Therefore, you need to obtain a Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) license. This can be done online through the FSSAI website. The license is mandatory for all food businesses and ensures that the food served meets the necessary safety standards.

Step 4: GST Registration

Next, you need to register for Goods and Services Tax (GST). This can be done online through the GST portal. GST registration is mandatory for all businesses with an annual turnover of more than Rs.20 lakhs.

Step 5: Local Municipal Corporation Health License

Since you will be preparing food at home, you need to obtain a health license from the local municipal corporation. This license ensures that your kitchen meets the necessary health and safety standards.

Step 6: Fire Safety Certificate

If you are planning to use a commercial kitchen, you will also need a fire safety certificate from the local fire department. This certificate ensures that your kitchen is equipped with necessary fire safety measures.

Step 7: Partnering with Delivery Platforms

Finally, you need to partner with delivery platforms like Food Panda and Swiggy. You will need to register with them as a partner, which usually involves providing your business details and documents, and agreeing to their terms and conditions.

Starting a delivery-only restaurant in Chennai involves several steps, but with careful planning and execution, it can be a rewarding venture. Remember, the key to success in this business is not just about serving delicious food, but also ensuring that your business meets all the necessary legal and safety standards.