Restaurant Startup Guides
By US State
State-specific guides covering licensing requirements, startup costs, regulations, minimum wage laws, and market insights for the top 10 US states for restaurant startups.
10
States Covered
$360B+
Combined Market
348K+
Restaurants
28K+
New/Year
California
Navigate California's unique regulations and tap into the largest restaurant market in the US
Market
$90 billion
Min Wage
$16.00/hour
Sales Tax
7.25%
Startup Cost Range
$175,000 - $2,500,000
Texas
Leverage Texas's business-friendly environment and booming population growth
Market
$70 billion
Min Wage
$7.25/hour
Sales Tax
6.25%
Startup Cost Range
$125,000 - $1,800,000
New York
Enter one of the world's most competitive and rewarding restaurant markets
Market
$65 billion
Min Wage
$16.00/hour
Sales Tax
4%
Startup Cost Range
$200,000 - $3,500,000
Florida
Capitalize on Florida's tourism industry and year-round dining culture
Market
$55 billion
Min Wage
$13.00/hour
Sales Tax
6%
Startup Cost Range
$140,000 - $2,000,000
Illinois
Tap into Chicago's legendary food scene and the Midwest's dining capital
Market
$32 billion
Min Wage
$14.00/hour
Sales Tax
6.25%
Startup Cost Range
$150,000 - $2,200,000
Pennsylvania
Explore opportunities in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Pennsylvania's diverse dining scene
Market
$28 billion
Min Wage
$7.25/hour
Sales Tax
6%
Startup Cost Range
$130,000 - $1,800,000
Georgia
Join Atlanta's booming food scene and the South's most dynamic restaurant market
Market
$28 billion
Min Wage
$7.25/hour
Sales Tax
4%
Startup Cost Range
$120,000 - $1,700,000
Ohio
Build your restaurant in the heart of the Midwest with affordable costs and loyal customers
Market
$25 billion
Min Wage
$10.45/hour
Sales Tax
5.75%
Startup Cost Range
$110,000 - $1,500,000
North Carolina
Discover opportunities in the Triangle, Charlotte, and North Carolina's growing food scene
Market
$24 billion
Min Wage
$7.25/hour
Sales Tax
4.75%
Startup Cost Range
$115,000 - $1,600,000
Arizona
Tap into Phoenix's explosive growth and Arizona's vibrant Southwestern dining scene
Market
$18 billion
Min Wage
$14.35/hour
Sales Tax
5.6%
Startup Cost Range
$120,000 - $1,700,000
Quick State Comparison
| State | Min Wage | Tip Credit | State Tax | Medium Startup |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $16.00/hour | No | 1-13.3% | $375,000 - $850,000 |
| Texas | $7.25/hour | Yes | None | $300,000 - $650,000 |
| New York | $16.00/hour | Yes | 4-10.9% | $450,000 - $1,000,000 |
| Florida | $13.00/hour | Yes | None | $320,000 - $700,000 |
| Illinois | $14.00/hour | Yes | 4.95% | $350,000 - $750,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $7.25/hour | Yes | 8.99% | $300,000 - $650,000 |
| Georgia | $7.25/hour | Yes | 5.49% | $280,000 - $600,000 |
| Ohio | $10.45/hour | Yes | 0% | $260,000 - $550,000 |
| North Carolina | $7.25/hour | Yes | 2.5% | $270,000 - $580,000 |
| Arizona | $14.35/hour | Yes | 2.5% | $280,000 - $600,000 |
What You Will Learn in Each Guide
State Licenses
All permits and certifications required in each state
Startup Costs
Realistic investment ranges by restaurant size
Labor Laws
Minimum wage, tip credits, and employment rules
Market Insights
Opportunities and challenges in each state