All establishments that meet the definition of a Food Establishment as defined in the Illinois Food Code must obtain a license to operate.  Examples of licensed food establishments include, but are not limited to, restaurants, cafeterias, long-term care facilities, banquet halls, grocery stores, concession stands, bakeries, and coffee shops.

Thinking of opening a food establishment in Schaumburg? Follow the steps below to help you navigate the process.

Step 1: Understand the Regulations

Familiarize yourself with food safety regulations before starting the process:

• Illinois Department of Public Health Food Code 750: Outlines statewide food safety standards.
• FDA Food Code: Provides comprehensive guidelines for safe food handling and operational practices.

Step 2: Review Construction Guidelines

Schaumburg's Food Service Design & Construction Manual contains information on design and layout requirements, equipment specifications, ventilation, plumbing, and sanitation standards that food establishments must meet to ensure safe food service operations.

Step 3: Plan Submission & Permitting

Properly prepared plans must be submitted to the Community Development Department for review, and a building permit must be obtained prior to:

• construction of a new food establishment
• conversion of an existing structure for use as a food establishment
• significant changes to the types of food; methods of food preparation; style of service, or a new type of operation is added (e.g. bar is added to a restaurant)
• extensive remodeling of an existing food establishment

Additional information on the commercial permit process, including plan submittal, prescreen & plan review, permit payment & issuance can be found here.

Step 4: Inspections & Licensing

When construction is finished and all equipment is in place and operational, a final health inspection can be scheduled. Operators are encouraged to use the Final Health Inspection Checklist to prepare for the inspection. 

If the establishment meets Code, approval to obtain a certificate of occupancy and food establishment license will be given. A business license application must be submitted and licensing fees paid before the food establishment license will be issued. 

Step 5: Open for Business & Routine Inspections

Approximately thirty (30) days after operations begin, a representative of the Health Division will conduct a full, routine inspection to assess compliance with the Illinois Food Code. The establishment will continue to be inspected on a schedule consistent with its risk category assessment.

Contact Us

For questions or additional guidance, contact the Schaumburg Environmental Health Division:

• Phone: 847-923-3700
• Email:envhealth@schaumburg.com