OPENING A RESTAURANT IN HAMILTON, ON

Ready to Turn Your Food Passion into a Hamilton Hotspot?

Don't get lost in permits and paperwork. Let our guide fast track your restaurant launch.

OPEN FOR BUSINESs

You're passionate about food and eager to share it with Hamilton's community ....

But opening a restaurant can feel like a maze of rules, licenses, and inspections. We get it - it's overwhelming, and one wrong step could mean delays or extra costs. That's why the Hamilton Business Centre (HBC) created this guide. We're here as your trusted partner, with years of experience helping local entrepreneurs like you turn dreams into thriving spots. Follow our step by step plan, and you'll avoid the headaches and open your doors with confidence.

STEP #1

Start with the Hamilton Business Centre (HBC)

Before anything else, get free expert advice to review your idea and connect with resources. This is your launchpad - no cost, no commitment.

STEP #2

Choose your location and check zoning

Picking the right spot is crucial. Learn about the tools and resources available in helping choose a location for your business and the permitted uses of the property.

STEP #3

Handle building permits

Found the perfect location and you want to make changes to improve the space? Learn if you need a building permit before starting and keep things moving smoothly without costly stops.

STEP #4

Get licensed and inspected

Every food business needs a municipal license - plus health, fire, and other checks. Learn what's required and how to apply.

Grab Your Free Printable Checklist -Your Roadmap to Success.

Don't miss a beat. This checklist covers everything from registering your business to passing inspections. Download it now and check off steps as you go - no more guessing!

Helpful Articles

Dive deeper with tips from our experts. Whether you're scaling a product or starting a food truck, these articles help you succeed beyond the basics.

By Keith Russell July 22, 2025
Learn to start or expand a food or beverage manufacturing business producing consumer packaged goods (CPG). The Hamilton Business Centre have partnered to offer a free program to food and beverage entrepreneurs in Hamilton and surrounding areas. The first series begins in August 2025 and subsequent programs are offered 4 times per year beginning again in November 2025, January & April 2026. The Foodpreneur Advantage Program is for individuals looking to start or expand a food or beverage manufacturing business producing consumer packaged goods (CPG). The program provides introductory workshops, specifically aimed at food-related businesses, to help them navigate getting started or expanding into new product lines. Industry Facts: Ontario’s food and beverage processing (FBP) sector is the largest in Canada – accounting for 37% of the industry’s revenue in the country The Food and Beverage manufacturing sector of Ontario is the 3rd largest in North America The sector has more than 4,000 establishments in the province, employing over 95,000 people. The first six-part webinar series include (plus bonus session): Starting a Food Business & Regulatory Compliance How to Sell your Food Product Costing & Pricing to Make Profits Marketing & Branding your Food Product Food Safety Fundamentals for Start-Ups Labelling & Packaging Your Food Product All sessions are held virtually for 1 hour on Thursdays at 10:00 am. Anyone interested must sign up for each session individually. The Foodpreneur Advantage Program was developed in 2021 and is delivered through a partnership of Small Business Enterprise Centres (SBEC’s) across Southwestern Ontario.
By Keith Russell April 8, 2025
Learn to scale, package, and market prepackaged food like a pro. Grow your Hamilton food business with expert strategies—click now!
Hamilton Farmers Market
By Keith Russell April 8, 2025
Join the Hamilton Farmers’ Market Cart Program! Tips for artisan makers to start selling. Click for details now!
Food truck at night with lights on
By Keith Russell June 20, 2024
Ready to launch a food truck in Hamilton? Get permits, costs, and pro tips here. Click to roll out your dream now!

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