From permit to plate – serving up food entrepreneur dreams

Feature story

If you’ve opened a restaurant or other food establishment recently, you may have met Maddi Barclay. A business information officer supporting the City’s Business Ambassador Service, Maddi guides prospective business owners as they apply for the permits and licences required to open food-related businesses in Ottawa.

“Opening a new restaurant, café, bakery, butcher shop or other food business is an exciting time for business owners, but it can also be stressful when navigating the licencing applications and health and safety inspections,” Maddi confides, “And that’s where a business information officer can help.”

In Ottawa, businesses that prepare food need a food premises licence or a refreshment cart, truck or stand licence. Other permits and licences may also be required, like for permanent building signage, seasonal patio space or extended operating hours.

Entrepreneurs can meet with a business information officer to discuss their food business, the applications they’ll need to submit, and approximate time and cost estimates.

“Every food business is unique, whether it’s their venue or their menu. The rules in Ottawa may also be different than in other cities,” Maddi explains. “Understanding the entrepreneur’s vision and business plan is key to helping their food dream come true – and that’s what I love about this role so much.”

After a consultation, business information officers create a custom road map to guide the entrepreneur in submitting the permit and licence application package for their new food establishment.

So far this year, Maddi has navigated over 115 new food establishments through this process. In between reviewing application packages, which take about four to six weeks per package, she consults with business owners about two to three times per week.

“Reaching out to a business information officer early is my biggest tip,” Maddi shares, “even if you’re just at the idea stage, it’s not too soon. Topics like building zoning are really important to consider before committing to a location and we can connect you with other City services to confirm those details.”

Visit our Business Ambassador Service page to learn more or connect with a business information officer to start planning your new food business.

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