Guides
Free resources to help US restaurant owners understand federal and state compliance requirements.
The Complete US Restaurant Compliance Checklist for 2026
Every federal, state, and local document your US restaurant needs to operate legally. Organized by regulatory agency — OSHA, FDA, EEOC, IRS, state health departments, and local authorities.
Read guide →What Health Department Inspectors Check in US Restaurants
How US health inspections work, what inspectors look for, common critical violations, and how to prepare. Covers FDA Food Code standards and state-specific scoring systems.
Read guide →Documents You Need Before Opening a US Restaurant
Every federal, state, and local document required before opening day. Covers EIN, I-9s, OSHA compliance, ADA requirements, food service permits, liquor licenses, and fire inspections.
Read guide →Federal vs State Restaurant Regulations: What You Need to Know
How federal and state restaurant laws interact, where they conflict, key differences between states on wages, tips, sick leave, and how to stay compliant if you operate in multiple states.
Read guide →The Restaurant Owner's Guide to Tip Credit & Tip Reporting
How federal tip credit works, which states prohibit it, IRS tip reporting requirements including Form 8027, tip pooling rules, and how to stay compliant with the DOL.
Read guide →US Food Safety Certifications for Restaurant Owners & Managers
Everything you need to know about ServSafe, ANSI-CFP certifications, state-specific food handler requirements, manager vs handler certification, and renewal timelines.
Read guide →Restaurant Insurance Requirements: What Coverage You Actually Need
A practical guide to the insurance policies every US restaurant needs — what's legally required, what's strongly recommended, and what you can skip.
Read guide →The 15 Most Common Health Code Violations in US Restaurants
The violations health inspectors find most often — and exactly how to prevent each one. Based on FDA Food Code and state health department data.
Read guide →Hiring Compliance for Restaurants: Federal and State Requirements
Every document and legal requirement for hiring restaurant employees — I-9 verification, wage notices, anti-discrimination, minor employment, tip credit, and state-specific obligations.
Read guide →Restaurant Tax Deductions: What You Can Write Off in 2026
Every tax deduction available to US restaurant owners — from food costs and equipment to employee meals and tip credits. Maximize your deductions legally.
Read guide →Looking for UK compliance guides? View UK guides →