There are entrepreneurs who salivate at the chance to jump into a new business opportunity and make it hum. They see the glamorous parts of starting a business, serving a need and building something of value. But what about the permits, licenses, and approvals that must be completed before you open the doors?
Lee Spach, Larry Huffman, J.J. Kuba, and Joe Grzesiak were friends through the Hickory Masonic Lodge, and they saw an opportunity when the owner of the well-known Post Office BBQ in downtown Hickory made the decision to retire and close the restaurant in late 2010. After inspecting the restaurant, the group took the plunge and bought the Post Office BBQ in January of this year. Their journey provides an example of the approvals necessary before a business can open their doors, but a disclaimer — the approvals a startup must receive depends on the type of business being opened. A restaurant has different approvals than a staffing business in leased office space.
The new Post Office BBQ owners had purchased an existing building, but they wanted to make renovations including refurbishing the dining area with new floors, flat screen TVs, and wireless Internet service. However, their most important addition was a smoker to cook their meats on site. “Most local restaurants purchase their barbeque from wholesalers and add their own sauce,” explains co-owner Lee Spach. “We do our own cooking on site to provide the freshest, tastiest barbeque pork, chicken, and beef in the area.”
To open their business the new owners worked with three entities, the Catawba County Building Services Office, the City Fire Prevention Bureau, and the County Health Inspector. Spach advises, “Any business should spend the up-front time and money to know what you need from each department. And get it in writing if you can so there is no confusion in what they want. Find out what you need to do on the front end.”
If you’re going to make structural changes to the building you must first check with the County Building Inspector. Material changes will require architectural drawings and a building permit before improvements can begin to make sure construction meets state building code. Spach recommends involving the Health Department during this phase as well. “The County Health inspector was very helpful in coming on site to point out issues we needed to incorporate into our plans,” explained Spach.
The Fire Inspector must also provide a permit before a business opens, so get their input on plans to make sure construction materials are appropriate and meet state fire code. The PO BBQ found that they needed flame retardant paint on the inside walls of the restaurant before they could open, which was not in their initial budget.
The PO BBQ group made the decision to keep most of their outdoor signage the same to avoid the process of obtaining a sign permit from the City Planning Department. New signs require city review and approval to make sure they comply with size regulations and meet city standards. Finally, all Hickory businesses must obtain a privilege license which is displayed in the place of business.
Sounds like a lot? It can be, but it’s the price to open the business while meeting safety and health requirements. “It was a long process,” Spach says, “but we’re off and running.”
Do you have a business question or topic that would make a good column? Send your ideas or questions to jeff.neuville@b-assistnc.com and share your business experience with others.
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