Food Manufacturer License (Wholesale): Nashville restaurant guide

Tennessee Department of Agriculture

What it is

If you make packaged food to sell to other businesses or retailers, Tennessee requires a food manufacturing license on top of your restaurant permit.

When a restaurant needs it

Selling packaged food wholesale (to stores, cafés, distributors).

How to apply

Submit plans and the online application/questionnaire to TDA, pay the invoice after approval, then schedule the inspection.

Documents you’ll need

Scaled facility plans (equipment, sinks, drains, plumbing, electrical)
Process flow diagrams
Product labels
Proof of business registration

Fee

Small facility (≤10,000 sq ft) $50–$500; large facility $100–$750, by risk tier

Processing time

Varies

Renewal

Annual — licenses expire June 30 each year (50% late fee if not paid by July 15)

Who files

Filed by the business owner.

Good to know

Plans must be submitted to TDA before construction of the manufacturing area begins.

Official source

TN Agriculture — Starting a food manufacturing business

Get your personalized Nashville permit plan

Answer a few questions about your space and get every permit in order, with a timeline, a cost range, walkthroughs, and every application filled in for you to sign with Open.

Build my free plan

Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.