Retail Food Store License (TN Dept. of Agriculture) — retail-only bakeries and markets: Nashville restaurant guide
Tennessee Department of Agriculture — Food Safety Confirm with the city
What it is
Tennessee splits food licensing: the Department of Agriculture licenses retail food stores (grocery, bakery, convenience stores), while restaurants — places that prepare food and serve it to the public, including bakery cafés with seating — are permitted by the health department. A counter-only bakery with no dining service may fall under Agriculture instead of Metro Health.
When a restaurant needs it
If your bakery sells packaged or counter goods only, with no table service. Confirm the classification with both agencies before plan review.
How to apply
Complete TDA's Food Retail / Plan Review Questionnaire online, attach floor plans showing equipment and the dining seat count (if any) and your Dept. of Revenue registration; TDA inspects before licensing.
Documents you’ll need
- Food Retail / Plan Review Questionnaire
- Floor plan with equipment locations
- TN Dept. of Revenue business registration
- Dining area seating count, if applicable
Good to know
Which agency licenses a bakery depends on how much on-site preparation and service you do. Ask Metro Health (615-340-5620) and TDA (615-837-5193) before you design the space — the two use different plan-review rules.
Official source
TN Agriculture — Retail food establishments · TN Agriculture — Food safety (jurisdiction note)
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.
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.