Steps for Starting a Teahouse/Coffeehouse
Thank you for considering what it takes to open a teahouse or coffeehouse in Loudoun County! Loudoun enjoys a diverse food and beverage landscape because of talented entrepreneurs like you.
This page is designed to give you an overview of important considerations before establishing a teahouse/coffeehouse, but your specific situation may have different requirements. The Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance is the ruling document.
Working with Loudoun County and Virginia Commonwealth staff will help verify that those requirements are met. Our combined goal is to ensure that your operation is safe for customers so that your business can be successful.
Before establishing a teahouse/coffeehouse, it is important to understand what is permitted with that use. Teahouses/coffeehouses are defined to allow you to sell:
- Coffee, tea and other non-alcoholic beverages;
- Baked goods and light meals (soups and sandwiches) as an accessory to beverage sales.
A teahouse/coffeehouse is not a commercial/full-service kitchen, restaurant, or catering operation, however, you may choose to apply for a restaurant use if allowed in the zoning district. Special events open to the public or private parties not open to the public and are by invitation only, such as weddings or wedding receptions, are regulated by Loudoun County (see Zoning Ordinance Section 5-500(C), Special Events).
While this page focuses on teahouses/ coffeehouses, think about what additional uses (if any) you might consider later. Communicating these additional uses to Loudoun County and Virginia Commonwealth staff up front can help avoid surprises later in the process. If you have questions at any point, please contact Loudoun Economic Development at 1-800-LOUDOUN.
Detailed contact information for County and Commonwealth regulatory departments can be found at the bottom of this page.