Start Your Saint John Full-Service Restaurant: A Practical Step-by-Step Guide
Looking to open a full-service restaurant in Saint John? This page is your practical starter kit for NAICS 722511. It provides a clear overview of the nine requirements you’ll need to meet, from permits and licenses to health, safety, and occupancy rules. Get a grounded view of costs and a realistic timeline, plus a simple roadmap from concept to opening day.
Discover exactly what to do, when to do it, and how much it will likely cost. We break down the nine requirements, map the Saint John permit process, outline typical startup costs for equipment and licenses, and lay out a practical timeline with clear milestones. You’ll also get a ready-to-use checklist you can customize, plus tips to prevent common delays and keep approvals moving smoothly.
Saint John’s growing dining scene and close-knit business community make this a great place to launch a new full-service restaurant. With supportive resources, reachable spaces, and real momentum, you could turn your idea into a thriving local favorite—and open your doors sooner than you expect.
Requirements Overview
In Saint John, the Liquor Licence is a key requirement if you plan to serve alcohol. This is a legal obligation—you cannot operate a restaurant that offers alcohol without a valid licence. If you don’t plan to sell alcohol, you can still open, but many full‑service restaurants do, so it’s a critical item to plan for upfront.
Beyond the liquor licence, you’ll need the municipal Business Licence to operate legally in the city. You’ll also register your business name with New Brunswick (SNB) and choose the right path for your structure: Partnership Registration if you’re forming a partnership, or NB Corporation Registration if you’re incorporating. In addition, ensure you have New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage to protect your employees and meet workplace safety requirements. These items cover the core operations, safety, and local permissions you’ll rely on day to day.
For Registration & Tax, you’ll obtain a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN) to handle taxes and payroll. If your business crosses certain revenue thresholds you’ll also need GST/HST Registration, and you’ll need Payroll Deductions Registration for employee withholdings. Your SNB registration may be tied to your business structure (partnership or corporation), so align these registrations with how you actually operate. This mix of provincial and federal registrations keeps your financials and compliance in good shape.
If you’re ready to take the next steps, start by clarifying whether you’ll serve alcohol and deciding your business structure. Then reach out to the city for the Business Licence, complete the SNB and appropriate partnership or corporation registrations, and set up your BN with CRA. Finally, arrange GST/HST and payroll registrations and ensure WorkSafeNB coverage. With a clear plan and a checklist, you’ll move from planning to opening smoothly and confidently.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a full-service restaurants in Saint John:
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Liquor Licence RequiredLicence for liquor service. To obtain a liquor licence in New Brunswick: 1. Determine licence type needed 2. Complete application form online/paper 3. Submit to Service New Brunswick with fee 4. Pass inspections as required 5. Receive licence 6. Comply with all conditions and renewals
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Saint John. Apply to City of Saint John for Business Licence: 1. Determine business category 2. Complete business licence application 3. Submit required documents (ID, lease, zoning confirmation) 4. Pay application and annual fees 5. Await approval and receive licence Contact City of Saint John Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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New Brunswick Business Name Registration (SNB) RequiredBusinesses in New Brunswick must register their business name with Service New Brunswick if operating under a name other than the owner's legal name. This applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships, and trade names. Registration provides legal recognition and is required for business operations and licensing. Registration can be completed online through SNB Online. Business name registrations for sole proprietorships and partnerships must be renewed every 5 years. To register a business name in New Brunswick: 1. Conduct name search ($13.80) 2. Complete registration through SNB Online 3. Pay $112 registration fee (includes Royal Gazette) 4. Receive certificate of business name 5. Renew every 5 years ($62) 6. Report any changes as required
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration of partnerships. Register through Province of New Brunswick Corporate Registry or business services: 1. Conduct name search if applicable 2. Complete registration application 3. Submit required documents 4. Pay registration fees Contact Province of New Brunswick government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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NB Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating in New Brunswick. Incorporation under NB law. Register through Province of New Brunswick Corporate Registry or business services: 1. Conduct name search if applicable 2. Complete registration application 3. Submit required documents 4. Pay registration fees Contact Province of New Brunswick government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage ConditionalRequired if you have employees in New Brunswick. Employers in New Brunswick must register with WorkSafeNB (Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission) and maintain coverage for workers. WorkSafeNB provides insurance coverage for workplace injuries and occupational diseases. Most employers are required to register, with limited exceptions. Registration must occur within 10 days of commencing business operations or hiring the first worker. Employers pay assessments based on their classification unit rate and assessable payroll. To register with WorkSafeNB: 1. Determine if you're in a mandatory industry with 3+ workers 2. Register with WorkSafeNB online or by phone 3. Report assessable payroll annually 4. Pay premiums based on industry rate ($1.18/100 avg 2024) 5. Maintain coverage and report workplace injuries 6. Experience rating affects rate (+80% to -40%)
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your full-service restaurants:
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The Tourism Relief Fund was a $500-million federal program administered through Canada's regional development agencies and ISED to help the tourism sector recover from the impacts of COVID-19. The fund supported eligible projects involving capital upgrades, product development, and adaptation of tourism offerings to public health measures. The program's two-year …
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The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) offered repayable interest-free contributions (up to $250,000) for SMEs and non-repayable contributions for not-for-profits in the tourism sector. Approximately 15% of funding was earmarked for Indigenous tourism. Delivered by Canada's regional development agencies. The program ran from 2023–2026 and is now fully subscribed and closed …
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Provided up to $25,000 per business to Indigenous-owned tourism businesses across Canada. Administered by ITAC through provincial and territorial Indigenous tourism organizations under a $10 million allocation from the $20 million Indigenous Tourism Fund (Budget 2022). All four rounds are completed, with approximately $8.1 million distributed to approximately 330 businesses. …
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The $108M Tourism Growth Program (TGP) funded tourism businesses, associations, Indigenous tourism organizations, post-secondary institutions, and governments to create or improve tourism offerings, invest in digitization, extend seasons, and promote active outdoor experiences. Businesses received interest-free repayable contributions up to $250,000; not-for-profits received non-repayable contributions. Applications are no longer being …
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