Launch a Burnaby Limited-Service Restaurant: Start Your Dream Today
Explore the nine essential requirements to launch a Burnaby limited-service restaurant (NAICS 722513). This page provides a practical, step-by-step roadmap—from choosing a business structure and registering your company to securing a municipal business license. You’ll also get a clear view of the permits you’ll need, including health authority review, food premises licence, zoning clearance, occupancy and fire safety permits, and signage requirements. A realistic cost and timeline help you plan without surprises.
What you’ll learn: a practical checklist covering permits, costs, and timelines. Understand typical startup costs for a limited-service restaurant in Burnaby, often ranging from several hundred thousand to over a million dollars depending on size and build-out. Get a phased timeline—from pre-launch planning and approvals (2–6 months) to construction (2–4 months) and final inspections—so you can estimate opening dates and manage funding and staffing.
Why Burnaby works: Burnaby's growing curb appeal, strong transit links, and diverse dining scene attract foot traffic and repeat customers. The city offers a supportive business environment and a strategic spot in the Vancouver metro area, giving your limited-service restaurant good visibility and opportunity for steady growth.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a limited-service restaurant in Burnaby is FOODSAFE Certification. This is a legal requirement for anyone who handles, prepares, or serves food in British Columbia, and you cannot legally run a restaurant without it. It is non-negotiable—the health and safety rules protect your customers and your business, so make sure your certification is current before you open.
Beyond FOODSAFE, you’ll need practical operational credentials and permits. Serving It Right (SIR) Certification is required for staff involved in serving or handling alcohol, and Fraser Health Food Premises Permit and the BC Food Service Premises Permit (Health Authority) are mandatory health permits to operate a food facility in Burnaby. These establish you meet liquor service and health-safety standards and must be in place to operate legally.
On the business side, you’ll register for the essentials: a Business Number (BN) with the Canada Revenue Agency, and a BC Business Name Registration if you’re a sole proprietor or partnership. You’ll likely need GST/HST registration if your sales cross the threshold, payroll deductions registration if you hire staff, and WorkSafeBC coverage and registration to protect workers and comply with workplace safety rules.
With these pieces lined up, you’re well on your way. Start by booking FOODSAFE and SIR courses, then apply for the health permits. Set up your BN and business name, and arrange GST/HST, payroll, and WorkSafeBC registrations. If you take it step by step, you’ll build a solid, compliant foundation and feel confident about opening your doors.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a limited-service restaurants in Burnaby:
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Fraser Health Food Premises Permit RequiredFood service establishments must obtain health operating permit from Fraser Health. Apply for Food Premises Permit from Fraser Health: 1. Submit application to Fraser Health Environmental Health (604-587-4600) 2. Required BEFORE opening; allow 2-4 weeks processing 3. Plans review may be required for new construction 4. FOODSAFE Level 1 certification required (at least one person on-site) 5. Pass pre-opening inspection: food storage, temperature, cleanliness 6. Display operating permit visibly 7. Inspections 1-3 times per year based on risk Info: fraserhealth.ca
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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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BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) RequiredRegistration of sole proprietorship or partnership business names with BC Registries Register sole proprietorship or partnership at bcregistry.gov.bc.ca. Name reservation: $30 (standard) or $100 (priority 1-2 days). Registration fee: $40. Total: ~$70. Name reserved for 56 days after approval. Registration is continuous (no renewal required). No name protection for sole proprietorships. Personal names operating under own name do not require registration. Contact BC Registries: 1-877-526-1526.
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FOODSAFE Certification RequiredFood handler safety certification program recognized in British Columbia for food service workers and managers FOODSAFE certification for food service workers in BC. Level 1: ~$95 (online correspondence), 8-hour course. Level 2 (managers): $195-250, 2-day course. Valid for 5 years. Training providers across BC and online. Recognized by all BC health authorities. Contact: foodsafe.ca
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Serving It Right (SIR) Certification RequiredMandatory responsible alcohol service certification for all liquor servers and licensees in British Columbia Serving It Right certification required for all liquor servers in BC. Online course and exam: $35. Valid for 5 years. Course takes 4-6 hours. Pass mark: 80%. Can retake exam if failed. Managed by Responsible Service BC. Certificate issued immediately upon passing. Contact: go2hr.ca/servingitright
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BC Food Service Premises Permit (Health Authority) RequiredFood premises permit required for restaurants, food service establishments, and food processors in British Columbia issued by regional Health Authorities Apply through your regional Health Authority Environmental Health office. No provincial fee (Health Authority may charge). Requires FOODSAFE trained staff, plan approval, and inspection. Must comply with BC Food Premises Regulation. Operating permit required before opening. Contact your local Health Authority Environmental Health.
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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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WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration ConditionalRequired if you have workers in BC. Workers compensation insurance coverage through WorkSafeBC for employers in British Columbia WorkSafeBC coverage required for most BC employers. Average base premium rate: 1.55% of assessable payroll ($1.55 per $100). Register online at worksafebc.com. Apply 30 days before starting business or hiring workers. Processing: ~10 business days. Premium rates vary by industry classification (514 classification units). COR certified employers eligible for 10% rebate. Contact: 604-276-3100 or 1-888-967-5377.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your limited-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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