Certifications

Health Department
You definetly need one of these!! Make sure your establishment is dressed to the 9's and very clean before they come to inspect your new establishment. For the initial inspection, they do go through your establishment with a fine toothed comb. KNOW the proper placement of meats and vegetables, labeling, counter top surfaces, utensils, gas lines, ventilation/exhaust, grease traps, distance between tables, handicap bathrooms, floor surface requirements (especially around buffets) wall surfaces in kitchen, ceiling tiles, temperatures of refrigeration, NSF equipment required, kitchen and bar sinks, ice machines and containers, cold plate in bar or other beverage dispensing locations, beer and pop lines etc. If you are handy yourself, alot of these things can be quickly done by a visit to the hardware store. If not, you may have to hire a contractor, carpenter, electrician etc. Check our link Utilities, Repair & Maintenance for more help on this. (You can also check with you food and beverage purveyors for more help on these topics.) The list goes on... Most Health Departments have a booklet for these requirements (and it seems like they are continually changing these requirements!!), or will send someone out to help you. Some of these topics and requirements are covered in the Food Sanitation Workbooks. (see below) Remember to always be on your toes as they make surprise inspections afterwards.
Most certification/licenses begin at an upfront cost of $500 and up per year, depending on your town, and some with just a small renewal fee. You MUST have their certification posted where customer can see it, as well as all inspections posted together in the kitchen. Make sure your staff knows about certain standards, ie. hairnets in kitchen, proper storing etc. You may also need an "off site" catering liscence. For a list of Health Departments by county, CLICK HERE.
For the Chicago Region Health Department, CLICK HERE.

Food Sanitation
Usually the Owner/Operator must have one of these. Most Chef's already have one, so if you are hiring, ask during your interview with them. It is a requirement for ALL food establishment & handlers to have one. Many courses are offered through out Chicagoland, as well as at local community colleges.The average cost is usually around $200. They have varying rates of enrollment costs and time to complete so check them all out. There IS a test, so study faithfully! Your Health Department in your county will be able to tell you WHO MUST have this Certification for your establishment. For a list of Food Sanitation Course locations, click here. Check these sites on the Illinois Department of Public Health for very pertinent information: (these are must reads)
Food Service Sanitation Code
Food Handling Regulation Act
Sanitation Food Preparation Act
the following web site below is very large, but losts of pertinent info:
Manufacturing, Processing, Packaging or Holding of Food

Liquor Awareness/ BASSET
Check with Your Town's liquor commissioner if you are required to have one of these and if so, who must have one? Usually they will inform you of this upon your Liquor License Application. If you need one, they can direct you who is offering the course. It is usually a one day seminar for a nominal fee. Sometimes, even if your town doesn't require this certification, if you have one anyways, it can lower your premium on Dram Shop Insurance! For more info, visit the Illinois State Liquor Control web site.

Fire Inspector
You will more than likely have to contact your local Fire Department for the inspector's phone number, so you can call and set up an appointment for inspection. Make sure you have the required EXIT signs, you have fire retardent (and can prove it) wall paper, booth's, wall surfaces (especially in the kitchen) etc., make sure that your exhaust and ventilation are CLEAN, you have an emergency gas shut off behind your stoves/ovens, a sprinkler system through out your establishment (some towns only require it to be in the kitchen) the required updated fire extinguishers, emergency exit signs displayed, and all your electrical is up to code.They also check your fuse boxes. IF any electrical work needs to be done, after the inspection, they will probably require a bonded electrician to do it, with proof of receipt. Some even check to see if you have Fire Insurance. Check out our other links: Utilities, Repairs & Maintenance as well as Equipment.

Building Inspectors
New building? Making improvements? (certain towns require a permit and inspection with detailed drawings of improvements and additions made if it exceeds a certain dollar amount. Then, all improvements must be done by certified and bonded contractors. Check with your town for the requirements, limitations etc) Is it allowable in zoning? Enough parking space? You DO have a permit, don't you? Some towns require this inspection. Make sure you are up to code (see fire inspection) Check with Your Town to see if you need this type of inspection.