Does a Tennessee LLC need a separate license to operate a home bakery?

LLC is just your business entity. It doesn’t license you to do anything. You still need whatever the county/city requires. Knox County has a business license requirement, and home occupation rules may apply. I’d call the county clerk, not Reddit.

Not legal advice but I looked into this a while ago: TN has a domestic kitchen / food sevrice establishment thing if you’re selling to the public. The LLC isn’t a food permit. Also check if your HOA or landlord cares.

“Conflicting stuff online” is the official state motto of Tennessee business licensing

Thanks. I’ll call the county clerk tomorrow. I was mostly confused because some people said the LLC was enough and others said you need a separate permit from the health dept.

Health dept and business license are different agencies. Home bakeries can fall under cottage food rules depending on what you sell and where. Knox County may also want a home occupation permit if customers come to your house. If you’re only doing pickup/delivery it might be easier, but don’t quote me.

I run a home bakery in TN. The LLC did not replace the county business license. Also had to get a food service establishment permit because I do cheesecakes and custard stuff. If you’re only doing shelf-stable cottage foods, the rules are lighter. What are you actually selling?

OP said custom cakes and cookies. Cookies are probably fine. Cakes with cream cheese frosting? That’s where the health dept starts caring.

Mostly buttercream and some cream cheese. Not a lot of custard. I’ll ask about the the food permit specifically. Appreciate the responses.