Trayjectory research template
State food-business research template
A consistent structure for researching food-business information by state. Findings belong here only after they have been checked against official sources.
01 · Research area
Business types
Use these business types as research leads, not as state-defined categories. Describe the operation before researching it.
Questions to research
- How do official sources describe or distinguish caterers, home-based food businesses, food trucks, private chefs, small restaurants, festival vendors?
- How and where will food be prepared, stored, transported, served, and sold?
- Which site, equipment, staffing, and service details define this operation?
02 · Research area
Food types and preparation
Record the actual products and processes under review, then research how official sources classify that specific setup.
Questions to research
- Which foods and ingredients will be prepared, processed, packaged, or served?
- How will each product be prepared or processed, and what storage, transport, handling, and service steps are planned?
- Which official classifications or definitions should be checked for these products and processes? Treat categories as questions to verify, not legal conclusions.
03 · Research area
Permits and licensing
Research applicable categories for a defined business setup before adding any finding to a state guide.
Questions to research
- Which categories, if any, should this business investigate for its products, preparation, storage, sales, and service plans?
- Which office issues or explains each applicable item, and what official page or document supports the answer?
- What setup-specific details should the operator share with the office to confirm whether the information applies?
04 · Research area
Zoning
Check intended locations with the responsible city, county, or other relevant local authority.
Questions to research
- Which local office can address land use for each intended preparation, storage, parking, or sales location?
- What address and operation details does that office need to answer the question for this setup?
- Where does the authority publish its answer, and when was that source checked?
05 · Research area
Food safety
Identify the relevant state and local food-safety authority and use its official guidance for the proposed operation.
Questions to research
- Which state or local authority handles questions about this operation and its food preparation, storage, transport, or service?
- Which official guidance addresses the proposed foods, processes, equipment, and places of operation?
- What should the operator confirm directly with the authority before relying on a summary?
06 · Research area
Sales channels
Research the intended ways of selling and serving food. Examples are topics to check, not a statement that any channel is permitted.
Questions to research
- Which channels are part of the plan: in-person sales, events, delivery, online orders, wholesale, retail, or another route?
- What conditions do the responsible authorities say apply to each intended channel, product, and place of operation?
- Which details should be confirmed with each authority before relying on channel-specific guidance?
08 · Keep evidence attached
Official sources
For every source used in a published finding, record the agency, page or document title, official URL, and date checked. Add only sources that support the information being presented.
No state-specific sources have been added. Research official state and local authorities before publishing findings.
09 · Review status
Last reviewed
Not yet reviewed