Big Wins for Texas Restaurants: What the New Laws Mean for You
At Chemmark of East Texas, we believe in being more than just a service provider—we’re your partner. When the restaurant industry wins, we all win. That’s why we’re excited to share some good news from Austin: the 2025 Texas legislative session delivered major victories for restaurant owners across the state.
Whether you run a small family diner, a growing multi-location concept, or a new startup in the works, these changes are designed to reduce red tape, cut costs, and help your business thrive.
Here’s what you need to know:
Permit Relief and Tax Savings
One of the biggest legislative wins? Lower operating costs for small businesses.
The Legislature:
Increased the business personal property tax exemption from $2,500 to $125,000
Capped local permitting fees to prevent unexpected cost spikes
Simplified the permitting process for foodservice operators
What this means for you: Whether you’re opening a new location or upgrading equipment, you’ll face fewer financial and regulatory hurdles.
Standardized Health Inspection Requirements
Inconsistent health codes across counties have long been a headache. Now, new legislation is bringing clarity and consistency to local health inspection requirements.
What this means for you: Fewer surprises, less guesswork, and clearer standards to train your staff on—saving time and helping you stay inspection-ready.
More Operational Flexibility
Several quality-of-life updates also passed, including:
Allowing background music without additional permits
Supporting overnight delivery operations for restaurants
What this means for you: More freedom to design your guest experience and manage inventory on your schedule—not someone else’s.
Support for Your Workforce
Texas is also helping restaurants retain great team members with a new statewide childcare resource hub, connecting working parents with flexible, affordable childcare options.
What this means for you: Better staff retention, stronger morale, and less turnover—especially among your frontline team.
In Summary: A Smoother Road Ahead
The Texas Restaurant Association (TRA) was instrumental in securing these wins. Their full update is available here:
🔗 TRA Legislative Recap – 89th Session
At Chemmark, we’re proud to stand with organizations that fight for your success. We’ll continue sharing important updates like these—because when you’re informed, you’re empowered.
📞 Have questions or want help interpreting how these updates might affect your operation? We’re always here to help—no sales pitch, just real support. Call us at 281-290-6801.
