Food truck

Definition

A food truck prepares or sells (or both) food from a motorized vehicle or trailer.

Rules for food trucks

Trucks can park curbside or on private property.
Food preparation and storing must occur at a licensed commercial kitchen in Minneapolis.

You can find information from the City about:

Meet with a Business Licensing customer service representative

Meet with a business licensing customer service representative to go over the requirements for your food license. Your business cannot open until you have your license.

See how to get help at the City of Minneapolis service center

Review the business license application

You must have a license to operate a food business in Minneapolis.

See the food truck application

Decide what kind of mobile food unit you need

Minneapolis has licenses for food trucks and food carts. We have different requirements for:

The types of food that can be served
Where they can operate in Minneapolis

See the City food truck and food cart requirements

Purchase your vehicle and equipment

Review the vehicle plan standards on the business license application for the requirements of a mobile food vehicle.

See food truck vehicle requirements

Complete food plan review

You must submit plans for:

A new food or alcohol business, including food carts, kiosks, and trucks
Remodeling or expanding an existing food or alcohol business
Replacing food equipment that requires gas, mechanical or plumbing permits for installation
Adding ventless cooking equipment or ventless hoods

If you need to submit plans, they must be approved before you start any work.

Find more information about food plan review

See the State of Minnesota mobile food truck requirements

Make a plan to have a Certified Food Protection Manager

Minnesota state law requires restaurants to have a Certified Food Protection Manager at each location. They must be on staff within 60 days of opening. Certification requires attending an approved food safety class and passing an exam.

See the Certified Food Protection Manager requirements

Licensed kitchens

You must prepare food in a Minneapolis licensed kitchen. Kitchen options include:

Institutional kitchen: Churches, or other community institutions like schools, often have large, health-inspected kitchens that are not always in use. They may be willing to rent you space during off times.
Restaurant kitchen: Some restaurants are willing to rent out their kitchen space during times when they are not open.
Shared commercial kitchen: This can be a good option if you are looking for some additional business support in addition to kitchen space. Often, shared commercial kitchens are connected to business support organizations.

Gather documents you will need for your license application

The application may require documents, such as:

A proposed menu
A vehicle diagram and a site plan
Your food plan review form
Vehicle inspection
Insurance

Submit all required documents and fees to Business Licensing

Submit your application to Business Licenses & Consumer Services by email, by U.S. mail or in person at the City of Minneapolis service center

If you have questions, contact 311 or Business Licenses

See information about your operating your business

Tell your new neighbors about your business

Contact area leaders where your business will be located:
- Council member
- Neighborhood organization
- Business association
Network with local residents and leaders
Learn about resources they may offer small businesses

Send an email to your:

See a sample letter

Green To Go

Be prepared for health inspections

Your first routine inspection will occur within 60 days of opening. We focus on food safety. Be sure to follow good food safety practices and regularly complete a self-inspection.

Read about food safety