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.
A food truck prepares or sells (or both) food from a motorized vehicle or trailer.
See the steps to get and maintain a license.
You can find information from the City about:
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
You must have a license to operate a food business in Minneapolis.
See the food truck application
Minneapolis has licenses for food trucks and food carts. We have different requirements for:
See the City food truck and food cart requirements
Review the vehicle plan standards on the business license application for the requirements of a mobile food vehicle.
See food truck vehicle requirements
You must submit plans for:
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
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
You must prepare food in a Minneapolis licensed kitchen. Kitchen options include:
The application may require documents, such as:
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
Review and consider all requirements when starting your business.
See information about your operating your business
Send an email to your:
Read more about required containers
Minneapolis has rules about containers for prepared food. Food and beverages that are meant to be eaten immediately off-site or taken to-go must be put in containers that are:
You must dispose of containers properly:
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.
Find out what to do once your business is open and running.
See information about your operating your business
The City offers financing to help you cover costs of expansion, such as equipment. Contact your Development Coordinator who can guide you through city requirements.
If you change equipment, you may need to:
Look at the City’s business resources
Your business license must be renewed every April. We will send your renewal information in the mail 30 days before it is due.
View the City's Business Licensing Renewal Process video
Call 311 if you have questions. They will connect you with the right person at the City.
Community Planning & Economic Development
Phone
Address
Public Service Building
505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 320
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Community Planning & Economic Development
Address
Public Service Building
505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 220
Minneapolis, MN 55415