In order to start a food cart business there are several steps you must complete. You need to get all the necessary permits and licenses. As well as all the necessary equipment including the food cart itself.
Costs and permits vary depending on where operate, so check with your city or county health department before you begin selling.
Here's what most food cart operators need to line up:
- A cart that meets health code standards (used carts run cheaper than a new build)
- A mobile food vendor permit, which is usually separate from a general vendor permit
- Access to a licensed commissary kitchen for prep and storage, if your area requires one
- A propane setup, generator, or power source approved for your equipment
- General liability insurance, since most markets won't approve you without it
A food cart business usually costs less to get up and running than a food truck, since you're not investing in a truck.
Most of the up front cost goes into the cart itself, permits, and your first batch of inventory.
Where you plan to sell, whether that's a vendor market, event, fixed spot, or a special event, can change which permits apply to you.
Once your cart and permits are sorted, Marketlly lists vendor markets you can browse by location and apply to directly. Your vendor profile shows organizers what you sell before they even open your application, so you spend less time chasing markets down one by one.