Caterer
What to know
Event examples
- Receptions
- Parties
- Conferences
- Weddings
- Trade shows
A caterer license may not be used at public events.
Rules for caterers
- If you serve or plate food on-site, you need a catering license.
- Caterers may not cook or prepare food on-site.
- If you serve alcohol, you must have a liquor caterers license.
- You do not need a license for food delivery, such as:
- Box lunches
- Pizza
Application and fee
Application
Catering businesses in Minneapolis must be licensed.
Submit your application
Submit your application to Business Licenses
If you have questions, contact Business Licenses
Businesses with a restaurant or an on-sale alcohol license
If your business already has a restaurant or on-sale alcohol license from the City and you want to add catering, you must complete the add-on application.
You must have the same ownership and kitchen.
Requirements
Before you begin
Look at our information about:
Food safety
You are responsible for food safety. This includes control of food from preparation to serving customers.
See City and State food safety resources:
Record some employee illnesses:
Follow City and State regulations:
Food plan review
You must submit plans to:
- Open a new food or alcohol business, including:
- Food carts
- Food kiosks
- Food trucks
- Remodel or expand an existing food or alcohol business
- Replace food equipment that needs any of these permits for installation:
- Gas
- Mechanical
- Plumbing
- Add ventless cooking equipment or ventless hoods
The City must approve your plans before you start any work.
More information
Inspection
Your food handling methods determine how often the City will inspect your business.
Disclaimer
The information on this page should serve as a guideline only.
Request accessible format
If you need help with this information, please email 3 1 1, or call 311 or 612-673-3000.
Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.
Contact us
Environmental Health
Minneapolis Health Department
Phone
Address
Public Service Building
505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 520
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Business Licenses & Consumer Services
Phone
612-673-2080
Fax
612-673-3399
Address
Public Service Building505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 220
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Office hours
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Monday – Thursday
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Friday
Food Plan Review Team
Mohamed Yusuf
Jim Donovan
Janna Beard
Address
Public Service Building
505 Fourth Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55415