Sidewalk food carts may

• Operate on goods and services corridors or downtown.
• Sell prepackaged or ready-to-eat foods approved by the Health Department
• Be on public sidewalks

Sidewalk food carts cannot be motorized.

The location must be pre-approved before operating.

Before operating

You must have:

• A cart plan review 
• A site plan review 
• Letter of consent
• Liability insurance 

See how to open a new business

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.

See food plan review

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:

• City of Minneapolis food safety
• Minnesota State food business safety

Record some employee illnesses:

• Read about employee illness
• See Sick and Safe Time resources for food businesses

Follow City and State regulations:

• City of Minneapolis Food Code
• Minnesota State Food Code