Items for sale

Grocery stores may sell:

• Bread and other grain products
• Cereal and other dry goods
• Dairy products
• Fruits and vegetables
• Juices
• Meat, poultry, or fish

Some grocery stores also sell household items.

Store size

The sales floor must be at least 2,000 square feet unless the store is:

• An accessory grocery store
• A convenience store
• A gas station
• A grocery store located on a commercial corridor

Before you begin

Look at our information about: 

• How to open a new business
• Sewer Availability Charge (SAC)

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

Green To Go

Minneapolis has rules about containers for prepared food. 

Food and beverages prepared to be:

• Eaten immediately off-site or
• Taken to-go

Must be in containers that are:  

• Reusable 
• Recyclable or
• Compostable

Read more about required containers

Read City code rules

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