What Is Mobile Food Vending Cart?

Mobile food cart is a popular entry point for many food business entrepreneurs who are wanting to enter the food industry or expand their current operations.

However, starting a mobile food operation comes with its own unique requirements and regulations. The guide below will help you navigate through the different steps as you start or grow your mobile food business. Our FAQ page may also help answer some of your questions as you navigate through the different steps.

What is mobile food vending cart?

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A food cart on the sidewalk
A vehicle used to prepare and serve food
A truck that drives through the city and vends on the sidewalk

Do you have a Mobile Food Unit Permit or exemption from Public Health – Seattle & King County?
A mobile food establishment permit includes: food carts, trailers, trucks, and food kiosks.
A permit or exemption must be obtained from Public Health to operate a food vending cart or food vehicle (truck or trailer) or kiosk in the City of Seattle.
All food vendors are required to be within 200 feet from a usable restroom that has soap and paper/hand dryer and hot water that is at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Portable toilets are not allowed.
All food vendors are required to operate out of an approved commissary kitchen within King County.
King County health permits are not transferrable.
If operating outside of King County, health permit(s) from each respective county may be required.