Mobile Prepared Food Vendors
A “Mobile Prepared Food Vendor” is any person who, by traveling from place to place upon the public ways, serves portions of food, coffee or other beverages that are totally enclosed in a wrapper or container and which have been prepared or wrapped in a licensed food establishment, using a wheeled non-motorized vehicle, pushcart, or handcart.
- Adequate refrigeration and/or heating equipment as approved by the department of health. Use of propane and/or gasoline generators are not allowed.
- All mechanical refrigeration and heating equipment shall be equipped with a thermometer.
- All sides, top, bottom and counters of the cart shall be made of durable and cleanable construction.
- Clean, non-absorbent, washable receptacles, with a tightfitting lid for refuse is required.
- Mobile Prepared Food Vendors shall be responsible for the sanitation and cleanliness of the place of operation and the surrounding area.
What is required to apply for the license?
- The applicant’s full name, residence address, telephone numbers, social security number or IRS ITIN number, and an Illinois Sales Tax number and IDOR Account number.
- Menu including a list of all food items the applicant intends to serve.
- Diagram and photos of the non-motorized vehicle or cart.
- Specifications of all equipment to be used on the non-motorized vehicle
- A City of Chicago Food Sanitation Manager Certificate, as required.
- Lease and/or agreement with the licensed commissary where the vehicle or cart will be cleaned and serviced and where food will be prepared and stored.
- A “Shared Kitchen User” license is required to prepare and or store food at a licensed commissary. Food may not be prepared or stored in a residential home.
Cost of Fees for Mobile Prepared Food Vendors:
- $100.00 for a 2-year term.
- $50.00 for seniors who are 65 or more years of age at the time of application, veterans of the armed forces of the United States whose discharge from military or naval service was other than dishonorable, or a person with a physical or mental disability as certified by a medical doctor.
Where can I sell?
- Access the interactive No Peddling Zones & Prohibited Mobile Food Vending Zone Map to see where peddling and mobile food vending is prohibited, pursuant to the City of Chicago’s municipal code.
Next Steps:
- Check out BACP’s one-pager to help out with what is required: Click here
- You may apply for a license online by visiting ChicagoBusinessDirect.org, or in person at the Small Business Center in City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle Street, Room 800. For general licensing inquiries, call (312) 74-GOBIZ/ (312) 744-6249.
- Certain areas of the City have been designated “No Peddling Zones.” Street peddlers are not permitted to conduct business in these zones. A complete list is available at the City Clerk’s office located at City Hall.
- $100.00 for a 2-year term.
- $50.00 for seniors who are 65 or more years of age at the time of application, veterans of the armed forces of the United States whose discharge from military or naval service was other than dishonorable, or a person with a physical or mental disability as certified by a medical doctor.
- A separate license is required for each individual.
- Only one license is required to conduct both “Street Peddler” and “Street Performer” activities, however, all activities and all wares that such street peddler intends to sell, offer for sale, sell and deliver, barter or exchange must be clearly stated on the license application.
- Provide current government-issued identification, such as a valid driver’s license, passport or other official photo identification.
- Current residence address must be stated on the identification provided.
- All street peddlers must obtain an Illinois Department of Revenue Account ID (i.e. Illinois Business Tax) Number; register at tax.illinois.gov.
- Street Peddlers must be at least 16 years of age.
- You may apply for a license online by visiting ChicagoBusinessDirect.org, or in person at the Small Business Center in City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle Street, Room 800. For general licensing inquiries, call (312) 74-GOBIZ/ (312) 744-6249.
