How to Start a Food Cart

Before you start 

• Create a business plan that outlines your products and/or services, potential cost and revenue projection. There are templates from the Small Business Administration or SCORE for reference. 

• Explore our funding page to learn about what funding options are available.

• All food carts (mobile food units) must be licensed by the Multnomah County Health Department. This includes carts, trailers, trucks, drive-through coffee stands and kiosks. All food carts must remain on wheels. Learn about the rules and requirements for the mobile food units (food trucks, food carts) at the Oregon Health Authority website.

• Learn what you need to know as a first time food cart operators. If you are thinking of buying a used cart, contact the Health Department to see if it meets requirements (503-988-3400; eh.front.office@multco.us). 

Find a location 

Choose one of the location options: public property, private property, or City parks; the application process may vary based on the type of location you choose. If you are planning to sell food and drinks at events, fairs, concerts, circuses, or markets, apply for the temporary food event license.

• If operating in a private property, learn more here about the Portland requirements for food trucks and food carts operating on a private property. Schedule a free 15-minute appointment with a City Planner for your zoning questions.

• If operating in public right-of-way (e.g. on the sidewalk), you must apply for a permit with The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT). The vending cart can be located at any public sidewalk in a commercial zone in Portland. Search the address in PortlandMaps to check the zoning. Vending carts are only allowed on sidewalks 10 feet or wider. 

• If operating in City parks, apply for Commercial Activity Permit with Portland Parks & Recreation. 

Set up your business 

• Register your business with the City of Portland. You may also be required to register with the State of Oregon and federally. Before registering, choose a legal structure and a name that fits your business. Learn more here. 

• Obtain insurance: It’s a generally good practice to purchase business insurance to help protect your business. Check out the Oregon Small Employer Guide to Insurance and Worksite Safety for more information. 

• Digital presence: Set up digital presence for your business helps generate buzz and sets the digital marketing foundation. Learn more about the basics here. 

• If you are going to hire employees, follow the steps outlined in the Oregon Employer’s Guide. 

Prepare your space 

• Complete the plan review and inspection with the Multnomah County Health Department. 

• City of Portland permits: 

• Permits needed if operating on private property: check the requirements from the Portland Permitting & Development; 

• Permits needed if operating on public right-of-way: check the requirements from the City of Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT):  

• Permits needed if operating in City park: apply for the Commercial Activity Permit with Portland Parks & Recreation. 

• If operating with propane, apply for the portable propane device permit from Portland Fire and Rescue. 

• Garbage, recycling, and compost requirement: Learn more here about garbage, recycling, and compost requirements for businesses operating in commercial space. Note that there are additional composting requirements depending on how much food waste you produce. Work with your landlord/property manager to set up these services. If you are setting up a new service, you can negotiate service level, frequency and cost. Rates are not set by the City of Portland.

• Fats, Oil and Grease control for food businesses: Food service establishments, such as restaurants, in Portland are required to have kitchen fixtures connected to grease interceptors. Check with your landlord to see if this is set up. Learn more here at the Bureau of Environmental Services. 

• Outdoor Dining Permit: If you plan to have outdoor dining on public right-of-way, apply for an Outdoor Dining Permit from Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT). Learn more here. 

• Sign and awning permit: learn more about when a sign permit is needed and how to apply here. Additionally, learn about the sign registration for portable signs and temporary signs. 

• Tree permit: if any of your activities may harm or remove a tree, check with City of Portland Urban Forestry to determine if a tree permit may be required. 

Food & alcohol licenses 

• Obtain the Food Handlers Card from the Multnomah County. 

• If you are going to serve alcohol, apply for the Annual Liquor License: learn about the steps to obtain the annual liquor license with the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC).  

• Employees who serve alcohol are required to obtain the Alcohol Service Permits. 

Open your business 

• Reaching out to your network prior to the actual launch/opening to host a pre-launch party is a great way to generate excitement around the project. 

• Check the Manage Your Business page to learn about the license renewal and tax filing requirements.  

• Join Travel Portland partnership here for free and get free access to Locl, a software that helps manage your Google My Business profile.

• Stay connected with Portland Office of Small Business via our newsletter.