Obtain ServSafe Certification (third party sources).Obtain active Insurance (third party sources).Obtain a Business Certificate from the municipality where your business is based (if based in City of Cambridge, see City Clerk’s Office).Step 2: Protect and Certify Your Food Truck Business business or private parcel of land): Obtain a letter of permission from landlord of private property, noting the date, time, the property owner's contact information, and the name of the food truck. Regular or one-time vending at private locations supported by a landlord agreement (e.g.city streets and parking meters): Obtain a valid City of Cambridge Special Event Permit from the Traffic, Parking & Transportation Department. Occasional one-time vending at approved public locations (e.g.Regular vending at select public locations through the Food Truck Program: See related guidelines for a listing of available locations and shifts. Staff from the following City departments, and/or other City staff if the City Manager chooses to appoint others, will review applications for the Food Truck Program and approve the schedule of food trucks: CDD, Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking & Transportation, License Commission, and the City Manager's office.Step 1: Identify, and get permission for, a vending location It is recommended to move through the process in chronological order since later items (like permits) are dependent on earlier items (like business certificates). The following steps are required for food truck operators to secure the necessary permits and licenses for food truck vending in the City of Cambridge. Regular or one-time vending at private locations supported by a landlord agreement.One-time vending events must be open to the public. Occasional one-time vending at Traffic, Parking & Transportation Department approved public locations.Regular vending at select public locations through the City of Cambridge Food Truck Program.Where & How to Vendįood truck operators can now do business in the City of Cambridge in a variety of ways: Additionally, their “pop-up” style of operation introduces a playful element to public spaces that residents, workers, and visitors enjoy and appreciate as part of a high quality of life in Cambridge. Like farmers markets and open air festivals, food trucks offer new food businesses a relatively low-cost opportunity for testing menu items, building brand awareness, and growing a loyal customer base.

Food trucks are an important and growing part of the Cambridge food businesses economy.

Harvard food truck challenge