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Food Truck

Food Truck Vending

Community Development

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

Tips and FAQs

What Kinds of Food Truck Vending Options Are There In Cambridge?

Food truck operators can do business in Cambridge in a variety of ways:

How Do I Get the Necessary Licenses and Permits to Vend in Cambridge?

The required steps for licensing and permitting food trucks in order to vend in Cambridge are detailed on the Inspectional Services and Community Development Department websites. It is recommended that food truck owners move through the process in chronological order.

What is the City of Cambridge Food Truck Program?

The City of Cambridge Food Truck Program launched in 2018 to encourage independent and locally-owned food business operators to test their concepts in the Cambridge market through food truck vending in select public spaces and times. Food truck shifts were determined by an internal review committee that vetted applications based on a point system that was devised to ensure variation at each location.

The program runs year-round. For the latest scheduling information, visit cambridgema.gov/foodtruckschedule

Have you visited food trucks at the City program locations? Give Us Your Feedback 

Page was posted on 6/3/2019 9:48 AM
Page was last modified on 7/24/2023 8:09 PM
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