City of Cambridge Announces Food Truck Pilot

The City of Cambridge is currently accepting applications from food truck operators for its Food Truck Pilot, which will bring a variety of food trucks to locations in Central Square, Cambridgeport, Kendall Square, and North Point Park. The application period is open until November 30, 2017 and food trucks will begin vending in the spring of 2018. 

Application Information for Interested Vendors

“The Food Truck Pilot aligns with the City’s goal to support local businesses,” said Iram Farooq, Assistant City Manager for Community Development. “Food trucks allow restaurant entrepreneurs to test branding, menu ideas, and business concepts before making larger-scale investments. We have also thoughtfully designed the Pilot to prevent competition between existing small businesses in the designated areas.” 

To be eligible for vending consideration, food truck operators must complete an application provided by the City’s Community Development Department. They must also have a valid State of Massachusetts Hawkers & Peddlers License and be licensed and permitted by the City of Cambridge prior to the start of vending. Consideration will be given to women- and minority-owned businesses, businesses operated by Cambridge residents, new businesses (2 years or under), and businesses without a brick-and-mortar restaurant. 

Food trucks will be open to the public April 2018 through October 2018 at the following locations:

• Cambridgeport (Sidney Street at Erie Street)
  
  • Weekday Lunch: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday

• Central Square / City Hall (795 Massachusetts Ave)
  • Weekend Dinner: 8:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. Thursday through Sunday

• MIT / Kendall Square (Main Street at Ames Street)
  • Weekday Lunch: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday

• North Point Park (Education Park)
  • Weekend Lunch: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday through Sunday 

Final schedules, including food truck vendors at each location, will be announced in March 2018.  An internal review committee will determine food truck scheduling at each location using a system that considers the eligibility requirements detailed above. Additionally, a People’s Choice Poll, available online in January 2018, will invite Cambridge community members to vote on their top vendor choice at select, high-demand locations.

For more information about the City of Cambridge Food Truck Pilot, visit cambridgema.gov/foodtruckpilot.