If you are considering starting a coffee truck business in the United States of America or in any country of the world, you will be required to obtain the basic licenses and permits based on the city or state you want to start the business.
In this article, we will look at some of the basic licenses and permits needed to start and operate a coffee truck business in the United States of America. Although all the licenses and permits we will discuss in this article apply to the United States, it is important to note that some of the licenses and permits may be applicable to your country if you are not in the United States.
Licenses and Permits Needed for a Coffee Truck Business
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General Business License
If you are considering starting a coffee truck business in the United States of America, or in any country of the world, one of the first things that is expected of you is to get your business registered and then obtain a general business license. With a general business license, you can legally operate your business across the United States of America.
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Zonal Permits
A zonal permit is yet another important permit that you are expected to have if you want to start your coffee truck business.
The fact that different cities and states regulate the type of businesses that are permitted to operate within certain zones means that you will require zonal permits to operate your coffee truck business. As a matter of fact, if you don’t have a zonal permit or clearance, you cannot park and sell coffee in any location you want to.
Aside from that, as a coffee truck business, you are expected to have a commercial kitchen or storefront where you operate, and you will also require zonal permits to use any facility for such services.
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Signage Permit
Another requirement that you must have if you want to operate a coffee truck business is to have your signage permit in place.
With a signage permit, you can easily put up signs that promote your coffee truck brand, you can easily give directions to where your coffee trucks are parked, and you can legally brand your coffee truck. Without obtaining a signage permit, it will be illegal to put up any sign that aims to promote your coffee truck business.
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Proof of Ownership, Proper Identification, and Vehicle License
Another important license that you would need if you want to operate a coffee truck business in the United States of America is proof of ownership, proper identification, and a vehicle license. Of course, the major equipment needed to operate a coffee truck is a food truck and in the United States, it is illegal to put any vehicle or truck on the road without proof of ownership, proper identification, and a vehicle license.
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Proof of District-Issued Food Manager Identification Card
Proof of a district-issued food manager identification card is yet another important permit that is required to operate a coffee truck business in the United States of America.
Please note that in the United States of America, the coffee truck is classified under the food and beverages industry, and as a matter of fact, most coffee trucks also serve food and snacks hence it is mandatory that they have proof of district-issued food manager identification card.
This card or permit can be obtained from the district where your food truck business is domiciled or where you intend to park your coffee truck.
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Food Purchase Record Storage and Record Keeping Card
Similar to the proof of a district-issued food manager identification card is a food purchase record storage and record-keeping card. Every coffee truck that also serves food and snacks is required to have a food purchase record storage and record keeping card where they record all the ingredients and food purchased.
The food purchase record storage and record-keeping card make it easier for the regulating authority (local health departments) to track the source of any contaminated or infected food.
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Copy of License for the Service Support Facility and/or a Recent Inspection Report
Lastly, another license that you would need if you want to operate a coffee truck business in the United States is a copy of the license for the service support facility and/or a recent inspection report. The fact that you are expected to have a base where you store and prepare your coffee and food means that you should have the license to do so.
The local health department regularly visits and inspects any facility that is used for food storage or a commercial kitchen that is used for preparing food and drinks that are consumed by the general public.
So, whenever the regulating authority pays you a visit, you are required to present a copy of the license for the service support facility and/or a recent inspection report. With that, it is easier for them to know whether your facility is complying with the local health department regulations of food and beverages.
In conclusion,
It is important to note that all the licenses and permits listed above are just the basic licenses and permits you are expected to have if you want to start your coffee truck business.
The location or jurisdiction where you want to start your coffee truck business may have unique licenses and permits that you may need to be able to operate your coffee truck business. So, we usually advise that you consult with the local government or state council on the requirements to legally operate your coffee truck business within their jurisdiction.