Street Vendor Licensing - Coffee

Hello community, this is my first post here.

I am hoping to set up a vending cart for fresh roasted coffee, and coffee drinks. I have quite a few questions, and haven't had much luck getting answers through simple online searches. I mostly just get news articles about the battles going on in the Hispanic neighborhoods. Here are a few of my questions:

1. What is the process for obtaining a street vendor license in Chicago? Is there a place online to view or download the application? Can anyone give me a basic overview of the process?


2. I keep hearing about Prepared food vs. non-prepared food, but I am not sure how to determine whether selling roasted coffee beans and making drip coffee would be prepared. It would be impossible to prepare fresh coffee in advance from a kitchen. Any insight into the specific definition of prepared foods?


3. I hear that there are places that you can and can't set up a vendor cart, but have heard no specifics whatsoever. I live near Lincoln Park, and would like to set something up close to an EL stop in the mornings. Does anyone have access to specific information regarding this?


Any other specific insight would be appreciated. Thanks in advance for any help.

I think the most important thing you can do is get whatever questions you have answered by the city agency responsible for licensing this venture and GET THE ANSWERS IN WRITING.

The answer to all of your questions can be found here: www.parkconcessions.com

chicagostyledog wrote:The answer to all of your questions can be found here: http://www.parkconcessions.com

That's an answer to a different question. Park concessions are limited to -- concessions in parks.

e.g. There's a coffee hut right by my office downtown but it's really in "Pritzker Park" so it's not a street concession.

spinynorman99 wrote:

chicagostyledog wrote:The answer to all of your questions can be found here: http://www.parkconcessions.com

That's an answer to a different question. Park concessions are limited to -- concessions in parks.

e.g. There's a coffee hut right by my office downtown but it's really in "Pritzker Park" so it's not a street concession.

It's the only answer. Carts, kiosks, and trailers in the City of Chicago are only allowed at parks and beaches. No exceptions. The coffee kiosk near your office is a licensed concession at a city park.

http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/de ... types.html

Food Peddler
A Food Peddler is a person who moves from place to place selling fruits or vegetables
that are whole and uncut from a wagon, pushcart, handcart, pack or
basket. Food Peddlers are permitted to sell whole, uncut fruits and vegetables and
no other food items. Peddlers are not allowed to handle or prepare food.
FEE: $165 and $88.00 for seniors, veterans and the disabled

Mobile Food Dispenser
A Mobile Food Dispenser License is required to sell food items directly from a
vehicle, catering or ice cream truck. All food must be prepared and pre-packaged
from a facility with a Wholesale or Retail Food Establishment License. Mobile food
vehicles are required to undergo a health inspection and are prohibited in some
wards of the City.
FEE: $275

LAZ wrote:http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/bacp/supp_info/detailed_licensetypes.html

Food Peddler
A Food Peddler is a person who moves from place to place selling fruits or vegetables
that are whole and uncut from a wagon, pushcart, handcart, pack or
basket. Food Peddlers are permitted to sell whole, uncut fruits and vegetables and
no other food items. Peddlers are not allowed to handle or prepare food.
FEE: $165 and $88.00 for seniors, veterans and the disabled

Mobile Food Dispenser
A Mobile Food Dispenser License is required to sell food items directly from a
vehicle, catering or ice cream truck. All food must be prepared and pre-packaged
from a facility with a Wholesale or Retail Food Establishment License. Mobile food
vehicles are required to undergo a health inspection and are prohibited in some
wards of the City.
FEE: $275

Unfortunately, the above is not applicable to a cart serving fresh roasted coffee/coffee drinks. Wouldn't this be nice? http://www.lacarts.com/pimages/ESPRESSO%20TRAILER.JPG