Any vendor who serves food or beverage made for immediate consumption falls into this category. While one of the most popular vendor categories during our large markets and events, food trucks and mobile units require a significant investment and are not a casual endeavor.
We require three major items for all onsite concessionaires, food trucks, and mobile food units: permitting from the Tennessee Department of Health, food product liability insurance, and unit safety.
Permits
In accordance with state law, only food units which have been inspected and permitted will be allowed to set up and operate during our events. We will ask for permits during the application process, and approved vendors are required to send us renewed licenses each year. Current food inspection results must be on display at all times.
There are currently two types of concessions permits you can obtain from the Tennessee Department of Health:
Mobile Unit Permit - these are for food trucks, trailers, or carts. Rules regarding Mobile Units can be found here.
Farmers Market Food Unit Permit - these are for units using improvised equipment, rather than permanent facilities and equipment. Information about Farmers Market Food Units can be found here.
We work closely with the local food and health inspectors to verify that our customers are receiving the safest and highest quality products available.
Insurance
We require a minimum of $1 million liability insurance policy, with Public Markets, Inc. as a named insured. More information about Market insurance requirements can be found here.
Safety
Your mobile unit must appear safe, be of good quality and in good condition; all electrical, water and sanitation services must be in good condition, and food preparation areas clean and in favorable condition. Long story short, if we wouldn’t want to eat food prepared in your unit, we will not let the public eat it.