Food trucks and sidewalk cafes are a great way for entrepreneurs to bring delicious food from diverse cultures to Seattle. But what does it take to actually open your own? That question and many others were answered at the first of two annual Food Business Roadshows held earlier this month.
Food trucks at Westlake Park.
This event at the Seattle Central Public Library brought together food vendors and industry experts to share ideas and answer questions. More than 40 people received one-on-one coaching to pursue their dreams of owning and operating their own food vending business. The roadshow launched in 2016, and is now scheduled to happen every spring and fall!
SDOT’s Public Space Management team helped applicants understand the permitting process, and offered valuable information on mobile food vending, sidewalk cafes, streateries, and sign permits, all which help make for a lively and festive streetscape, as well as being an important part of economic development for the city.
The event is hosted by the Seattle Office of Economic Development, and includes other agencies such as the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspection and King County Public Health to help provide guidance and feedback to prospective entrepreneurs.
Are you interested in opening your own food truck, or learning more? Call our friendly vending team to schedule a free permit coaching session to jump start your future food business. Or, join us for the next Food Business Roadshow, scheduled for Thursday, September 28th at the Seattle Central Public Library.
For more information, please contact us at SDOTPermits@seattle.gov or 206-684-5253.