Q - What is a mobile Food Establishment?
A - This means a restaurant or retail food establishment where food is served or sold from a movable vehicle, push cart, trailer, or boat, which changes location and requires a base where the unit is serviced, cleaned, inspected.  A mobile license allows the unit to operate daily. 

Q - Will I need a license?
A - Yes you will need two licenses.  One license is for the mobile unit and the other license is for the base.  You are required to have a base.  The mobile unit must return to this base to be cleaned, get water, and store extra supplies.  A base is required regardless of the type of mobile unit you own. 

Q - What do I need on my mobile unit?
A - A pamphlet describing the three most common carts is available.  Briefly most carts either have everything on them like a mini restaurant or they are used just for serving food.  All mobile units are required to have handwashing sinks supplied with cold and hot water.  All equipment must be commercial/ANSI certified.  Only home -style freezers are allowed.

Q - How do I get started?
A - Once you have decided that you want to operate a mobile food establishment ask yourself these questions:

• What will my menu be?
• Where will I operate?
• Where will my base be?

These are important questions to answer, as they will determine the type of license and mobile unit you will need.  Once these have been answered contact the Health Department to begin the steps to become a licensed Mobile Food Establishment!

Contact the Eau Claire City-County Health Department at 715-839-4718 for license applications and fees.

If you are operating in the City of Eau Claire other permits will be required and you will need to contact the City Clerk for licensing as well.  Call the Health Department first to begin this process.

• ECCCHD Mobile Cart Pamphlet

• Code Chapter for Mobile Carts