HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark Mobile Food VendorsPARK MOBILE FOOD VENDOR
BACKGROUND
As of June 1, restaurants and bars will be allowed to open for outdoor dining under the Governors
Stay Safe Order. At the May 20 PRNRC meeting, committee members discussed the possibility
of allowing local restaurants to utilize park spaces as an opportunity to expand the availability of
outdoor dining venues. Staff was asked to provide clarification around the current process for
allowing food vendors in public park spaces.
PROCESS
Currently, mobile food vendors are allowed in the parks under two circumstances:
a) Catering a private event for a shelter reservation permit holder, this does not allow for
sales to the general public and a mobile food permit is not required
b) Applying for a permit through the Fire Department and Parks and Recreation Department
that allows for sales to the general public
Under option B, vendors can apply for a one-day permit ($50) or an annual permit ($150) that
would allow them to sell food to the general public at any park location. Vendors must provide
Staff with the specific dates that they will be at the park so that staff can determine if there will be
conflicts with pre-existing shelter reservations, tournaments, special events, etc. The
requirements for securing a permit to sell food in the parks are as follows:
• Proof of Liability Insurance up to $1,000,000
• License issued by the State of Minnesota to operate a mobile food unit
• Site plan of where the mobile food unit will be located
• Ability to pass an inspection by the Fire Department for units that are using propane, grills
or other heat sources
These are standard parameters that have been put in place to ensure the safety of the general
public which was discussed at great length by the City Council at a number of meetings. On
average, staff has issued 1-2 permits every couple of years with the most requested site being
Antlers Park. Historically speaking, vendors have not communicated a huge amount of success
vending food even on heavily trafficked days, i.e. Fourth of July and other holiday weekends.
Staff feels that the current process for securing a permit to vend food in city parks is user friendly
and flexible. While the city supports the local service industry, promoting food vendors and a
potential increase in traffic at already heavily used parks is not something we may want to endorse
under the current COVID-19 circumstances. Given the availability of delivery services (Door Dash,
Grubhub, Uber Eats, etc.) park goers already have the ability for food delivery from local
restaurants. Staff would be willing to explore the possibility of designating a food drop-off parking
spot with signage at some community parks to promote these services as well as let park goers
know that having food delivered is permissible.
Staff is open to discussion and additional feedback from committee members.