How to Start as a Street Vendor in Texas

A street vendor's success depends on consistent foot traffic

Street vendors are independent entrepreneurs who enjoy the freedom and variety that a mobile location provides. Successful vendors usually operate in the busiest areas of the city, drawing their customers from shoppers, theater and concert goers and the crowd drawn to other urban events. Large Texas cities legislate when and where street vendors can operate, but relaxed laws and increasing public demand have made it easier to start as a street vendor in Texas.

Instructions

1. Decide what type of food you will sell; it dictates the specifications of your cart. Vendors offering pre-packaged food in Texas are not required to have hot and cold running water, but those portioning and serving food, like hot dogs or nachos, are. All vendors are required to purchase their food from city approved suppliers.

2. Get your food cart. Standard cart size is 3 feet wide, 4 feet tall by 6 feet long and is required to be constructed of stainless steel. Texas municipal codes are exacting; contact the city office responsible for overseeing small businesses, usually an economic development department, to determine any location specific regulations.

3. Register your business. Sole proprietors and general partners must obtain a DBA (doing business as or assumed name) from the county where they will do business. Vendors whose business is a limited partnership or corporation of any kind are required to register with the Texas Secretary of State. Obtain an EIN, employer identification number, from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, and apply for sales tax permits from the Texas Comptroller.

4. Obtain any required additional licenses and permits. Some cities, like Dallas, require vendors to obtain both a business license and a vendor's license. Additionally, you may be required to obtain a permit to operate in specific locations. Work closely with a city representative to ensure you don't overlook any municipal requirements.

5. Schedule an inspection with the local health department. Texas has detailed rules for acceptable food storage and display as well as cart maintenance. Food vendors are treated much like restaurants and can't open for business without passing this inspection. Ensure you are prepared. Park your cart in the city permitted location and make sure everything is in good working order. Double check the running water and propane supply if your cart requires them. Attach and open the umbrella and make sure it is free of holes and tears. You are ready to start as a street vendor in Texas when the inspections are passed and the permits issued.

References

• Requirements for Mobile Food Vendors City of Dallas

Resources

• Texas Secretary of State: About the Corporations Section
• IRS.gov: Employer ID Numbers (EINs)
• Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts: Texas Online Tax Registration Application