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7 replies

Roadside BBQ sales in southern states?

FM Former Member
Hi All,

This is my first post on the Cookshack Forum.

My wife and I are from far Northern Maine. We've been selling our BBQ from a mobile rig for nearly 15 years. We're thinking about heading (with our rig) south for the winter and selling some of our BBQ products along the way, roadside OR on private commercial property.

Maine law DOES require a mobile food vendor's license and annual inspection, but DOES NOT require operating from a licensed commissary or established restaurant. It's my understanding that many states DO require operating from a licensed commissary or restaurant. We have not decided on which southern State we will travel to, but would like to find out what other mobile operators have experienced with mobile state liscensing requirements.

I know some of you are saying, Maine??? Like most of you, we think our BBQ is pretty good. We're open to your suggestions. Thanks for the insight!
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T tomMember
While you are waiting,I'd go to the FIND function at pagetop.

Search all forums.

Input farmers markets,mobile food sales,etc.

There have been a lot of very detailed threads ,including equipment required,permits,hours,marketing,etc.

Smokin' may have to come on and steer you,but there is a lot of detail,from experienced folks.
FM Former Member
On the one hand, you can't do what you propose to do legally in NC without jumping through !!!A LOT!!! of hoops. On the other hand, if you're heading down I-95 and plan to do business for a day or two, more or less along the highway, the chances of being caught in those counties is so slim that it might be worth the chance. I think the first time offender, if caught, is likely to be told to move along rather than fined or anything more severe.
FM Former Member
I also remember Prison chef's adventure in Florida that he had to go through a LOT of hoops

The issue will be that each town can have their own laws and it's impossible to generalize.

Keep hitting the forums, but you need to get into more specifics about states and maybe members from that state will pop up.
FM Former Member
Good idea Smokin...we have freinds and family in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Texas, North Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi and Arizona. As we look to travel south, we'd like to be part of the BBQ community in some capacity... and see how Rib Trucks BBQ stacks up. At this point, 1-3 day outings/ events are the level our interest. We would like to follow local and state laws. Are there any venues you or others can think of where out-of-state vendors are welcome to participate (and have a cash flow)?

I'd also be interested in knowing which of the 50 states has the toughest health code requirements for mobile vendors?

Thanks for your help. John

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