Getting your food truck or catering business licensed requires an approved commissary home base. We provide everything you need to satisfy health department requirements in North Carolina and South Carolina.
It's not optional — health departments in NC and SC require mobile food vendors to have an approved commissary home base
Your food truck or catering business must have an approved commissary listed as your official base of operations on your health permit and business license.
Commissaries provide required facilities for food prep, dishwashing, handwashing, and waste disposal that mobile units can't fully accommodate.
Many jurisdictions require mobile vendors to return to an approved commissary daily or after each event for cleaning and restocking.
We provide all documentation proving that Lake Wylie Commissary Kitchen is an approved commissary facility that meets health department standards.
We'll provide an official commissary use agreement letter that you submit with your food truck or catering license application.
We've helped food truck operators get licensed before. We'll walk you through what the health department needs and help you avoid common mistakes.
Stay in compliance with health department regulations. We maintain our facility to standards and can assist with inspections if needed.
What you need to know about getting your mobile food vendor permit
1. Mobile Food Unit Permit
Obtained from your local county health department. Requirements vary by county but all require a commissary agreement.
2. Business License
Register your business with the NC Secretary of State and obtain local business licenses for each jurisdiction where you'll operate.
3. Food Safety Certification
At least one person must be a certified food protection manager (ServSafe or equivalent).
4. Commissary Agreement
Proof of commissary use (we provide this) showing your official home base for prep, storage, and cleaning.
• Mecklenburg County (Charlotte) requires daily commissary use
• Annual health inspections of your food truck
• Permit must be displayed in truck
• Separate permits needed for each county you operate in
1. Retail Food Establishment Permit
Obtained from SC DHEC (Department of Health and Environmental Control). Mobile food units fall under retail food establishment rules.
2. Business Registration
Register with SC Department of Revenue and obtain local business licenses.
3. Food Manager Certification
Person in charge must have SC food safety certification or equivalent (ServSafe accepted).
4. Commissary Use Agreement
Documentation proving access to an approved commissary (Lake Wylie Commissary provides this).
• York County requires commissary for cleaning and storage
• Biannual health inspections
• Operating permits renewed annually
• Must return to commissary after each day of operation
Yes. Both North Carolina and South Carolina health departments require mobile food vendors to have an approved commissary as their official home base. You cannot get licensed without one.
No. Residential kitchens do not meet commercial health code standards. You must use a licensed commercial commissary kitchen or commercial food facility.
Requirements vary by jurisdiction. Some counties require daily return for cleaning and restocking. Others allow less frequent use. We'll help you understand what applies to your specific situation.
You'll need permits for each state and potentially each county you operate in. Lake Wylie Commissary Kitchen serves as an approved commissary for both states, simplifying your licensing process.
Once you have your commissary agreement and required documentation, the health department review typically takes 2-6 weeks. Plan for 1-2 months total from start to finish.
Inspectors will check your food truck's equipment, food handling practices, temperature controls, and verify you have a commissary agreement. As long as you're operating cleanly and following food safety protocols, you'll pass.
Some jurisdictions allow pre-licensing if you have a commissary agreement and business plan, but most require the actual mobile unit to be inspected. We can advise you on the best sequence for your specific county.
Call or email to discuss your licensing needs. We'll explain how our commissary agreement works and what documentation we provide.
Sign a kitchen rental or parking agreement. We'll provide your commissary use documentation for your health department application.
Take our commissary agreement and other required docs to your local health department. They'll schedule an inspection of your truck.
Once approved, you're legal to operate. Use our kitchen for prep and storage as you grow your business.
