STEP-BY-STEP

Open a Food Pop-Up

Requirements for a Food Pop-Up

  • You need approval from the health department to be a pop up food vendor at an approved host location.
  • You must already have a health permit to operate as a licensed food facility or a caterer. View how to become a licensed caterer.
  • A pop-up can operate no longer than 3 days each week, 4 hours per day.
  • You must reapply for registration each year.
1

Cost

Cost: $244.
Time:At least 2-4 weeks before opening. Failure to upload required document
2

Copy of your health permit to operate

(i.e. Caterer permit or licensed food facility permit)

3

Verify the host facility your Pop Up will be operating at

Download and complete the fillable form with the host facility owner’s signature.

Pop Up Food Vendor Host Facility Authorization Form

4

Provide a copy of your Proposed Menu

List everything you plan to prepare and serve:

  • All food items
  • Condiments
  • Beverages
5

Copy of Pop Up Floor Plan at the Host location

Include all:

  • Equipment
    (Show all and indicate the equipment you will use)
  • Sinks
  • Tables
  • Storage areas
  • Details of the pop-up setup
6

Food Transportation Plan

Please describe how your food will be safely transported from your permitted food facility (i.e. catering facility, restaurant, etc.) to the Pop Up Host locations. This should include how food will be protected from contamination and how food will be held at proper temperature (i.e. hot/cold holding).

7

Operational Plan at the Host location

Complete the Operational Plan for a Pop Up Food Vendor Checklist and Requirements.

Learn more about good practices for safely operating a pop-up.

8

Copy of Food Safety Manager Certificate

Your licensed food facility must have at least one person who has the Food Safety Manager (FSM) certification. If an employee works at the food Pop up location is not the FSM, they must have a Food Handler Card.

Become a certified food safety manager for your facility or obtain a food handler card.

9

Apply online

Complete the Pop Up registration application online and upload all required documents.

Apply Here

Food Safety Program

Environmental Health
Department of Public Health
49 South Van Ness Avenue, Suite 600
San Francisco, CA 94103

Questions about pop-up permits

Sojeatta Khim, Senior Environmental Health Inspector

sojeatta.khim@sfdph.org