You need approval from the health department to be a vendor at a pop-up location. You have to reapply each year.
You must already have a health permit to operate as a licensed food facility or catering company. View how to become a licensed caterer.
You can only run your pop-up 3 days or fewer each week.
To apply, get together your documentation from the following steps:
1. Verify the kitchen you'll work out of
Download and fill out the following form.
One section must be filled out by the owner of the licensed food facility that will host your pop-up.
Confirm food safety manager certificate
At least 1 person who works at the food pop-up should be a certified food safety manager.
If they do not already have this certification, they can take a class online. The certificate is valid for 5 years.
You'll be asked to share a copy of the certificate with your application and post it at all pop-up events.
Make a copy of your pop-up menu
List everything you plan to prepare and serve:
- All food items
- Condiments
- Beverages
Document the floor plan
Make a copy of the floor plan for the host location where you'll operate your pop-up.
Include all:
- Equipment
(Show all and indicate the equipment you will use) - Sinks
- Storage spaces
- Details of the pop-up setup
Prepare a plan for how you'll transport food
If you are making food at a different kitchen location ("commissary") from where the pop-up location is, give a description of how you will handle food safely during transport.
This should include how you will protect food, equipment, and utensils from contamination and unsafe temperatures.
Have an operation plan for the facility
Give a brief description of how you will handle food safety at the pop-up location.
This includes how you will keep food, utensils, and equipment safe from contamination and unsafe temperatures.
Learn more about good practices for safely operating a pop-up.
Submit copies of all materials
Gather your documentation from steps 1 to 6 and send them to:
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
Lyn Rocero
Last updated August 15, 2024