What laws must a Crave franchisee investigate regarding zoning and permitting for a food truck's operation and storage?
Crave Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Many of the regulations that apply to restaurants, as detailed in the paragraph above, also apply to the operation of food trucks. The following are additional regulations that may apply to food trucks: (a) special health and food service licensing requirements and special accommodations for restrooms; (b) restrictions and requirements governing the use of vending machines; and (c) regulations regarding the proper use, storage and disposal of waste, insecticides, and other hazardous materials. You must investigate the state and local laws that relate to zoning and permitting in the area where you will operate your Food Truck, and in the area where you will park and store your Food Truck when not in use. You must comply with all local, state, and federal laws that apply to your Food Truck relating to driver's licensing, commercial food vehicle registration, permitting and licensing, automobile insurance requirements, health laws, sanitation requirements, and no-smoking laws. In some states, a physical examination may be required to obtain a license to drive a commercial vehicle. Most states require liability insurance coverage for both the driver and the vehicle.
Source: Item 1 — THE FRANCHISOR, AND ANY PARENTS, PREDECESSORS AND AFFILIATES (FDD pages 6–9)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Crave's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must investigate state and local laws related to zoning and permitting for their food truck's operation. This includes the area where the food truck will operate and the area where it will be parked and stored when not in use. Franchisees must also comply with all local, state, and federal laws applicable to their food truck. These laws pertain to driver's licensing, commercial food vehicle registration, permitting and licensing, automobile insurance requirements, health laws, sanitation requirements, and no-smoking laws.
It is important for prospective Crave franchisees to understand that the restaurant and food truck industry is heavily regulated. These regulations can significantly impact the operation of the franchise. Franchisees should investigate all applicable regulations and requirements in their chosen geographic area to understand their effects and the costs of compliance.
Specifically, franchisees should be aware of regulations concerning general standards, zoning, permitting restrictions, and other specifications for the location, construction, design, maintenance, and operation of the food truck. They must also adhere to standards pertaining to employee health and safety, as well as regulations affecting customer health, safety, and welfare, such as sanitation requirements, accessibility for people with disabilities, and fire safety.
Additionally, franchisees must comply with regulations for food service operations, including food identification and labeling, and advertising regulations. Compliance with these laws and regulations is essential, as state and local agencies conduct inspections to ensure adherence. Furthermore, designated managers and employees must obtain ServSafe (or similar) certification, and certain personnel, including cashiers, may need to complete alcohol awareness or TIPS training.