Hi jerry, Does the city really care what you do on private property ????? you will still have to be under HD guide lines,and have all the paperwork and licensing. I cater all kinds of events for my clints, when I’m on their property, I’m on my own, don’t need a catering agreement, just follow all the HD requirements, and keep hot food hot, and cold food cold……………….BillyB

BillyB,
 
Sorry it took so long to respond.  I’ve been scurrying around this week trying to get everything ready.  I have an 8am appointment Monday morning with the HD inspector for the final pre-opening inspection. 
 
With regards to the city I live in, I’m firmly coming to think that they’d require my DNA and a rectal exam if they thought they could get away with it.
 
I got a letter in the mail a few days ago saying I was approved for using my home as an office, but that I can’t have any inventory or “catering vehicles” at the residence.  My dad lives out in the county and I explained I would be keeping it there.  The letter then said that I needed to contact the city revenue section, pay a seperate fee for a catering business license in addition to the $35.00 I paid for the priviledge of using the internet and phone in my own home (office use).
 
Here’s where it gets really good.  I called the City today and spoke with a lady in the revenue/collections section and explained the letter and that I wanted to come by, pay whatever fee, and collect the license.  She said she’d have to talk to her boss because they usually reserve catering licenses for established restaurants.  I explained that the city planner, that sent me the letter, told me to contact her section and get that particular license.  She then told me that she couldn’t tell me how much it would be or if I could get it until she spoke with her head bereaucrat and that they might need to change the code to address a business like mine that would be changing locations.  She said she’d call me back and never did.
 
It’s amazing how much red tape is required to warm up pre-cooked hot dogs.   Geeesh.
 
I was able to assess my business and tag my cart in about 30 minutes.
 
I was able to establish my official DBA at the County Clerk’s office in about 15 minutes.
 
I went to the neighboring town and got a business license in about 25 minutes ($25.00 for a full year).
 
 
I’d like to buy these bozos in my city for what they are worth and SELL them for what they think they’re worth!
 
 
Best regards,
 
Jerry
 
 
 
By the way, just got our graphics done at a local printing company.  All these graphics (& two others, not shown) were $160.00.  I’d say it was a good buy…
 
 
 
Our new card side graphics:
 

 
 
Menu decals:
 

 
 
 
 
Backside of our cart with our twitter/facebook push: