Food Service Licenses

BCD, as the authority having jurisdiction, issues operating licenses for all food facilities located and operated on University properties. Licenses are required for all permanent facilities (seasonal, year-round, and/or Inter-Collegiate Athletics (ICA) operations), temporary food stands at ICA sporting events/arenas, and mobile food prep units (truck/trailers) engaged in food preparation on campus. Temporary food stands for events sponsored by student organizations may, depending on the nature of the event, also be subject to licensing. 

University Dining Services (UDS) has the first right of refusal for the preparation and sale of food at campus locations. Therefore, only third-party or contracted outside food services/vendors that have obtained authorization from UDS to operate (sell/give away food) on campus can apply for licensing.

Additionally, as Coca-Cola has exclusive rights to beverages served at campus locations, a modified menu for beverages at your location may be required: allowed products are all Coca-Cola products, including bottled water (Dasani, Smart Water).

Permanent Facilities and Inter-Collegiate Athletics (ICA) Temporary Food Stands

Once authorization has been obtained from UDS, the vendor needs to provide the following to the University Environmental Hygiene Officer (EHO):

  • A completed HSRM Food Permit form if a license for a temporary event (1-5 days) is being obtained
  • A current food service license from a local jurisdiction (City of Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota Health Department, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, etc.).

After these materials are reviewed and accepted, the vendor is notified to access the Online Application System to set up an account and apply for the license.

After the application is completed in Accela, and the application is approved, an email notification with an invoice is sent, at which time the vendor logs back into the system and pays the amount due via credit card. After verification of payment, the operating license is emailed to the vendor as a PDF document.

Food Truck/Trailer or Temporary Food Stand Not Located at an ICA Facility

After obtaining authorization from University Dining Services (UDS), the vendor needs to provide the following to the University Environmental Hygiene Officer (EHO): 

  • A completed HSRM Food Permit form (for food stands) or a Food Truck Info Form (for food trucks) if a license for a temporary event(s) is being obtained.
  • A copy of the most recent regulatory/licensing inspection, including documentation that any violations noted on the inspection have been corrected/addressed.
  • A current food service license from a local jurisdiction (City of Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota Health Department, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, etc.).

After these materials are reviewed and accepted, the vendor is notified to access the Online Application System to set up an account, and apply for the license.

After the application is completed in Accela, and the application is approved, an email notification with an invoice is sent, at which time the vendor can log back into the system to pay the amount due via credit card. 

Prior to the license being released, the vendor must contact the University Real Estate Office (REO) to obtain a land use agreement for the duration of their operation on campus:

University Real Estate Office (REO)
451 Donhowe Building
319 15th Avenue SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455-0199
Tel: (612) 625-5345 
Fax: (612) 624-6345 
[email protected]

Specifics may vary once REO is contacted, but generally the vendor can expect to provide:

  • Insurance with the Regents of the University of Minnesota listed as additional insured for General Liability and Automobile Liability per these requirements:
    • Commercial General Liability insurance including coverage for bodily injury and property damage with limits not less than $1,000,000 for each occurrence and $2,000,000 annual aggregate.
    • Automobile Liability insurance with a minimum limit of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence Combined Single Limit for Bodily Injury and Property Damage, including coverage for owned, hired or non-owned vehicles, as applicable.
    • Workers' Compensation insurance as required by statute and Employers Liability insurance with limits not less than $1,000,000 for each accident, $1,000,000 disease – each employee, $1,000,000 disease – policy limit.
  • A copy of a current business license for verification as a valid entity registered with the Minnesota Department of State.
  • Verification that vendor has been approved by BCD through the licensing application process.

Once the vendor has been verified to have met all REO requirements, a land use agreement will be sent by REO to the vendor for signature. Upon receipt of a copy of the signed land use agreement, BCD will issue the operating license to the vendor via email.