Food Vendor Checklist: How to Get Ready to Apply to a Georgia Food Festival

A good festival day starts weeks before the gates open. If you are thinking about vending at a food festival in Georgia, work through this checklist so you are ready when you apply.

1. Build a menu that moves fast

Festival customers want food in their hands quickly. Pick a short menu of your best sellers, with items you can plate in a minute or two. A tight menu also keeps your prep and costs under control.

2. Know your permits

Food vendors are responsible for their own permits and licenses. Requirements vary by county, so contact the local health department for the area where the event is held and ask what a temporary food vendor needs. We cannot give legal advice, so go to the source.

3. Plan your power

Write down every piece of equipment that needs electricity, with the amps and voltage on each nameplate. Many vendors underestimate this. If you bring your own generator, note the size and make sure it is allowed by the event.

4. Check your booth setup

Measure your tent, tables and equipment against the space size you are applying for. Bring weights for the tent legs, a hand washing setup, and signage that can be read from across the walkway.

5. Think about your customer

Every vendor is responsible for drawing customers to their own booth. Post about the event on your own pages before it happens, tell your regulars where to find you, and bring something that makes people stop, like a clear banner or a sample.

6. Gather your application details

Have your business name, category, a few photos of your booth and food, your logo, and your equipment list ready so the application takes a few minutes.

When you are ready, you can learn more and apply here: atlanta-foodie-festival.com/vendors