What is a commissary kitchen?
A commissary is the licensed home base for a food truck, trailer or cart. It's where the unit gets cleaned, takes on fresh water, dumps wastewater and grease, stocks food and supplies, and usually parks overnight.
Los Angeles County's definition is typical: a commissary is a food facility that services mobile food facilities, where food, containers or supplies are stored, food is prepared, utensils are cleaned, liquid and solid wastes are disposed of, and potable water is obtained.
Why health departments insist on one
A truck has a small water tank, a small wastewater tank and limited refrigeration. The commissary is how an inspector knows those tanks are filled from a safe source, emptied into a sewer rather than a storm drain, and that raw food isn't sitting in a home fridge. That is why most permits won't be issued until you show a signed commissary agreement.
How often you have to go back
It depends on the jurisdiction. Of the 25 health departments we've summarised, 15 expect a visit every operating day, among them New York City, Chicago, Southern Nevada, Dallas and Nashville (which wants you there at the start and the end of the day). San Antonio sets a weekly minimum. Texas now licenses mobile vendors statewide and asks for a servicing log instead.
See the rules by county and city for yours.
What a commissary offers
- Servicing: potable water fill, wastewater and grease disposal, trash.
- Cleaning: a wash bay for the unit and a 3-compartment sink for utensils.
- Storage: dry storage, cooler or freezer space, and overnight parking.
- Kitchen time: prep tables, ranges and ovens, for commissaries that are also shared kitchens.
Our directory lists 199 kitchens that health departments name as servicing mobile units, with the facilities each list mentions.
What you'll sign
Usually a short agreement or letter signed by the kitchen owner saying your unit will be stored and serviced there. Names vary: Commissary Agreement Form A in San Bernardino County, an Affidavit of Commissary in Denver, a notarized agreement in Nashville, a letter renewed every year in San Diego County. More on commissary agreements.