Food Trucks
A Mobile Cooking Operation (MCO) is a vehicle, trailer or cart which cooks, sells, or distributes food when parked. Public safety is of utmost importance, so MCOs must get certain permits and approvals before opening.
Some examples of MCOs include:
- Food truck
- Hot dog cart
- Doughnut shack
- Vending truck
| Approval process |
| Food Handling Permit |
| Firstly, you must obtain a Food Handling Permit. These permits are issued by Alberta Health Services. |
| Business License / Mobile Cooking Operation Permit |
|
Your application will be reviewed by a City Safety Codes Officer, who will inform you if trade permits will also be required for your unit. Trades work (gas, electrical, etc.) must be completed by licensed contractors, with inspections to follow. Once you have your MCO permit, it must be displayed on the unit. To apply online, click below: To apply in person: Visit Planning and Development Services and we will assist you in completing your application at our customer kiosk or with your mobile device. Paper applications are no longer accepted. Planning & Development Services 2nd floor, City Hall Ph. (403) 529-8374 Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, excluding statutory holidays. |
| Fire Safety |
|
In addition to your Fire Safety Inspection, you must have an approved Fire Safety Plan in place. |
Annual Inspections
An annual inspection of Mobile Cooking Operations is mandatory. The City of Medicine Hat offers an opportunity for all operators of local food trucks to gather in one location for unit evaluations and applications. This "Food Truck Roundup" occurs in the spring of each year, and includes:
- Alberta Health Services Inspections
- Safety Codes inspections
- Fire Safety inspections
- Business License renewals
If you have made an application for a Mobile Cooking Operation with the City in the past, you will be automatically notified by email, in advance of the inspection event.
Approved Mobile Food Vendors
Latest update: Mar 27, 2025
Shown below are Mobile Food Vendors who have been inspected and are currently licensed for operation in the city of Medicine Hat. For info about these businesses, check local listings.
| Business name |
|---|
| Big J's Smoke Shack |
| Cool Beans Coffee Inc. |
| Donut Commander Ltd. |
| Dunmore Lights Snack Shack |
| Fresh Squeezed Lemonade |
| Frosty Flavour House |
| Fryer Tuck's Food Truck |
| Haagen-Dudes |
| Kona Ice of Medicine Hat |
| Loaded Cravings |
| Millie's |
| Mix Mix Ltd. (Camp Ice Cream Mobile) |
| Pickelo Kitchens |
| Pooty's Poutine |
| Pop's |
| Rudy's House of Hot Dogs |
| SixOneSix Express Food Services |
| Stay Cool |
| Swirls Ice Cream (Mobile) |
Look up a business
You can search for a local business or contractor to determine if there is a valid business license to operate in the city.