Food Truck/Trailer

Contact Info: foodiefestentertainment@gmail.com | 616-319-3771 | GrandRapidsFoodieFest.com

Get ready for Grand Rapids Foodie Fest! This three-day celebration brings together a delicious mix of food trucks, food vendors, merchants, live entertainment, and more in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids.

We’re excited to bring this experience back to the community for Year 6!

Event Details:

📍 Location: Calder Plaza — Downtown Grand Rapids
📍 Address: 300 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI

📅 Dates & Hours:

Friday, July 16, 2027: 3:00 PM–10:00 PM
Saturday, July 17, 2027: 12:00 PM–10:00 PM
Sunday, July 18, 2027: 12:00 PM–6:00 PM
👥 Estimated Attendance: 5,000+ throughout the weekend. Attendance and vendor sales are not guaranteed.

FOOD TRUCK & TRAILER PARTICIPATION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL THREE DAYS.

Food Truck & Trailer Vendors

• Full menu pricing allowed; no price cap or limitations on menu items.
• Space is assigned based on your approved truck/trailer dimensions and operating needs.
• Payment will be charged to the card on file once accepted. If a specific payment date needs to be worked out, please notify us before acceptance.
• A separate collateral deposit may be required and will be communicated upon approval.

Truck & Trailer Requirements

• Due to space and weight restrictions, only a limited number of food trucks and trailers will be accepted.
• You must provide your fully loaded weight, total length, complete setup dimensions, and serving side so we can review your setup and determine placement. Include the trailer tongue and any equipment extending beyond the vehicle.Power & Equipment

⚡ FOOD TRUCKS AND TRAILERS MUST SUPPLY THEIR OWN GENERATORS. FESTIVAL POWER IS NOT AVAILABLE.

• Generator use must be disclosed and approved in advance. Vendors are responsible for fuel, safe operation, noise control, and compliance with applicable fire and safety requirements.
• Generators and equipment must remain within approved locations and may not block walkways, exits, or emergency access. Changes to your approved setup require advance written approval.

Licenses, Permits & Insurance

• Food trucks and trailers must provide:
  • Applicable food licensing.
  • Required City of Grand Rapids licenses.
  • General liability and food service liability insurance covering the entire festival, with Foodie Fest Foundation and the City of Grand Rapids named as additional insureds.
  • Current inspections and required fire safety equipment.
  • Food trucks and trailers will not be advertised or listed in festival materials until required documentation has been submitted and verified.

Before You Apply

Please review the Vendor Expectations and Terms & Conditions in full. GRFF has strict equipment, generator, waste disposal, and operating requirements. Vendors are responsible for ensuring their entire team understands and follows them.

AT THIS POINT, YOU ARE ONLY APPLYING FOR THE EVENT. SUBMISSION DOES NOT GUARANTEE ACCEPTANCE OR RESERVE A SPACE. ACCEPTED VENDORS WILL RECEIVE AN APPROVAL MESSAGE WITH PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS AND NEXT STEPS.

Important Notice

🚨 THIS IS THE ONLY OFFICIAL APPLICATION 🚨
📧 Official Email: foodiefestentertainment@gmail.com
🌐 Official Website: www.grandrapidsfoodiefest.com

⚠️ Do not send money to anyone else! Beware of random Facebook accounts claiming to accept vendors—these are scams. Only follow official organizer-issued payment instructions.

Facebook: Grand Rapids Foodie Fest

For questions or more details, feel free to reach out. We look forward to having you as part of the festival! 🎉

GRAND RAPIDS FOODIE FEST — VENDOR TERMS & CONDITIONS

Please review these terms in full before applying. The vendor expectations are incorporated into this agreement. Vendors are responsible for ensuring their owners, employees, volunteers, and anyone working within their space understand and follow these requirements.

APPLICATION, SELECTION & APPROVAL

• Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance or reserve a vendor space. GRFF participation and placement are not first-come, first-served.
• Applications are reviewed based on vendor category, menu or products, available space, equipment, electrical needs, vehicle dimensions and weight, safety, and overall festival balance.
• The organizer determines final category eligibility. Selecting or paying for a category does not authorize a vendor to operate outside its requirements.

PAYMENT UPON ACCEPTANCE

• By submitting this application, vendors authorize Eventeny to charge the card on file for the applicable vendor fee and selected application charges upon acceptance.
• Vendors are responsible for providing valid payment information and sufficient funds. An unsuccessful payment must be resolved promptly upon notification. Unresolved payment may result in forfeiture of the vendor space.
• If a specific payment date needs to be worked out, notify us before acceptance. Any alternate payment arrangement must be confirmed in writing before approval; otherwise, the card on file will be charged automatically upon acceptance.

VENDOR PACKET & COMMUNICATION

• The Vendor Packet will be provided approximately one month before the event and will contain arrival, parking, load-in, setup, inspection, and breakdown instructions.
• Vendors must review these Terms & Conditions before applying. Most questions regarding power, equipment, generators, security, waste disposal, and operating requirements are addressed here.
• Vendors are responsible for reviewing the Vendor Packet and monitoring their email and Eventeny account for updates, document requests, and deadlines.
• Changes to approved products, menus, equipment, electrical needs, generators, vehicles, or setups require advance written organizer approval. 

REQUIRED PARTICIPATION & OPERATING HOURS

• Participation is required for all three festival days.
• Vendors must complete setup and applicable inspections and be open and ready to serve at the published opening time each day. Vendors must remain open through the published closing time.
• Plan for adequate staffing, inventory, preparation time, and supplies. Long cooking times, staffing issues, equipment problems, or sellouts do not automatically authorize late opening, early closure, or departure.
• Contact the organizer immediately if an issue affects your ability to operate. Late openings, unauthorized closures, missed days, or early breakdown may affect future participation.

MENU & PRODUCT APPROVAL

• Food vendors must submit a complete menu with prices. Only submitted and approved items may be sold.
• Water and soda do not need to appear on the submitted menu, subject to any event-specific restrictions communicated before acceptance.
• Exclusive products, categories, sales levels, or customer traffic are not guaranteed.
• Menu additions, substitutions, and changes require written organizer approval before being offered.

COMPLETE EQUIPMENT DISCLOSURE

• Vendors must disclose their entire setup and every electrical item they intend to use, including cooking equipment, warmers, refrigerators, freezers, blenders, lighting, POS systems, and chargers.
• For each electrical item, provide:
  
  • Equipment name and quantity.
  • Voltage.
  • Rated wattage or amperage.
  • Starting or surge requirements, where applicable.
  • Equipment labels, specification sheets, or photographs may be requested. Incomplete information may delay or prevent approval.
  • Vendors may not add, substitute, or increase equipment after approval without written authorization. Replacing an approved item with equipment that draws more power requires a new review.FESTIVAL ELECTRICITY & OUTLET ALLOCATION

• Festival power consists of standard 110V / 15-amp outlets, subject to the approved electrical plan.
  • Eligible non-truck food vendors: Up to three requested and approved outlets are included.
  • Merchant/retail vendors: Up to one requested and approved outlet is included.
    • Additional approved outlets: $15 per outlet.
    • Food trucks and trailers: Festival power is not available. Enter 0 outlets and supply your own approved generator.
• Included outlets must still be requested. Power is not automatically installed for vendors who do not request it.
• The request must reflect the entire setup.
• Requesting or paying for outlets does not approve equipment, guarantee additional circuit capacity, or authorize exceeding the approved electrical load.
• Multiple outlets must not be assumed to be separate, dedicated 15-amp circuits.
• Only the organizer’s confirmed allocation and approved equipment list establish what a vendor may connect. Additional power and last-minute electrical changes are not guaranteed on-site.

HIGH-DRAW EQUIPMENT

• High-draw and commercial cooking equipment requires advance review and written approval. This includes electric fryers, refrigerators, freezers, large warmers, convection ovens, and similar equipment.
• A plug that physically fits an outlet does not establish that the equipment is approved or that sufficient power is available.
• Do not connect unapproved equipment, even temporarily. Staff may require equipment to remain disconnected until its requirements are verified.
  If the available electrical supply cannot support the proposed setup, the vendor must obtain approval for a revised setup or approved generator arrangement before operating.

POWER STRIPS, CORDS & CONNECTIONS

• Power strips, surge protectors, splitters, and extension cords do not increase available amperage or circuit capacity.
• High-draw equipment may not be connected through power strips. Power strips are limited to approved low-draw items such as POS systems, chargers, and small lighting, within the approved total load.
• Vendors must provide extension cords suitable for their equipment and operating conditions. Damaged or unsuitable cords may not be used.
• Outlets will be positioned as close as practical to assigned spaces and distribution equipment. Vendors must plan for the required cord length and approved routing.
• Vendors may use only their assigned connections. Do not:
  
  • Connect to another vendor’s power.
  • Use unassigned outlets or festival infrastructure without permission.
  • Move connections to bypass an overload.
  • Open electrical distribution equipment or reset breakers.
  • Alter or bypass electrical protection.
  • Run cords through walkways without an approved routing arrangement.

Report electrical problems to festival staff. Only authorized personnel may adjust festival electrical distribution.

POWER ENFORCEMENT

• Unapproved equipment, overloaded connections, high-draw equipment on power strips, and other unsafe electrical use may result in immediate disconnection without refund.
• Do not reconnect equipment after disconnection without authorization.
• The organizer may require equipment removal, a reduced electrical load, or suspension of operation until an issue is corrected. Repeated violations or refusal to comply may result in removal from the festival without refund.

GENERATORS

• Generator use must be disclosed and approved in advance, including capacity and proposed location.
• Food trucks and trailers must supply their own generators. Festival power is not available to them.
• Generators must be properly rated, maintained, and safely operated. Vendors are responsible for fuel, noise control, ventilation, and compliance with applicable fire and safety requirements.
• Generators may not obstruct vendor access, walkways, exits, neighboring spaces, or emergency routes. Follow approved spacing, placement, and fueling instructions.
• Festival staff and fire officials may relocate, restrict, shut down, or prohibit a generator that does not meet requirements. Bringing a generator does not guarantee permission to operate it.

SPACE, VEHICLES & PLACEMENT

• All tents, equipment, displays, storage, and operating activities must fit within the approved footprint.
• Food truck and trailer applicants must provide accurate total dimensions, serving side, and fully loaded weight. Include trailer tongues and equipment extending beyond the vehicle.
• Truck and trailer acceptance is limited by designated zones, space, and weight restrictions. Food booths are assigned plaza locations. Merchant and corporate vendors are assigned appropriate non-food vendor areas.
  Vendors may not move, expand, swap spaces, or occupy adjacent areas without organizer approval.
• Placement considers electrical distribution, safety, accessibility, equipment, product balance, and event flow. Specific locations and traffic levels are not guaranteed.
• Where a premium placement option is offered, preferences remain subject to organizer confirmation. The published upgrade fee is nonrefundable. Placement may be adjusted for safety, accessibility, utility needs, or operational requirements.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT, LICENSES & PERMITS

• Food vendors are responsible for obtaining and maintaining all licenses, permits, and approvals applicable to their business, menu, preparation methods, and setup.
• Applicable documentation may include health department licensing, MDARD licensing, temporary food licensing, and City of Grand Rapids approvals. Cottage food vendors must operate within the requirements applicable to their products and activities.
• A state or county food license, or a license from another city, does not replace a separately required City of Grand Rapids license or approval.
• Vendors requiring temporary food licensing must complete the applicable process with the Kent County Health Department in advance. Vendors must confirm current requirements, deadlines, fees, and inspection arrangements directly with the issuing authority.
• Required documents must be submitted by the organizer’s stated deadline and remain valid throughout participation. Keep applicable documents available for inspection on-site.
• Applying for a license or permit does not establish approval to operate. Festival acceptance does not replace approval from health, fire, city, or other regulatory officials.
• Food trucks and trailers will not be advertised or listed in festival materials until required documentation has been submitted and verified.

FOOD SAFETY & HEALTH INSPECTIONS

• Food vendors must comply with applicable food safety requirements, including approved food sources and preparation locations, safe food temperatures, handwashing, sanitation, potable water, and wastewater collection.
• Vendors must supply the equipment and materials required for their operation. 
• Shared festival water access does not replace required handwashing, sanitation, or water-storage arrangements.
• Vendors must be present and prepared for required inspections and correct deficiencies before beginning or continuing service. An inspection delay does not authorize operating without approval.
• Officials may restrict or stop food service when requirements are not met. Notify the organizer immediately if an inspection issue affects your ability to operate.
•  

FIRE SAFETY, COOKING EQUIPMENT & FUEL

• Vendors must comply with applicable Fire Department requirements for vehicles, tents, cooking equipment, generators, fuel, and overall setup.
• Disclose all cooking equipment, open-flame equipment, generators, and fuel sources in advance. Organizer approval does not replace a required fire inspection.
• Food trucks and trailers must carry appropriate fire extinguishers with current inspection/service tags. Other vendors must provide fire protection equipment applicable to their operation. Required suppression systems must be maintained and ready for use.
• Vendors must confirm correct extinguisher types, quantities, placement, and suppression-system requirements with the Fire Department.
• Generators, cooking equipment, and fuel must remain in approved locations with required clearance and ventilation. They may not obstruct walkways, exits, neighboring spaces, or emergency access.
• Fuel must be stored, secured, handled, and used in accordance with applicable requirements. Unsafe fueling, leaking containers, damaged equipment, or unauthorized fuel storage may result in immediate shutdown.
• Where applicable, vendors must provide required tent or canopy flame-resistance documentation and meet anchoring or ballast requirements. Do not stake, drill into, or attach equipment to plaza surfaces or infrastructure without authorization.
• Festival staff or authorized officials may require equipment to be relocated, disconnected, repaired, or removed before operation. Do not restart equipment or resume service until authorized.

INSURANCE

• Food vendors must provide a Certificate of Insurance covering general liability and food service liability for the entire festival period.
• Foodie Fest Foundation and the City of Grand Rapids must be named as additional insureds using the information provided in the current application instructions.
  • Foodie Fest Foundation: 426 Airview St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49548
  • City of Grand Rapids: 300 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
• Insurance must match the participating business and remain valid throughout participation. Vendors are responsible for obtaining additional coverage or documentation required for their specific operation.

PARKING, LOAD-IN & BREAKDOWN

• Vendor parking is not offered. Vendors are responsible for arranging their own legal parking.
• Temporary loading/unloading access does not include parking for personal vehicles, tow vehicles, box trucks, or additional trailers.
• Loading/unloading areas provide temporary access and do not include permission to park beside or behind a vendor space.
• Follow the arrival schedule and routes in the Vendor Packet. Move vehicles when directed and keep emergency access clear.
• No unauthorized vehicle movement is permitted within restricted festival areas during public operating hours. Breakdown and vehicle access may begin only when authorized by festival staff.
• Vendors must bring their own carts and wagons for equipment, supplies, water, and waste.

EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES

• The festival does not provide vendor tents, tables, chairs, displays, carts, wagons, or operating equipment.
• Vendors must supply everything required for their approved operation and ensure all equipment fits within the assigned space and meets applicable safety requirements.

POTABLE WATER & WASTEWATER

• Two designated potable water spigots are available on the plaza, one on each side. Short shared hoses will be provided at the access points.
• Vendors must plan how they will transport water to their operation. A dedicated connection to each vendor space is not provided.
• Collect wastewater in designated gray water tanks or suitable vendor-owned wastewater tanks. Vendor-owned tanks must be emptied through an approved disposal method.
• Wastewater includes water containing soap, grease, food particles, or other contaminants. Dumping wastewater on the ground, into drains, or in the street is prohibited and carries a $50 fine per incident.
• Do not dispose of cooking oil, grease, or hot charcoal in water tanks. Arrange appropriate disposal for these materials.

TRASH & RECYCLING

• Vendors must provide trash bins and bags and transport their waste to designated dumpsters on Ottawa Street, unless updated instructions identify another location.
• Public festival bins and cleaning crews are not for vendor waste disposal. Do not leave bags, boxes, food waste, or equipment beside public bins or within the vendor space after departure.
• Follow posted recycling instructions. Accepted materials include clean plastic bottles, cans, glass, paper, and cardboard. Plastic bags, wax-coated cardboard, and contaminated materials must not be placed in recycling.
  Improper disposal may result in fines.

OIL, GREASE, STAINS & PROPERTY CONDITION

• Vendors must prevent oil, grease, food, and other materials from staining or damaging event grounds. Use protective mats or containment appropriate to the operation, especially around cooking equipment and truck entrances.
• Address spills immediately. Notify staff when a spill creates a hazard or requires additional cleanup. Do not wash contaminants into drains or surrounding surfaces.
• The organizer may photograph spaces before and after participation. Vendors should take their own photographs and report preexisting stains or damage before setup.
• Leave the space clean and free of waste. Stains, damage, or failure to follow cleanup requirements may result in fines and loss of an applicable collateral deposit.

SECURITY & CONDUCT

• Professional security is planned from setup through breakdown, including overnight coverage. Security presence does not replace each vendor’s responsibility to secure inventory, equipment, cash, and personal belongings.
• Follow instructions from festival staff, security, and emergency personnel. Report incidents, suspicious activity, lost items, or safety concerns promptly.
• Unauthorized vehicles are prohibited in restricted areas during festival hours.
• Threats, harassment, fighting, abuse of staff, interference with other vendors, or refusal to follow safety instructions may result in removal without refund.

ALCOHOL

• Vendors may not sell, give away, or distribute alcoholic beverages unless separately authorized by the organizer as an approved alcohol-service partner.
• Alcohol service is restricted to the organizer and authorized partners operating under the applicable event approvals.
   
  WEATHER, REFUNDS & SALES
• Vendor participation fees are nonrefundable, including withdrawal, nonattendance, removal for noncompliance, or inability to operate because required documents or approvals were not obtained.
• Under the festival’s stated policy, refunds are not provided for weather, government mandates, event cancellations, or other unforeseen circumstances beyond the organizer’s control.
• GRFF is an outdoor event. Vendors must prepare for weather conditions and follow safety-related operating instructions, including temporary shutdowns or evacuation directions.
• Attendance, customer traffic, vendor revenue, and sales are not guaranteed. The organizer is not responsible for lost sales, reduced foot traffic, or loss of or damage to vendor property.

COMPLIANCE & ENFORCEMENT

• Vendors are responsible for planning for foreseeable operating needs and communicating problems promptly.
• Failure to follow these requirements may result in denied setup, equipment restrictions, disconnection from power, suspension of operation, applicable fines, withholding of collateral deposits under the deposit policy, removal without refund, and/or exclusion from future events.
• Safety concerns may require immediate action. Vendors may not resume a restricted activity or reconnect equipment without authorization.
   

FINAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT 

By submitting this application, I confirm that:

• I am authorized to agree to these requirements on behalf of the applicant business or organization.
• The information provided accurately describes our business, menu, products, equipment, electrical needs, vehicle, and setup.
• We are available to participate for all three festival days and all required operating hours.
• I authorize the applicable Eventeny charges upon acceptance.
• I understand that acceptance does not automatically approve every menu, item, equipment request, generator, electrical connection, or placement preference.
  • We will obtain advance written approval before making changes to the approved operation.
• I have reviewed the event details, selected fees, vendor expectations, and these Terms & Conditions.
  • Our team will review and follow the Vendor Packet and official event instructions.