Madison Reporter

The City of Madison's Economic Development Division is seeking volunteers to assist in reviewing food vending candidates for the upcoming vending season. This annual public review process determines which businesses will be eligible to operate in the Mall Concourse Vending Area, extending a block beyond Capitol Square and State Street. The review period this year will run from Monday, September 9 through Saturday, October 5.

The results of the review will influence food cart eligibility and location assignments for the 2025-2026 vending season, commencing on April 15, 2025. Community members interested in participating as reviewers can apply online.

To qualify as a volunteer reviewer, individuals must attend a mandatory virtual training session on Thursday, August 29 from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Reviewers are required to visit and evaluate at least 80% of participating food carts during the review period. Food carts will be available for review from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm on weekdays and from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturdays. Applications for reviewers are due by Thursday, August 1 at 11:59 pm.

Food cart vendors must also participate in the Fall Food Cart Review to be eligible for next year's vending season. Both new and returning vendors need to complete the application by Thursday, August 1 at 11:59 pm. Vendors must secure all necessary health department licenses no later than five business days before the start of the review period and ensure they have no significant health violations.

Scores from the review process will be publicly released in October. Last year's scores are available on the City of Madison’s Mall and Concourse Food Vending website.

For further inquiries about reviewing or operating food carts during the Fall Food Cart Review, contact Meghan Blake-Horst, Street Vending Program Supervisor, via email at mblake-horst@cityofmadison.com or by phone at 608-261-9171.