Worcester, MA Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Vending Zones (2026)

Worcester County does not designate vending zones — each municipality does because county government was abolished in 1998. The City of Worcester License Commission regulates mobile food vending locations, typically requiring 200+ feet of separation from existing restaurants and 500+ feet from public/parochial schools during school hours. Worcester approves food truck operations at designated hubs including the DCU Center plaza area, City Hall Common (during approved events), Institute Park, and Green Hill Park during events. Time limits at any one location are typically 2-4 hours. Trucks cannot block sidewalks, fire hydrants, bus stops, or WRTA (Worcester Regional Transit Authority) routes. Private property vending requires owner permission plus any zoning approval (typically allowed in B-Business, CM-Commercial Manufacturing, and IG-Industrial zones). Worcester hosts the annual 'StART on the Street' events and Worcester Food Truck Festivals where multiple trucks cluster by event permit. Shrewsbury, Westborough, Northborough, and smaller towns in Worcester County often require advance scheduling and designate specific approved lots (e.g., the Regatta Point at Lake Quinsigamond, town commons, commercial centers). School zone separation and restaurant proximity rules vary by municipality.