The Indiana permit guide is being checked
We only publish permit rules we have read on the official state and local pages, with the date we checked them. Indiana is in that queue now.
Until it's up, call your local health department before you buy a cart. They can tell you who permits carts where you plan to sell, and what the cart has to have.
LLC or no LLC?
We're not lawyers or accountants, and this isn't legal or tax advice. It's a plain-English starting point taken from the SBA and IRS (read November 7, 2026). Rules differ by state and by your situation, so check Indiana's own pages and talk to a licensed attorney or CPA before you decide. The SBA and its partners also offer free or low-cost counseling near you.
Getting started
Automatic. If you sell and don't register as anything else, you're a sole proprietor.
You register it with your state first.
If the business is sued or owes money
Your personal things (car, house, savings) can be on the line.
In most cases, your personal things are kept separate. The protection has limits.
Taxes
Profit goes on your personal return. You pay self-employment tax.
A one-owner LLC is taxed the same way by default. It can choose to be taxed as a corporation instead (IRS Form 8832).
Paperwork
The least.
More: a state filing, plus your state's rules to keep up with.
Owners
Just you.
One or more.
SBA says it can fit
Low-risk businesses, and owners testing an idea first.
Medium- or higher-risk businesses, and owners with personal assets to protect.
What "risk" can look like at a hot dog cart
These are examples of what can happen to any food cart, not predictions. The question is who pays if the business can't.
- A customer says your food made them sick, and sues.
- Someone trips over your cart, a cord or a propane hose at a festival.
- Grease, a grill or a propane flare-up burns someone, or damages a tent or a neighboring booth.
- A hired helper gets hurt on the job.
- The business can't pay a bill: a cart loan, commissary rent, a supplier invoice or an event fee.
If it turns into a claim or a debt the business can't cover
You're on the hook personally. The SBA says a sole proprietor "can be held personally liable for the debts and obligations of the business."
The LLC is. The SBA says an LLC protects your car, house and savings "in most instances", and that the protection "has limits".
An LLC isn't insurance
The SBA says business insurance "can fill in any gaps in coverage". Two of the kinds it lists fit a cart:
- General liability: bodily injury, property damage, medical expenses and defending lawsuits.
- Product liability: a product that causes injury.
The SBA also says some insurance can be required by law, especially once you have employees. Indiana's state site lists what applies to you.
The SBA sorts it by risk. Think about where your cart fits, then check your state and ask a pro.
Where to buy supplies in Indiana
21 walk-in stores in Indiana where a cart owner can buy hot dogs, buns, napkins and paper goods in bulk, grouped by city. Each list was read from the chain's own store locator on the date shown. Hours and membership rules change, so call before you drive.
- US Foods CHEF'STORE none in INWholesale food and restaurant supply stores, open to everyone; no membership needed (per chefstore.com). Formerly Cash&Carry Smart Foodservice.Official store list
- Gordon Food Service Store 19 in INWalk-in foodservice stores, open to the public; no membership needed.Official store list
- Restaurant Depot 2 in INWholesale cash-and-carry warehouses for food businesses. Membership is free for businesses; check their site for the documents they accept.Official store list
Anderson
- Gordon Food Service Store 4622 Scatterfield Rd., 46013 765-642-6254 · Store page
Clarksville
- Gordon Food Service Store Clarksville IN 1060 Veterans Parkway, 47129 812-285-0007 · Store page
Elkhart
- Gordon Food Service Store 2700 Cassopolis, 46514 574-264-5913 · Store page
Evansville
- Gordon Food Service Store 1500 N Burkhardt, 47715 812-473-0096 · Store page
Fort Wayne
- Gordon Food Service Store Ft Wayne/Illinois Rd 5507 Illinois Rd, 46804 260-436-6109 · Store page
Ft. Wayne
- Gordon Food Service Store Ft Wayne/ Crosscreek Blvd 5831 Cross Creek Blvd, 46818 260-490-8518 · Store page
Greenwood
- Gordon Food Service Store 790 N. US 31, 46142 317-882-0700 · Store page
Griffith
- Restaurant Depot 627 E Ridge Rd, 46319 (219) 301-4006
Highland
- Gordon Food Service Store 10420 Indianapolis Blvd, 46322 219-924-6660 · Store page
Indianapolis
- Gordon Food Service Store Fishers 9540 Masters Rd, 46250 317-845-0712 · Store page
- Gordon Food Service Store Indianapolis/ Michigan Rd 3620 Bethany Rd, 46268 317-334-0121 · Store page
- Gordon Food Service Store Indianapolis/ Lafayette Rd. 4574 Lafayette Rd, 46254 317-388-0101 · Store page
- Gordon Food Service Store Indianapolis/ Shadeland Ave 2370 N. Shadeland, 46219 317-358-0620 · Store page
- Gordon Food Service Store Avon 8805 Rockville Road, 46234 317-271-1309 · Store page
- Restaurant Depot 2120 Enterprise Park Drive, 46218 (317) 921-4900
Kokomo
- Gordon Food Service Store 1745 E. Havens, 46901 765-459-0463 · Store page
Lafayette
- Gordon Food Service Store 200 Park East Boulevard, 47905 765-446-2361 · Store page
Merrillville
- Gordon Food Service Store 1601 W. 81st Ave, 46410 219-756-4200 · Store page
Michigan City
- Gordon Food Service Store 4421 Franklin St, 46360 219-874-6295 · Store page
Mishawaka
- Gordon Food Service Store 5440 N. Main St, 46545 574-247-0266 · Store page
Terre Haute
- Gordon Food Service Store 5000 South 7th Street, 47802 812-298-1391 · Store page
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