Starting a food truck in Valdosta or Lowndes County is a fantastic entry into the restaurant world, but Georgia law requires a Base of Operations (or commissary).
This is a stationary, health-department-approved facility where you perform tasks that can’t happen on the truck, such as bulk prep, deep cleaning, and proper waste disposal.
Per the South Health District guidelines, a home kitchen is strictly prohibited.
Vital Information & “Workarounds”:
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Shared Commissary Kitchens: Look for licensed commercial kitchens like those listed by the Georgia Department of Agriculture. These allow you to rent space by the hour or month.
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Restaurant Partnerships: Many local, non-chain restaurants in Valdosta lease out their kitchen space during “off-hours” (e.g., late night or early morning). This provides you with a base and them with extra revenue.
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The “Base” Functions: Your base must handle wastewater dumping, potable water refilling, and refrigerated/dry storage.
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Restroom Agreement: You must have a written agreement to use a restroom within 200 feet of where you park to sell.
By securing a commissary agreement with a local kitchen or restaurant, you satisfy the legal requirement while gaining a professional space to scale your gourmet brand.
Visit the Lowndes County Health Department today to get your official Base of Operations application started!
