One of the most common questions I get from vendors is, “Can I make and serve my own homemade chili from my hot dog cart?”

It’s a great question because who doesn’t love a good homemade chili dog?

But the answer isn’t as simple as yes or no—it depends on your state’s regulations, your setup, and how you go about it.

Let’s break it down so you know exactly what’s legal, what’s risky, and how you can still get that homemade chili on your cart without breaking the rules.

The Rules on Homemade Chili

Every state has health codes that regulate how and where food can be prepared for sale.

Helpful: State Codes – Health Department Codes

In most cases, food that’s sold to the public must be made in a licensed commercial kitchen—not your home kitchen.

Helpful: What’s a Commissary Kitchen?

This is because health departments want to ensure food is prepared in a sanitary environment without the risks of pets, kids, and potential cross-contamination.

Helpful: Health Inspector: What Not To Tell [VIDEO]

Some vendors have gotten around this by getting their home kitchen licensed as a commissary, but that depends on your state’s regulations.

Helpful: What’s a Commissary Kitchen?

Helpful: Commissary At His House [Video]

In Ohio (where this particular question came from), homemade chili is not allowed under the state’s cottage food laws.

What Are Your Options?

Just because you can’t make chili at home doesn’t mean you can’t serve chili on your hot dog cart.

Here are some options that keep you legal while still giving your customers that delicious chili goodness:

1. Make It in a Licensed Commissary

Some vendors rent space in a commercial kitchen or commissary to prepare their chili legally. This could be a shared kitchen, a local restaurant, or a community center kitchen that’s already licensed.

2. Use a Pre-Made Chili

Many vendors buy canned chili or bulk chili from restaurant supply stores.

Some states only allow hot dog vendors to serve “commercially prepared” foods, and this is one way to comply.

Helpful: World’s Best Chili Sauce – Vendor Shares Secret Recipe

You can always add your own twist with toppings and seasonings.

3. Have It Made for You

Some vendors work with a local caterer or restaurant that’s already licensed to make food.

You provide the recipe, they make it in their commercial kitchen, and you serve it.

4. Get a Commissary at Home

If you really want to make your own homemade chili and sell it legally, getting your home kitchen licensed might be an option.

This takes time, money, and an inspection, but it’s a great long-term solution if you plan to offer homemade items.

What Happens If You Just Do It Anyway?

Now, I know some vendors just go for it and make their chili at home anyway.

Helpful: No Chili Allowed?

And yes, I’ve seen vendors on TikTok literally showing themselves making their chili at home.

Is it legal?
Nope.

Will you get in trouble?
Maybe.

Most health inspectors won’t bust down your door over homemade chili, but if they find out, they’ll likely give you a warning and tell you to stop.

However, if someone gets sick from your chili and it’s traced back to you, that’s when things get ugly—lawsuits, fines, and potentially losing your license to vend.

Protect Yourself With Insurance

Whether you’re serving chili or just plain hot dogs, having liability insurance is a smart move.

Helpful: Hot Dog Vendor Health Insurance

If a customer ever claims they got sick from your food, you don’t want to be on the hook for a big lawsuit.

A good option is FLIP (Food Liability Insurance Program), which is designed for street food vendors.

Homemade Chili From Cart – The Bottom Line

Can you serve homemade chili from your hot dog cart?

Technically, yes—but it has to be made in a licensed commercial kitchen, not your home.

If you’re serious about offering chili, find a legal way to do it—whether that’s using a commissary, working with a local restaurant, or buying a high-quality pre-made chili.

The last thing you want is to get shut down over something that could’ve been avoided.

Got more questions?

Go ask the pros, go and get together with the best vendors on the planet inside the Vendors United community.

You can learn about it HERE (it is 100% free to try it out for 5 days!!)…

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Now, go out there and make some money (legally)! 🚀

Watch full VIDEO here…