Atlantic City Launches New Food Truck Program at Gardner’s Basin and O’Donnell Memorial Park for Summer 2026

ATLANTIC CITY- The summer dining scene is growing once again with the addition of food trucks operating at the Atlantic City Seawall in Gardner’s Basin and at Captain O’Donnell Memorial Park.

The seasonal additions bring new food options and added energy to two of the city’s popular destinations off the Boardwalk.

To celebrate the launch of the first summer season featuring food trucks at these key locations, Mayor Marty Small, Sr., members of the City of Atlantic City’s Economic Development team and others involved in this program were joined by participating food truck operators on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at the Gardner’s Basin site for an official ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The City of Atlantic City first began accepting applications last October for licensed and approved food trucks interested in operating at both locations. While the initial plan allowed for up to 16 trucks total, eight at each site, the city has since adjusted the number to ten total trucks, with five stationed at each location, to reduce congestion. As of today’s ribbon cutting, seven food trucks have already been approved.

“My administration will continue doing everything possible to support businesses while giving residents and visitors more food options throughout the Great City of Atlantic City,” said Mayor Small. “This is something the people have been asking for, and we are proud to help bring it to life. While we encourage local vendors to participate, this opportunity is open to anyone interested in operating at these locations. We spent the offseason working out the kinks of this program, and now we are ready to welcome the summer crowds.”

Although there is no cap on the number of food trucks eligible to receive licenses, once more than ten vendors are approved, the city will implement a rotation schedule to ensure fair access to operating opportunities. City officials also emphasized that vendors operating without the proper licenses and approvals will face enforcement action.

At Captain O’Donnell Memorial Park, food trucks are located along Captain John O’Donnell Parkway. At Gardner’s Basin, trucks are stationed on city-owned property along the roadway between the Seawall parking lot and the Atlantic City Aquarium. The City’s Zoning Office and Department of Public Works have installed signage identifying designated vending areas at both sites.

“This is a monumental day for Atlantic City’s small business community as we continue creating new opportunities for entrepreneurship,” said Atlantic City Assistant Director of Economic Development Bruce Weekes. “This initiative required collaboration between multiple city departments and City Council to make this vision a reality. We are also grateful to the food truck operators who believed in this opportunity and partnered with us from the beginning. What makes this especially exciting is seeing a mix of startups, established food truck operators, and even brick-and-mortar businesses investing in food trucks to be part of this program.”

Food trucks are permitted to operate daily from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. To operate during a specific month, vendors must complete the registration and approval process by the first day of that month. The City of Atlantic City Department of Licensing & Inspection oversees the application process.

Applications are available online at www.acnj.gov. Applicants can access the form by selecting “Online Forms/Payments” at the top of the homepage, navigating to the Licensing & Inspection section, and selecting “Business Licenses/Mercantile.” Under License Type, applicants should select “Food Truck.”

To be considered for approval, applicants must:

• Submit a completed application
• Pay all required application and licensing fees
• Provide a valid certificate of insurance

Before operating, all participating food trucks must also pass inspections conducted by both the City of Atlantic City Health Department and the Atlantic City Fire Department. In accordance with city regulations, vendors are responsible for maintaining cleanliness and sanitation within their designated operating areas. The sale of alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis products is strictly prohibited.

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