Atlantic City to Welcome Food Trucks to Gardner’s Basin and O’Donnell Park

The City of Atlantic City officially expanded its food culture by allowing food trucks to operate in two designated locations. Mayor Marty Small announced that the initiative would provide new opportunities for vendors and offer residents and visitors more diverse dining choices.

Food trucks will be permitted to operate at Gardner’s Basin near the Seawall parking lot and at O’Donnell Memorial Park along Captain John O'Donnell Parkway. Both areas were selected to attract locals and tourists while ensuring convenience and accessibility.

Under this new program, up to eight registered and approved food trucks were allowed at each site. The city ensured proper management by clearly marking the vending areas with designated signage.

To accommodate both daytime and evening crowds, the hours of operation were set daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, beginning on November 1st. This schedule allowed vendors to serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night snacks.

Applications for interested vendors are available on the City of Atlantic City Government website, by Monday, October 6th (select Food Truck). To be considered, applicants must:

• Submit a completed application
• Pay the required application and license fees
• Provide certificate of insurance

This effort represented part of the city’s broader push to support local businesses and attract more visitors. Food trucks offered unique cuisines, quick service, and a fresh layer of vibrancy to Atlantic City’s community spaces.

Mayor Small emphasized that the program would help small businesses grow while giving residents more affordable dining options. The city also encouraged local vendors to participate, making sure the opportunity supported the community first.

This initiative marks a new chapter for Atlantic City’s public spaces, blending local entrepreneurship with community enjoyment in a way that celebrated both tradition and innovation.

By November, visitors will be able to experience the new offerings and enjoy freshly prepared meals from some of the region’s best mobile kitchens and Atlantic City's vibrant and diverse food cultures.

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Photo Credit: Edward Lea / City of Atlantic City