Thank you for your interest in applying to Smorgasburg!

We are always on the hunt for top makers and collectors from all disciplines and backgrounds: food, fashion/apparel, kids stuff, clothing and toys, housewares, textiles, object and furniture design, ceramics, jewelry, woodwork, flora and fauna, vintage clothing and record collectors, and beyond. Whether you've established a brand or just launched a passion project, we encourage you to apply! We accept applications year round. (Special-event producers and potential partners can also contact us via the application page.) 

Got questions?  We’ve got answers.  

VENDOR FAQ

How do I become a vendor at Smorgasburg?  

First off, you need to fill out the application linked to at the bottom of this page. If Smorgasburg is interested in your concept, and it doesn’t conflict with one of our existing vendors, somebody will reach out and let you know the next steps. If you are interested in selling food we will set up a time to meet you and try your food.  

Once I fill out the application, how long before I can expect to hear from you?  

Typically, if we are interested in your concept, and have space available, you will hear from us within 10 days. But it all depends on the type of business, the application, and the time of year.  Timing plays a big role in adding new vendors to Smorgasburg, and not hearing from us is not necessarily a reflection on your business or application. 

I’ve already filled out the application, and I never heard back.  Does that mean I was rejected?  

No. We have hundreds of vendors applying for a limited number of spots and it is impossible to reply to everybody. But rest assured we keep every single application on file and often review them at a later date when a spot opens up. If you don’t hear back, and want to keep your business front-of-mind for us, feel free to apply again in a few months. If you didn’t hear from us it could mean a lot of things, including that the timing just wasn’t right for your concept. Don’t get discouraged.

What should I include in my application that will give me the best chance of hearing from you? 

Smorgasburg is an incubator for the most delicious and innovative new food (and shopping) businesses, and each accepted vendor has a unique story to tell. If there is something amazing we should know about you or what you sell, make sure to include it in your application. Everything you submit—menu, photos, branding—should be clear and concise and demonstrate why you are a perfect fit for Smorgasburg.  

Do you accept two vendors in the same category? 

Part of curating the market as carefully as we do, and taking pride in helping small businesses, is that we are passionate and invested in each and every vendor at Smorgasburg and want to do everything we can to help make them successful. We are less likely to accept a vendor with the potential to negatively impact an existing vendor. We have multiple taco vendors, for example, but each of them has a unique take, whether they are distinctive to a particular region of Mexico that is part of a vendor’s personal heritage, or a style that speaks to their experience as a chef in Los Angeles. Before applying it is a good—we might say crucial—idea to visit Smorgasburg and see whether or not there is a place for what you do among our current lineup of vendors. 

Do I have to have a large social media presence to be accepted at Smorgasburg?

Not at all. We love helping brand-new businesses grow, and have accepted vendors at every stage in their growth. But having at least some social media presence is important, and the photos you submit with your application should showcase your food in the same way the best photos on social media do.  

If I am accepted at Smorgasburg, is there a commitment?  

We don’t force vendors to vend any longer than makes sense for them. As long as you give us some advance notice, vendors are allowed to leave Smorgasburg any time they want.  But if you want to vend at Smorgasburg, we do require that you commit to being at Smorgasburg every single Sunday, year round, for as long as you’d like to be a vendor.  

What if an amazing opportunity comes up on a Sunday that I can’t say no to?  

That’s great! We want our vendors to grow and make money—and being at Smorgasburg will help your business get even more of those opportunities. But if you want to take advantage of those opportunities we ask that you build a team that allows you to be at two places at once, so that your business can still be at Smorgasburg no matter what comes up. 

What if I want to pop-up for a shorter period of time?  Or do one of your themed events, like BBQ Day? 

We are open to shorter residencies and pop-ups, just be sure to spell out exactly what it is you are interested in doing when you fill out your application. Our themed events happen throughout the year, and we are always looking for vendors to participate. 

Do I need any permits to vend at Smorgasburg?

If you are selling food, you will need a health dept permit to vend at Smorgasburg. If/when we meet with you to taste your food we’ll go over all the paperwork requirements. But be aware that in order to get the required permit to vend at Smorgasburg, you will need to be able to submit proof that you prep at a licensed commercial kitchen or restaurant in Southern California. You will also need to possess a business license and liability insurance for your business and employees.  

I have so many more questions! How much does a space cost?  What can I expect for my business? How much food will I sell?  

Any additional questions you have will be answered if and when you hear from us. But if you don’t apply, you won’t ever from hear from us! So the first, and most important step, is filling out that application