Don’t miss out on the opportunity to become one of 20 exclusive pizza vendors at Jersey Eats: NJ Pizza Festival! Participating in this event not only promises exceptional exposure in both event promotion and on-site presence, but also offers the thrilling opportunity to compete for one of two NJ Pizza Festival Best Pizza Awards— the People’s Choice Award, decided by attendee votes, and the Editor’s Choice Award, handpicked by our NJ.com Food & Culture reporters.

To enter the competition and ensure an unforgettable experience for attendees, vendors are required to offer $2 half slice samples. Vendors can also sell full pies, other menu items, merch and more alongside the samples.

Inclusion in all event promotion that features vendor lineup. This includes articles on NJ.com, email blasts, press releases, and social media posts from NJ.com.
Guaranteed inclusion in photo and video footage from event to be used in event sizzle reel, in NJ.com articles and on NJ.com social media channels.

 As an approved vendor, you are automatically entered into the competition. At the event, you’ll serve up your mouthwatering slices—each priced at just $2. Attendees will purchase, sample, vote, and crown the People’s Choice Best Pizza. Our NJ.com food reporters will also award the Editor’s Choice award. At the end of the event, the winner will be announced and awarded the coveted title. Both the people’s choice and editor’s choice winners will be featured on NJ.com, and will receive an exclusive Jersey Eats: 2024 NJ Pizza Festival Best Pizza Award. It’s that simple!

APPLICATION PROCESS

How do I apply to become a vendor at Jersey Eats: NJ Pizza Festival?

Pizzerias and pizza food trucks vendors can apply here.

Is there a specific deadline for vendor applications?

Completed vendor applications will be accepted until Friday, May 31, 2024. Vendors will be notified about the status of their application (either approval or rejection) by Friday, May 31, 2024.

What information is required for the application?

You will need to provide information on your restaurant, as well as the items you plan to sell at the event. We will need information on how you plan to cook any food and you will need to provide a method of payment.

What kind of vendors can apply for Jersey Eats: NJ Pizza Festival?

Only pizzerias and pizza trucks/trailers are invited to apply for this event. A limited number of pizza trucks will be accepted. If you are not a pizza vendor, check out our Jersey Eats: A Taste of New Jersey events that highlight various types of food and beverages.

Are food trucks allowed?

A limited number of pizza food truck/trailer spaces are available.

ELIGIBILITY AND CRITERIA

Are there specific criteria or qualifications for vendors?

Vendors must have a registered business and be able to provide a certificate of insurance.

Vendors must be on site for the full day.

Vendors must agree to sell half slices for $2.

Is the festival open to both established and new vendors?

Yes, but all vendors must be open and operational before the event date.

What types of pizza are you looking for?

We are looking to showcase a diverse range of options to satisfy the cravings of our pizza loving attendees. We want to showcase the creativity and versatility of each vendor. Some categories/styles include: Neapolitan, New York, Sicilian, Deep Dish, Tavern, Detroit, Artisinal, Dessert, Vegan, Gluten-Free, etc.

COSTS AND FEES

What are the fees associated with participating as a vendor?

The vendor participation fee is $400 and gives you access to one of 20 exclusive vendor spots.

Vedors are also responsible for the cost of Health Permit and Mercantile License for Oceanport NJ and a fire permit for Monmouth County. The total for these permits is $140. NJ Advance Media will collect applications and fees and remit them on your behalf to the city of Oceanport and Monmouth County.

LOGISTICS AND SET UP TIME

When can vendors setup?

Vendors can load in the morning of the event.

What assistance is provided for setup and breakdown?

Tents, tables and chairs will be in the vendor space the morning of the event. Vendors are responsible for their own setup and breakdown. Vendors must bring their own carts, etc. and take all of their trash with them at the end of the event and leave the space as it was found.

What do vendors get with their participation?

Pizza Trucks/Trailers will be provided with a space up to 20’ long to accommodate the vehicle size.

Pizzerias will be given a 10×10 footprint that includes: (1) Marra Forni commercial pizza oven for use at the event, (1) 10×10 tent, (2) 6′ folding tables, (2) folding chairs, and custom table signage.

What do vendors need to provide?

Providing ingredients and tools for making, serving, and selling. This entails bringing dough, cheese, sauce, toppings, pizza peels, plates, napkins, a POS system, as well as anything else needed to serve customers.

All power/fuel including wood, gas, or generators are the responsibility of the vendor

Providing hand wash stations and any other materials mandated by the health department to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

ATTENDEES AND PROMOTION

How many attendees are expected at the food festival?

We are anticipating around 2,500+ attendees throughout the one-day festival.

What kind of promotion and marketing will the event organizers do? 

NJ.com is the state’s largest news and media organization with millions of monthly readers and social media followers. Promotion and marketing efforts will be robust, including weekly articles leading up to and after the event; Social media coverage on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook before, during and after the event; Press releases; Email blasts, including in our Jersey Eats food newsletter; Digital and print advertising

Can vendors also promote the event through their channels?

Yes! Vendors are encouraged to promote their participation. 

PERMITS AND INSURANCE

What permits or licenses are required for participating vendors?

Health Permit and Mercantile License for Oceanport NJ and a fire permit for Monmouth County. The total for these permits is $140. NJ Advance Media will collect applications and fees and remit them on your behalf to the city of Oceanport and Monmouth County.

Are there health and safety regulations that vendors need to adhere to?

Vendors must adhere to the health and safety regulations set forth by the Health Department. 

Vendors must provide their own hand washing stations.

Is vendor insurance required?

Yes, vendors are required to provide a certificate of insurance covering their participation in the event. Insurance obligations will be provided to all approved vendors.

PAYMENT AND REFUND POLICIES

What is the payment schedule for vendor fees?

The vendor fee is due upon acceptance to the event.

Is there a refund policy if a vendor needs to cancel?

No refunds will be given. 

How are transactions handled during the festival?

Vendors are responsible for collecting and processing payment for their goods and services at the festival. Accepting both cash and credit cards is recommended.