Los Angeles County is kickstarting a new permit program for home cooks with an entrepreneurial spirit who are interested in operating a miniature restaurant out of their homes.
The County Department of Public Health announced the new Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) Program, which began accepting applications Monday.
The at-home food business program will allow residents to operate a food facility out of their private kitchens, allowing them to store, handle, prepare and serve food to the public if appropriately permitted.
Officials described the facilities as “similar to a mini restaurant,” which will still have to follow local and state laws. California has been easing regulations for these home kitchen businesses over the past several years and an L.A. County ordinance was approved in April.
The permits will be authorized by the Health Department’s Environmental Health Division, which will conduct annual inspections and investigate complaints.
Dr. Barbara Ferrer, L.A. County Public Health director, said home kitchen businesses can provide economic opportunities for those looking to share their food with the public and the permit program will ensure local health standards are met.
“By supporting and nurturing small-scale food businesses, we create pathways for innovation and collaboration,” Ferrer said. “Through the growth of MEHKOs, we strive to empower food business owners with the skill and tools necessary to increase the knowledge of food safety practices when serving the public.”
Those wishing to start a permitted home restaurant must not have more than one full-time employee other than family or household members, and every person involved in the operation must obtain food safety certification from the State of California. Food will also need to be prepared, cooked and served or delivered on the same day it’s made.
The businesses can serve no more than 30 meals per day or 90 meals per week, with an annual revenue not to exceed $100,000 per year.
Operators can’t resell food to other facilities and can’t use third-party delivery apps like DoorDash or UberEats. Alcohol can’t be part of the service without appropriate licensing from the California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control.
Operators are also prohibited from using the home kitchen businesses as a catering service.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis said the home kitchen businesses have historically been an important economic vehicle for entrepreneurs, especially women, immigrants and communities of color.
“The MEHKO program is a groundbreaking step towards allowing home-based kitchens to operate legally and safely, enabling countless individuals to turn their culinary passions into thriving businesses,” Solis said.
Supervisor Holly Mitchell echoed the importance of providing ambitious home cooks and chefs with the tools they need to succeed in the marketplace.
“Sidewalk vendors and home cooks are part of the cultural and culinary fabric of our neighborhoods – many times being a primary source of affordable and quality food for residents while providing an opportunity for families to earn a steady income,” Mitchell added.
MEHKO permitting begins on Nov. 1. A launch event for those wanting more information or a headstart on the process is taking place on Oct. 26, at the Department of Public Health Environmental Health building at 5050 Commerce Dr. in Baldwin Park.
For contact information regarding the MEHKO process, as well as important documents and requirements, click here.