Los Angeles County is launching a new program that allows residents to legally operate small-scale commercial kitchens from their homes. Starting November 1, 2024, cooks and bakers across most of the county can apply for permits under the Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) initiative, which was designed to support local entrepreneurs, particularly women, immigrants, and communities of color.
The MEHKO program provides an avenue for home-based cooks to turn their culinary skills into professional ventures, creating new opportunities in the formal economy. “This program is a groundbreaking step, enabling countless individuals to transform their culinary passions into thriving businesses,” said County Supervisor Hilda Solis.
Key details of the program include a requirement for operators to secure a Certified Food Protection Manager certificate and a Food Handler Card. Home kitchens can prepare, cook, and serve up to 30 meals per day, with a revenue cap of $100,000 annually. The program also places limitations on meal deliveries, alcohol sales, and third-party delivery services.
County officials estimate that the program will benefit thousands of street vendors and home cooks, who are vital contributors to Los Angeles’ cultural and culinary scene. Enforcement of permit requirements will begin on January 1, 2025, with up to 1,000 permits expected to be issued in the first year.
The public health department will host an event in Baldwin Park on November 1 to assist prospective operators with applications and provide subsidies for initial permit fees. The program aims to create an inclusive pathway for local entrepreneurs to operate safely, legally, and successfully in the food industry.
