How will Los Angeles’ new permit process change the future for home chefs and street vendors?

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has approved a groundbreaking ordinance that will allow home chefs and street vendors to legally sell food prepared in their kitchens. This initiative, known as Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKOs), was first legalized in California in 2019, but it is up to individual cities and counties to establish a permit and inspection process. Los Angeles County plans to implement this system starting November 1, 2024.

The Emergence of MEHKOs

Ana Hernandez, a home chef in Los Angeles, is one of many who have been operating within the informal economy of MEHKOs. Hernandez, who started Dollies Kitchen four years ago, prepares a variety of meals from her home, ranging from steak and eggs to chilaquiles and taquitos. She delivers 45 to 65 meals a week and advertises primarily on social media. Despite her dream of owning a restaurant, the high costs associated with brick-and-mortar establishments have kept her in the home kitchen business.

The new ordinance will require home chefs like Hernandez to pay an application fee of $597 and an annual health permit fee of $347. These fees cover the costs of annual inspections and enforcement actions. The ordinance also sets a cap of 30 meals per day or 90 meals per week, with a limit of $100,000 in gross annual sales. For those operating as a commissary for up to two food carts, the cap increases to 80 meals per day, 200 meals per week, and $150,000 in gross annual sales.

Economic and Cultural Impact

The approval of the MEHKO program is seen as a significant step in legitimizing and supporting home cooking businesses. According to Roya Bagheri, executive director of the COOK Alliance, the cost of entering the food industry is a major barrier for many aspiring chefs. The average cost of a brick-and-mortar restaurant is upwards of $400,000, while even a food truck or commercial kitchen can require start-up costs of over $50,000 per year.

The ordinance is expected to benefit a diverse group of entrepreneurs, particularly women, immigrants, and communities of color. A statewide survey by the COOK Alliance found that 84% of sidewalk vendors and home cooks in the informal economy are women, and 48% identify as Black, LatinX, or multiracial. Supervisor Hilda Solis emphasized that MEHKOs will create new financial lifelines for many residents, including undocumented individuals who face greater challenges in operating a business locally.

Regulatory Framework and Future Prospects

The ordinance was developed in consultation with other counties that have already adopted a MEHKO program, including Riverside, San Diego, San Mateo, and Santa Clara. It aims to ensure that home-based food businesses comply with the California Food Safety Code while also addressing concerns about noise and traffic in residential neighborhoods.

Supervisor Janice Hahn highlighted the importance of working closely with city codes and public health measures to ensure the success of the program. The Los Angeles County Department of Health will administer the MEHKO permits, and enforcement is expected to begin in January 2025.

Hugo Zamora, who has been operating Hugo’s Pizza out of his porch in Boyle Heights for four years, believes that the new regulations will ultimately benefit his customers. “I think it’d be a great idea and would also help my customers feel more confident that the service we provide is clean and up to standard,” Zamora said.

Our Advice on the City

For occasional travelers visiting Los Angeles, exploring the burgeoning home kitchen scene can offer a unique culinary experience. Consider seeking out local home chefs who are part of the MEHKO program for an authentic taste of the city’s diverse food culture. These home-cooked meals often reflect the rich cultural heritage of the chefs and provide a more intimate dining experience.

For seasoned travelers, diving deeper into the MEHKO scene can be a rewarding adventure. Engage with the chefs, learn about their stories, and perhaps even take a cooking class to understand the intricacies of their culinary techniques. This not only supports local entrepreneurs but also enriches your travel experience with personal connections and cultural insights.

In conclusion, the launch of the MEHKO permit process in Los Angeles County marks a significant milestone in supporting home-based food businesses. It opens up new opportunities for entrepreneurs while ensuring food safety and regulatory compliance. Whether you’re a casual visitor or an experienced traveler, exploring this vibrant and diverse culinary landscape can offer a deeper appreciation of Los Angeles’ cultural and economic fabric.