Granada: A New Community Coffee Shop in Los Angeles

Granada, a home-based coffee shop located in the Echo Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, has quickly become a popular destination since its opening in January 2026. Founded by Sydney Wayser and Isaac Watters, the café operates under California's Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) program, which allows residents to run small food businesses from their homes. On a sunny February afternoon, crowds flocked to Granada, highlighting its unexpected success in a city known for its vibrant coffee culture.

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The MEHKO program was introduced in California in 2019 and authorized in Los Angeles County in 2024. It enables residents to sell food from their homes, with specific regulations including a cap on gross annual sales of $100,000 and limitations on the number of meals served per day. The program aims to support local entrepreneurship while ensuring food safety through required permits and inspections.

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Wayser and Watters were inspired to open Granada after attending a neighbor's home-based dinner during the pandemic, which felt like a pop-up restaurant. With Wayser's background in the arts and event planning, and Watters' experience as a musician and visual artist, the couple saw running a coffee shop as an opportunity to blend their skills. They spent months obtaining the necessary MEHKO permits, including food safety certification and business licensing, with the application fee waived as early participants in the program.

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Granada's menu features classic espresso drinks, teas, and pastries from local baker Sasha Piligian. The couple has designed their home to create an inviting atmosphere, encouraging patrons to linger and enjoy the community vibe. Wayser emphasizes the importance of this intimate setting, stating, "The reason this works is that you can buy something or not. You can hang out in the yard as long as you want."

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While Granada has experienced rapid growth, Wayser and Watters are mindful of the MEHKO program's limitations. They are considering adjusting their hours or days of operation to maintain sustainability over the long term. Although they may explore options like launching a coffee cart to increase their sales cap, they do not plan to transition to a commercial space, as they believe it would detract from the community-focused experience they have cultivated.

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Despite the success of Granada, some critics may argue that the MEHKO program could lead to an oversaturation of home-based food businesses. However, the couple remains optimistic, believing that the demand for community-centric spaces will continue to grow. Wayser notes, "I can imagine there are a lot of really qualified people that feel unqualified, and it's cool that this lets you just try something and see how it works."

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• “I think that people really want community,” — Sydney Wayser, Co-founder of Granada

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• “As soon as you're in a commercial space and your rent is so high, it's not about community anymore,” — Sydney Wayser, Co-founder of Granada

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• “I have been an entrepreneur my whole life,” — Sydney Wayser, Co-founder of Granada

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Granada exemplifies the potential of the MEHKO program to foster local entrepreneurship and community engagement, offering a unique coffee experience in the heart of Los Angeles.

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