LA Couple Transforms Home Into Thriving Coffee Shop

Grenada coffee shop in Angelino Heights operates under California's Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) program.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Sydney Wayser and Isaac Watters have opened a coffee shop called Grenada in the lower level of their home in Los Angeles, taking advantage of California's MEHKO program that allows residents to run a business out of their private residence. The couple felt isolated during the pandemic and wanted to create a community space, and the MEHKO permit enabled them to do so while adhering to strict health and safety standards.

Why it matters

The MEHKO program in California provides an innovative way for small businesses and entrepreneurs to operate out of their homes, fostering community connections and supporting local economies, especially in the wake of the pandemic when many traditional brick-and-mortar shops were forced to close.

The details

Wayser and Watters run Grenada coffee shop out of the lower level of their home in the Angelino Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles. They were inspired to create a community space after feeling isolated during the pandemic and watching many of their favorite local businesses close. The MEHKO permit allows them to operate the shop with limitations on the number of meals served per day and week, as well as their annual earnings. Despite the challenges of maintaining a clean home with a young child, the couple has found great success in bringing people together over coffee and pastries.

  • Grenada coffee shop opened in 2026.
  • The couple got their MEHKO permit to operate the home-based business.

The players

Sydney Wayser

Co-owner of Grenada coffee shop, which she runs out of her home in Los Angeles.

Isaac Watters

Co-owner of Grenada coffee shop, which he runs out of his home in Los Angeles.

Grenada

A coffee shop operated by Sydney Wayser and Isaac Watters out of their home in the Angelino Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles, taking advantage of California's MEHKO program.

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What they’re saying

“When we heard about the MEHKO permit, it felt like maybe we could make a community space. Having someone come over and have tea and a pastry in your house—that's the coziest entry point to community space.”

— Sydney Wayser, Co-owner, Grenada (Eater.com)

“[We were] feeling isolated for so long, post-COVID, and then we had a daughter right after. There was a big chunk of time when we felt we were really missing community and we watched some of our favorite bars, restaurants, and coffee shops close.”

— Sydney Wayser, Co-owner, Grenada (Eater.com)

What’s next

The MEHKO program in Los Angeles County continues to be monitored for its impact on small businesses and community development, with potential for expansion to other counties in California.

The takeaway

The success of Grenada coffee shop highlights how innovative programs like MEHKO can empower entrepreneurs and foster a sense of community, even in the face of challenges like the pandemic. This model could inspire similar home-based business initiatives in other regions to support local economies and bring people together.