Turn your food into a local storefront.

Each creator is solely responsible for holding the permits and licenses their business type and county require before their food can be listed. Dishly reviews applicable permits, licenses, and certifications based on your business type and location. That review is a document review only: it does not guarantee any particular kitchen conditions or outcome, and it does not replace or grant a county permit.

Dishly does not issue government permits, and does not guarantee approval. Creators remain responsible for meeting applicable legal requirements.

IFSI registration. Dishly, Inc. is registered with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) as an Internet Food Service Intermediary (registration approved October 23, 2026). That registration covers the Dishly platform only, not any individual creator.

MEHKO in Los Angeles County. Hot meals cooked at home and sold the same day, under Los Angeles County’s MEHKO program. A MEHKO must hold a health permit from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Division, Home-Based Food Operations Program, (626) 430-9855, before operating, with Standard Operating Procedures and a food safety manager certificate. The County issues MEHKO permits for Los Angeles County except in the cities of Pasadena, Long Beach, and Vernon, which have their own environmental health departments. MEHKO orders are fulfilled by pickup or by the MEHKO’s own employee or household member delivery only — no third-party delivery. The word “catering” is never used in a MEHKO’s listing.

Further MEHKO rules: food prepared, cooked, and served on the same day; no more than 30 meals per day or 90 meals per week; gross annual sales capped at about $100,000 (adjusted annually); no signage or outdoor advertising. A MEHKO cannot operate as a Cottage Food Operator or as a caterer. Every MEHKO listing displays the MEHKO’s permit number and the name of the issuing enforcement agency. A MEHKO may only be advertised in a county or city that has adopted a MEHKO program by ordinance or resolution. Third-party delivery is not permitted for MEHKO food, except for an individual whose physical or mental condition limits their ability to access the food without third-party delivery assistance. For the County’s current application packet and fee schedule, contact the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Division directly.

Cottage Food Operations (Class A and Class B) and licensed food facilities (including food trucks and licensed kitchens) follow their own separate county permits. A MEHKO cannot operate as a Cottage Food Operator.

If you are not sure which path fits your food, pick the closest permit status in the application — we’ll help you understand what applies. No permit upload during this application.

MEHKO operation requires a food safety manager certificate, along with a health permit application and Standard Operating Procedures. Your permits and verifications — including Food Handler Certified — show right on your Dishly profile, so customers can see you’re legit before they order.

Who is responsible for my permits? You are — each creator holds the permits their business type and county require before listing.

Does Dishly issue permits or guarantee approval? No — Dishly reviews documents only and does not guarantee approval, a listing, orders, or earnings.

What if I don’t have permits yet? Choose the closest permit status in the application (“Not sure what I need yet” or “I’m currently applying”) — we’ll help you understand what applies.

How do I report a food-safety concern? Contact Dishly at support@dinewithdishly.co, or the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Division at (626) 430-9855. For California food-safety regulation generally, see CDPH.ca.gov.

Does Dishly hold a seller’s permit and business license? Yes — Dishly holds a California seller’s permit and a Bakersfield business license. Full details are in the footer below.