In January, Sydney Wayser and Isaac Watters, a couple in both business and life, launched one of the most talked-about coffee shops in Los Angeles, known as Granada. What sets Granada apart is its unique location--situated in the lower level of their home, a possibility made feasible by Los Angeles County's new Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) permit. This permit allows them to legally serve coffee and food from their residence, albeit with certain restrictions on staff and annual earnings. In their backyard in Angelino Heights, guests enjoy cortados and pastries from local baker Sasha Piligian, quickly making it a popular destination. Here, Wayser shares insights on how they successfully manage this setup.
On launching the cafe
After feeling isolated during the post-COVID period and welcoming their daughter, we realized how much we craved community. Witnessing the closure of beloved bars and cafes made us think about creating a welcoming space. The MEHKO permit offered us a chance to establish a community hub where people could enjoy tea and pastries in a cozy environment.
It's about uniting people and sharing art, ideas, and culture, reminiscent of the traditional salon concept. We sensed this need strongly, and our visitors echo the sentiment, expressing how they've been searching for a place like this.
On creative and life partnership
Both Isaac and I are involved in music, and he also has a background in film and TV, focusing on set and production design. We collaborate on various projects, including the design and construction of our home. Granada feels like a natural extension of our creative partnership.
On operating from home
When we designed our house, we envisioned hosting events, not realizing it would also serve as an ideal coffee shop with its spacious layout and garden. We have a designated public area downstairs and private space upstairs.
However, maintaining our home for visitors is essential. With a three-year-old, we often reset the space after she plays. Our operating hours are limited; we decided to only open when our daughter is at school to ensure family time remains undisturbed.
On navigating disagreements
While we agree on most matters, disagreements do arise. We prioritize open communication and understanding, recognizing that there are no wrong answers--just different paths to explore. Finding compromises is key, and we openly share our feelings throughout the process.
Our mutual respect allows us to value each other's opinions. If I suggest an idea and Isaac has reservations, I trust his perspective, knowing we both contribute our strengths to form a cohesive team.
This conversation has been edited and condensed.