Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers about ordering homemade meals, pickup and delivery, cook applications, and using Homio in California.
What is Homio?
Homio is a California marketplace for home cooking. Browse current menus from local cooks and order for pickup or delivery where available.
Is the food safe?
Food businesses and permit requirements vary by location. Homio provides ingredient details, order-linked reviews, customer-cook messaging, and a way to report concerns. Check the cook's dish details and see our Safety page for more guidance.
How do pickup and delivery work?
Each cook chooses whether to offer pickup, delivery, or both - it's shown on every dish. Pickup means you collect your meal from the cook's home at the scheduled time; delivery brings it to your door.
Why do some meals show a future date?
Some cooks make specific dishes on scheduled days. A future date shows the availability entered by that cook for the dish.
Do I need a subscription?
No. There are no subscriptions or membership fees - you simply pay for the meals you order.
What if something is wrong with my order?
Use the order tracker to message the cook, or contact Homio through the Contact page. Include your order details so the team can review the issue and explain the available next steps.
Do I need professional cooking experience?
Professional restaurant experience is not required to apply. Tell us about the food you make and your experience cooking it; Homio reviews the information before setup continues.
How much does it cost to get started?
Applying and listing on Homio has no application or monthly subscription fee. Local permits, certifications, ingredients, packaging, and other operating costs are separate and vary by location and menu.
Is selling home-cooked food legal in California?
California allows permitted Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKOs) only in jurisdictions that have authorized them. Permit and operating requirements are handled by the local environmental health agency, so applicants should confirm what applies where they live.
How do I get paid?
Homio uses Stripe to process payments. You’ll set up your Stripe account with Homio to receive payments from customers directly into your bank account. Payments typically arrive in approximately 2 days. Your first payment may take up to 7 days.
Can I cook occasionally, or do I have to commit to a schedule?
Entirely up to you. Some cooks list availability every day; others cook only on weekends or a few times a month. You update your schedule whenever you want.