1. Agreement to Terms
By accessing or using Kitchen Yard ("Platform"), operated by Kitchen Yard LLC ("we," "us," or "our"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree, do not use the Platform.
Kitchen Yard is a marketplace that connects customers with independent food operators (MEHKO operators, cottage food producers, and licensed caterers). We are not a restaurant, food producer, or delivery company.
2. Eligibility
You must be at least 18 years old to create an account. By using Kitchen Yard you represent that you are of legal age. Users under 18 may only use the Platform under the supervision of a parent or guardian. See our Child Safety Policy for more information.
3. Account Registration
You must provide accurate, complete information when creating an account. You are responsible for safeguarding your password and for all activity under your account. Notify us immediately at support@kitchenyard.space if you suspect unauthorized use.
4. Platform Role
Kitchen Yard is a technology platform that facilitates transactions between customers and independent operators. We do not prepare, cook, or deliver food. Each operator is an independent business responsible for their own food safety, permits, and compliance with local laws.
We provide tools for compliance tracking (permit expiration reminders, meal counters, sales cap monitoring) for informational purposes only. We do not enforce sales caps or block operators from selling.
5. Orders and Payments
5.1 Pricing
Menu prices are set by operators. Kitchen Yard adds a $2.00 service fee per order, applicable sales tax, and a $5.00 delivery fee for delivery orders. Platform fees (charged to operators) vary by tier: Starter (8%), Plus (6%), Pro (5%).
5.2 Payment processing
Payments are processed through Stripe. By placing an order you authorize us to charge your payment method. Operators receive payouts via Stripe Connect.
5.3 Refunds
Refund requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Contact us at support@kitchenyard.space or through the app. Refunds, when approved, are processed to the original payment method within 5–10 business days.
6. Subscriptions
Weekly meal subscriptions are billed on a recurring basis through Stripe. You may cancel at any time; cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period. Menu assignments for the upcoming week are sent each Thursday and auto-confirmed Friday at 6:00 PM PT if not modified.
7. Operator Terms
If you register as an operator, you represent that:
- You hold all permits, licenses, and certifications required by your local jurisdiction for your operator type.
- You are responsible for food safety, allergen disclosure, and compliance with all applicable laws including California AB 626 (MEHKO), AB 1616 (Cottage Food), and county health regulations.
- You will keep your permit information current on the Platform.
- You agree to the platform fee for your selected tier.
8. Driver Terms
Drivers are independent contractors invited by operators. By accepting deliveries you agree to handle food safely during transport, maintain a valid driver's license (if using a motor vehicle), and carry adequate insurance.
9. Prohibited Conduct
You agree not to:
- Violate any applicable law or regulation.
- Impersonate another person or entity.
- Submit false information, fraudulent orders, or fake reviews.
- Harass, threaten, or abuse other users, operators, or drivers.
- Attempt to circumvent fees, manipulate ratings, or game the Platform.
- Use the Platform for any illegal activity.
- Scrape, reverse-engineer, or copy Platform content.
10. Content and Reviews
Users may submit reviews and ratings. You grant Kitchen Yard a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to display your content on the Platform. We reserve the right to remove content that violates these Terms. Reviews must be honest and based on genuine experiences.
11. Intellectual Property
The Kitchen Yard name, logo, design, and software are owned by Kitchen Yard LLC. Operators retain ownership of their recipes, photos, and brand materials. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works from Platform content without permission.
12. Disclaimers
THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND. WE DO NOT GUARANTEE THE QUALITY, SAFETY, OR LEGALITY OF FOOD PREPARED BY OPERATORS. WE ARE NOT LIABLE FOR FOODBORNE ILLNESS, ALLERGIC REACTIONS, OR ANY HARM ARISING FROM FOOD PURCHASED THROUGH THE PLATFORM.
13. Limitation of Liability
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, KITCHEN YARD'S TOTAL LIABILITY FOR ANY CLAIM ARISING FROM YOUR USE OF THE PLATFORM SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT YOU PAID THROUGH THE PLATFORM IN THE 12 MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM.
14. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Kitchen Yard, its officers, employees, and agents from any claims, losses, or damages arising from your use of the Platform, violation of these Terms, or violation of any law.
15. Dispute Resolution
Any disputes arising from these Terms shall be resolved through binding arbitration in Alameda County, California under the rules of the American Arbitration Association. You waive any right to participate in a class action lawsuit.
16. Termination
We may suspend or terminate your account at any time for violation of these Terms. You may delete your account at any time through the app settings. Upon termination, your right to use the Platform ceases immediately.
17. Changes to Terms
We may update these Terms from time to time. Material changes will be communicated via email or in-app notification. Continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.
18. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California without regard to conflict-of-law principles.
19. Contact
Questions about these Terms? Contact us at legal@kitchenyard.space or visit our contact page.