Have you ever thought about how to hire a Private Chef? Setting up this luxurious experience is simple. Follow these 7 steps on how to hire a Private Chef for large groups, small parties, family gatherings, a couples event, or even a private romantic dinner for two:
1. Contact a Chef
Email, Text, or Call a Private Chef in your area. You can use a Google search to find one or contact The Rogue Chef in Branson, Missouri. If he is not available for your event, he can refer you to other amazing chefs.
2. Address Basic Information
Tell the chef the following things so a menu can be created and sent to you:
- Date and location of your event
- Number of people attending – include adults and children
- Any food allergies – dairy, nuts, seafood, meat, etc.
- Possible budget per person – If you have a per person budget, tell the chef before the menu is designed. This will help speed up the process of selecting menu items to fit your budget.
- Food preferences or themes – This gives the chef a place to start when creating your menu. You can search the chef’s Facebook page or website to get ideas, but don’t limit your menu to the pictures. Good chefs have culinary skills beyond your typical meal. Allow them to be creative and impress your taste buds.
3. Think About Your Budget
When learning how to hire a Private Chef, it’s important to note that there is no “average” price. Prices are typically given on a “per person” basis and include menu design, shopping for premium ingredients, food preparation, plating, and clean-up. The menu prices are non-negotiable, as they are based on ingredient costs and preparation time. You can adjust the overall price by negotiating appetizers, entrées, sides, and desserts. Altering or removing items will change the cost per person. Additionally, if your event is more than 60 miles from the chef’s location, a travel fee of $175 to $250 is common.
4. Review the Menu
Look at the menu the chef created and select items, especially if the chef provided options. Determine if you want to make any changes. Keep in mind that chefs expect adjustments to the initial menu, as they aim to create a menu that best fits your needs. Be sure to send any changes back to the chef as soon as possible. Finally, take a look at a Sample Menu to get a better idea of the options available.
5. Pay a Deposit
Once the menu is finalized (which may take several back-and-forth conversations to confirm), the next step in how to hire a Private Chef is to pay a deposit to secure your date with the chef. Typically, the deposit is half of the total price and is non-refundable after a certain timeframe. This is because the deposit is used to purchase food and other necessary ingredients.
6. Enjoy the Experience
The chef will arrive at your location 2-3 hours prior to your event. Additionally, the chef may bring a Sous Chef or Host to assist. Upon arrival, be sure to talk to the chef to discuss exact time frames, food preparation and service areas, and any questions or concerns you may have. Once everything is settled, the chef will prepare your food, plate it, serve it, and then clean up. There is nothing you need to worry about—simply relax and enjoy the meal.
7. Reward the Efforts
This can be done in a variety of ways. For instance, you may decide to pay a tip, while not required, is always appreciated. Tips usually range from 15-30% of the total bill and can either be added to the final payment or paid in cash after the event. Furthermore, additional ways to reward the chef’s efforts include providing positive feedback during and after the meal, leaving Google reviews, commenting on Facebook or other social media accounts, referring new customers, and/or offering repeat business. In fact, it is a real treat for a chef to be invited to a future event.
If you follow these 7 simple steps on how to hire a Private Chef, you will be able to enjoy all the luxuries of having a Private Chef for any event.
If you want to learn more about the culinary world, consider reading:
Why You Should Hire A Private Chef
Which Private Chef Service is Right for You?
Written by: Dr. Dana, Co-Owner of The Rogue Chef, Branson, MO. 618-977-3156; www.TheRogueChef.com