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We've put together this guide to help you answer two critical questions all private Chefs have: What should you offer your guests, and how should you price your menus? Once you learn about all the aspects you should consider, you can create menus that catch your guests' attention and land you profitable bookings.
Menu Options
Cuisine Styles
Guests are presented with options when choosing their desired cuisine. These include seven popular cuisines: Mediterranean, Italian, Seafood, Japanese, French, Fusion, and Local, plus a Surprise Me option for those open to hear your proposals as a Chef.
To increase your chances and efficiency when replying to requests, upload sample menus for each default cuisine. If you'd like to avoid a particular cuisine, arrange your preferences on your profile.
If you specialize in cuisines not mentioned within the 7 basic categories, upload proposals that include your strengths under the Surprise option. Remember to add local options, considering our platform's popularity among travelers.
Chef’s Tip: Your menus should include dish options for each course. Guests may love your proposal but dislike one of the dishes in it. Without a visible alternative, they might opt out and go with a different Chef before asking if they can replace it.
Demand and Seasonality
Your offer can include classic and signature dishes you love to prepare, but menu planning should be an ongoing process, continuously updated and adjusted. Factors like seasonality, special dates or events, and gastronomic trends should be on your radar when designing your menus.
Identify the cuisines that are in high demand in your area. Even if you don't wish to cover all the default cuisines the platform offers, including those popular in your region.
Anticipate your guests’ seasonal needs by having themed proposals ready. Think of a menu for Christmas dinner or for a 4th of July party. Check your calendar and get inspired!
Plan and update your offer around the availability of ingredients you have at any time of year. This will ensure your ingredients are always fresh and your costs stay as low as possible.
Pricing
Chefs may feel they are charging too much because they doubt themselves and their expertise. We’re here to tell you that you’re worth it. Below you can find key aspects to consider when setting prices for your menus:
Fixed Costs
Before earning a profit, you must ensure you can offer quality service. Fixed costs are those expenses you can't avoid when providing your services: ingredient costs, cooking equipment, utilities, commuting to and from your guest's home, and staff payment, if applicable.
Once you identify the fixed costs of your operation, you can add in more manageable expenses like your own hourly rate, the extra effort to adjust your offer to dietary restrictions, or the additional equipment used for complex preparations.
Budget Tiers
Alongside cuisine options, guests are provided with three budget tiers: Basic, a budget-friendly option; Temptation, a mid-range budget; and Exclusive, for premium experiences. Make sure you have offers for each tier to help secure bookings more effectively.
Additionally, keep an eye on your location's general cost of living. A private Chef service in a metropolis like New York will come at a higher price than one in a smaller city or town.
Group Size
Aside from budget tiers, the number of guests for each service also modifies pricing. Experiences for larger parties often mean a lower cost per guest, making them more appealing. The platform has structured group prices as follows:
- 2 guests
- 3-6 guests
- 7-12 guests
- 13+ guests
While cooking for more people will increase some of your costs, in most cases, the larger the group, the larger your margin for profit can be. Make sure to keep your pricing competitive by balancing the increase in guest count with your own earnings.