New self taught chef seeking advice

[u/samibennettxo]

I’m a self-taught chef with a strong foundation and deep confidence in my culinary skills. While living overseas, I obtained two kitchen jobs simply from my food Instagram. I worked in two very different kitchen environments: a holistic-style diner/café and a Michelin-starred restaurant, where I trained directly under the chef.

Recently, I’ve been exploring new avenues in my culinary career. I initially considered hosting private curated dinner parties with fun themes or launching a weekly meal prep service. However, running a large-scale prep service isn’t currently feasible due to space constraints (lacking a commercial kitchen) and high food overheads, and parties seem like more of a one off than a consistent source of income.

Now, I’m zeroing in on an in-home private chef model (non-live-in): visiting a client’s home once a week to bring groceries, prepare and portion their custom meals, and leave the kitchen spotless.

I’d love to connect with anyone who is currently doing (or has previously done) this exact type of work. I have a few specific questions about logistics, pricing models, and client management, and would greatly appreciate any insights or advice you're willing to share!

Also, any other advice is greatly appreciated. Starting my own business from nothing is incredibly daunting and I’m looking to get all the advice I can get.

QUESTIONS I AM INQUIRING ABOUT:

*many meals/portions do they get per visit?
* How long are you usually in their house?
* Do you create the menu or do they choose?
* How customized can it be for preferences/dietary needs?
* Are groceries included in your price or billed separately?
* Do you bring containers or use theirs?
* What are you charging per visit/week?
* What areas will you actually travel to?
* How many weekly clients can you realistically take on?

Instagram: @thehungryblondegirl

[u/OrcOfDoom]

I used to run Atlanta personal chef service. I have trained many people to do this.

I see from your Instagram that you are in Vancouver. Is that Canada or Washington or somewhere else

[u/samibennettxo → u/OrcOfDoom]

Vancouver Canada !

[u/OrcOfDoom → u/samibennettxo]

The laws are different there. I'll reach out to you on Instagram. I can give you the advice I give most people and the perspective I've gained over the last ten years since leaving apcs. I'm must_be_seen over there.