What to Bring to a Meal Prep Session
I'm often surprised at items that some client kitchens don’t have like a cheese grater, citrus press, or liquid measuring cup. For this reason, I bring along a small box of kitchen gear...but it wasn't always like this.
When I first started, I would pack specifically for the client’s kitchen I was visiting. If I knew the house didn’t have a good non-stick skillet, I would bring that, my favorite cooking spoon, and of course knives.
As my clientele built up and for ease of packing each morning, I now have a basic checklist of kitchen gear that fits into a small plastic bin brought to every appointment. Here's a link to pretty much everything in my everyday box >>
There is much discussion about knives out there. Everyone has a different style, but I’m a minimalist and use my basic chef’s knife for everything plus a small paring knife for cutting small items such as deveining shrimp.
I also always bring my own stack of dishtowels, usually one to two for each hour I’ll be there. This way when I leave, the trash has been taken out and the client does not have dirty dishtowels, so there is nothing for them to clean up, just reheat dinner and serve. The goal is to make things easier for the client.
Should you bring your own cookware to the client homes?
I've found that the majority of kitchen are well equipped with barely used All Clad pots and pans, my favorite.
Occasionally I will come across poor quality “college pans” as I call them. You know, the kind that burns everything cooked in them except hot water.
For these homes, I may bring along a couple skillets, but truly I usually make due with what's on hand. Obviously this is just what I do and you of course will do what works for you. That's the cool thing about running your own business. You get to do what you think is best for your clients and your business model.
Reply anytime and I'll personally answer.
Best Wishes & Much Success to You, Virginia Stockwell
Check out my Meal Prep Kitchen Equipment box here >>
10 Things to Do Before Starting Your Personal Chef Business
Ten-Step Actionable Checklist of things to do before investing in this new business so you're prepared when your first paying client comes along.
for Free
Personal Chef Mentor
Virginia Stockwell
Virginia Stockwell is a personal chef business mentor from California, now living in Austin, TX. She's had careers as a chiropractor and Realtor, then finally found her calling as a personal chef. Starting in catering in 2005, she began her personal chef business in 2012, quickly growing to a waiting list of clients thanks to her local marketing expertise. She now empowers home cooks and professional chefs to start their own meal prep and dinner party businesses, creating a life of hours and income they control. She lives the life of a minimalist both personally and professionally, reads cookbooks like novels, and is locally famous for her taco and margarita parties (check out "A Taco Walks into a Bar" on Amazon).
How to Price Your Personal Chef Services
Personal Chefs do not charge by the hour. They also do not calculate food costs like restaurant chefs.
This is a self-paced course you can begin immediately.
$94 >>
Business Plan for Personal Chef Services
Design a custom plan with the help of prompts so that you know where you’re going and what you need to do next...
Because a goal without a plan is just a wish.
Lead Generating Website
How-To
How-To
Anyone can create a website, but it takes know-how to design a lead generating website. You'll learn how to capture leads while you sleep, what to include on each web page, and common mistakes personal chefs make on their websites. Give potential clients a five-star first impression of your company by showing off your culinary skills in a benefit-driven style.
This course is included when purchasing the all-inclusive personal chef business program above.
Bookkeeping
for Personal Chefs
for Personal Chefs
Lesson 1 - Bookkeeping 101
Lesson 2 - The IRS & You
Lesson 3 - What's Tax Deductible
Lesson 4 - Record Keeping
This course is included when purchasing the all-inclusive personal chef business program above.
Chef-Client Contract
Customized to Your Business
Customized to Your Business
Without this important document, there are too many "what ifs" that could lead to lost money. You'll walk away with customized contracts for both meal prep and events to fit your personal chef business model.
This course is included when purchasing the all-inclusive personal chef business program above.
101 Marketing Tactics to Attract New Clients
You know all there is about cooking and pricing your services. The only struggle you have now is bringing new leads into your business. You'll receive 101 action oriented marketing tactics that you can begin implementing today. Find what's working best for you and do more of it. Marketing tactics for both introverts and outgoing personalities are included. Start implementing the tactics today.
All-Inclusive Program
PERSONAL CHEF
BUSINESS PROGRAM
All-Inclusive Program
BUSINESS PROGRAM
Go from "I don't know where to begin" to running a profitable personal chef business so you have control over your own hours and income.
Modules Included:
1 - Define Your Competitive Advantage
2 - Determine Pricing
3 - Meal Prep 101
4 - Dinner Party 101
5 - Become Legal & Insured
6 - Create a Lead Generating Website
7 - Craft a Marketing Plan
8 - Test Various Marketing Strategies
9 - Bookkeeping
10 - Social Media
10 Things to Do Before Starting Your Personal Chef Business
Ten-Step Actionable Checklist of things to do before investing in this new business so you're prepared when your first paying client comes along.
for Free