A guide to starting your own personal chef business
Become a Personal Chef
So you’re ready to ditch the burnout and build a business on your own terms?
Welcome. You’re in the right place.
Becoming a personal chef is one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve ever made.
And now I’m sharing everything I’ve learned so you can do it, too. This guide walks you through every step of starting your personal chef business from home, with real-world advice and practical insights from someone who’s been exactly where you are.
What You’ll Learn:
My personal story—how I went from Subway manager to full-time personal chef
The difference between personal and private chefs
6 clear steps to getting started
How to find clients who respect your work and pay you well
How to confidently plan menus, price your services, and build a business that lasts
Keep reading to get the full breakdown and learn how to build your own thriving personal chef career.
My story: from exhausted and undervalued to fulfilled and free
When I was 20, I managed a Subway and worked up to 60 hours a week. I was exhausted, unappreciated, and dreaming of a different kind of life. Cooking had always been my outlet—so I leaned into it.
But restaurant life? That didn’t appeal either. The long hours, low pay, and lack of boundaries didn’t feel like the future I wanted.
Then I found the concept of a personal chef. And it clicked.
I could cook for real families, in real homes, on a schedule that worked for me. I could build relationships with clients, be creative in the kitchen, and actually enjoy my life outside of work. That dream became a plan—and that plan became my full-time career.
This page is everything I wish I had when I started.
Personal chef vs. private chef: what’s the difference?
A personal chef works for multiple families, often cooking once a week in each home. Clients reheat meals on their own time, and chefs have flexibility, variety, and independence.
A private chef works for one household full-time, often providing multiple meals per day and managing other kitchen or household staff. It’s usually salaried—but also more rigid and high-pressure.
Why I chose personal chef life
I wanted autonomy. I didn’t want one client calling the shots. I wanted to choose who I worked with, have control over my schedule, and create a business that could evolve with me. Personal chef work has given me all of that—and more.
The 6 steps to starting a personal chef business from home
1. Decide: Employee or Business Owner?
You can either work for an existing company or start your own. This guide focuses on building your business from the ground up.
2. Know the Rules
Learn your state’s laws around food safety, preparation, licensing, and taxes. In many states (like mine), in-home cooking doesn’t require a catering license—major money saver!
3. Understand Your Market
Where do your ideal clients live, shop, and hang out? Study other chefs in your area (or the closest big city) to research pricing, services, and demand.
4. Make a Transition Plan
Don’t quit your job tomorrow. Ease into your new business with a plan. Think about part-time work, flexible hours, and how to legally form your business.
5. Practice in Real Kitchens
Test your systems at home and with friends. Cook full menus, track your time, label and store meals—so you’re confident when it counts.
6. Build Your Website Early
Not social media. Not a flyer. A real website. This is your #1 marketing tool and where your dream clients will find you when they search “personal chef near me.”
Getting clients, building trust, and marketing the right way
You don’t need to go viral to book clients. You need a strong foundation, smart strategy, and real human connection.
I’ll show you how to:
Get your first client through word-of-mouth and local visibility
Build a referral-friendly service that grows on its own
Print business cards that actually work
Use SEO and simple websites to get found online
Decide if/when social media plays a role (spoiler: it’s not step 1)
Real talk: Every chef’s journey is different, but these marketing tips are rooted in what’s worked for me (in 3 different cities).
Resources to start your personal chef business
Menu Planning + Recipe Help
Want a chef mentor who’s been there?
Personal Chef Mentorship & Coaching
Since 2016, I’ve grown my business from three clients to a fully booked roster with consistent income and freedom. I’ve done it all: started from scratch, rebuilt after moving, and found my groove.
If you want personalized support, guidance, and encouragement from someone who gets it—reach out. I offer small-group mentorship and free email tips to help you build a personal chef business that works for your life.
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