When you run a personal chef business, getting paid isn’t always as simple as it should be. From payment disputes to canceled checks and questionable Venmo transactions, every chef has a horror story.

In this episode, I sit down with Chef Matt Collins to talk about the best payment methods, when to require deposits, and how to protect yourself from payment issues. If you take money for your services—whether as a personal chef, caterer, or food entrepreneur—this is a must-listen!

We share real-life payment horror stories, break down the pros and cons of different payment methods, and discuss strategies to avoid late or missing payments.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ The best payment methods for personal chefs (and which ones to avoid)
✅ Why deposits are crucial & how much to require upfront
✅ The hidden risks of Venmo, Zelle, and PayPal transactions
✅ How to handle clients who want to split payments between multiple people
✅ Real horror stories of chefs who got scammed or didn’t get paid
✅ How to protect yourself from last-minute cancellations & chargebacks
✅ Tips for handling cash payments and avoiding tax issues

MATT COLLINS

Matt Collins on Instagram
Chef Collins Events - Private Dinners

PERSONAL CHEF BUSINESS STARTUP GUIDE
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Chris Spear's personal chef business Perfect Little Bites

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Are you thinking about starting a personal chef business or looking for ways to make yours more successful? After 11 years of experience as a personal chef and building the Chefs Without Restaurants community, I’ve learned what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to running a profitable, sustainable business.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the do’s and don’ts of being a successful personal chef, based on a recent interview I did for the meez blog. Whether you’re just starting or already working as a personal chef, these tips will help you avoid common mistakes, attract more clients, and streamline your operations.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ The #1 thing new personal chefs should do before taking paid clients
✅ Why cooking in someone’s home is completely different from a restaurant kitchen
✅ The importance of focusing on the entire dining experience—not just the food
✅ How to ask for and leverage client reviews to grow your business
✅ Why building a strong chef network is one of the best things you can do
✅ How vacation rentals (like Airbnb and VRBO) can help you book more clients
✅ A game-changing tool for organizing your recipes and menus digitally

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

📖 Read my interview on the meez blog: How to Be a Successful Personal Chef
🎙️ Listen to my interview with meez founder Josh Sharkey
🎧 Grow Your Personal Chef Business with Airbnb
🛠️ Try meez for better recipe organization

PERSONAL CHEF BUSINESS STARTUP GUIDE
Follow us on Instagram, Threads, TikTok and YouTube
Reach out at chefstartup@gmail.com
... More Coming soon

CHEFS WITHOUT RESTAURANTS
Check out our other podcast and community.

If you enjoy the show and would like to support it financially, please check out our Sponsorship page (we get a commission when you use our links).
Get the Chefs Without Restaurants Newsletter
Chefs Without Restaurants Instagram, Threads, TikTok and YouTube
The Chefs Without Restaurants Private Facebook Group
Chris Spear's personal chef business Perfect Little Bites

Want the INSIDE SCOOP on building and growing a food business? Subscribe to our newsletter.

Welcome to the very first episode of Personal Chef Business Startup Guide. If you’re a chef looking to start or grow your personal chef business, you’re in the right place.

I’m Chris Spear, a personal chef with over a decade of experience and the founder of Chefs Without Restaurants. After talking to hundreds of chefs, I’ve realized that many struggle with the business side of things—pricing, marketing, and finding clients. That’s exactly what this podcast is here to help with.

In this episode, I’ll share:
✅ What this podcast is all about
✅ Who it’s for (aspiring and established personal chefs)
✅ A sneak peek at upcoming episodes
✅ How you can connect with me and our community

📌 Upcoming Topics – A preview of episodes covering:

• How to get your first clients
• Pricing your services the right way
• Growing your business by partnering with vacation rental hosts
• The biggest mistakes personal chefs make (and how to avoid them)
• 
  

PERSONAL CHEF BUSINESS STARTUP GUIDE
Follow us on Instagram, Threads, TikTok and YouTube
Reach out at chefstartup@gmail.com
... More Coming soon

CHEFS WITHOUT RESTAURANTS
Check out our other podcast and community.

If you enjoy the show and would like to support it financially, please check out our Sponsorship page (we get a commission when you use our links).
Get the Chefs Without Restaurants Newsletter
Chefs Without Restaurants Instagram, Threads, TikTok and YouTube
The Chefs Without Restaurants Private Facebook Group
Chris Spear's personal chef business Perfect Little Bites