Private Chef Agreement Template: Services, Fees and Terms

Private Chef Agreement Template

This Private Chef Agreement is made on [Date] by and between:

Client: [Full Name]
Address: [Address]

Chef: [Full Name / Business Name]
Address: [Address]

1. Services

The Client engages the Chef to provide the following services:

[meal preparation]
[menu planning]
[grocery shopping]
[in-home cooking]
[meal packaging or storage]
[special event cooking]
[other agreed services]

The Chef will provide only the services described in this Agreement unless the parties agree otherwise in writing.

2. Service Location

The Chef will perform services at the following location:

[Client Home / Event Location / Other Address]

If services will be provided at more than one location, list the approved service locations here:

[Insert locations]

3. Schedule

Services will be provided on the following schedule:

[Days of week]
[Times]
[Frequency of service]

Additional scheduling terms, if any:

[Insert details]

Any schedule changes should be communicated in advance as reasonably possible.

4. Menu Planning and Dietary Needs

The Chef will prepare meals based on:

☐ client-selected menu
☐ chef-proposed menu with client approval
☐ rotating meal plan
☐ event-specific menu
☐ other: [Describe]

Dietary preferences, allergies, restrictions, or special instructions:

[Insert details]

The Client agrees to provide accurate information regarding allergies, dietary restrictions, and ingredient limitations.

5. Groceries and Ingredients

Groceries, ingredients, and food supplies shall be handled as follows:

☐ the Client will provide all groceries
☐ the Chef will purchase groceries and be reimbursed
☐ grocery costs are included in the service fee
☐ other: [Describe]

If reimbursement applies, the Chef shall provide receipts or a reasonable itemized summary upon request.

6. Kitchen and Equipment

The Client agrees to provide reasonable access to a safe and functional kitchen or work area, including ordinary cooking equipment unless otherwise agreed.

Available equipment or limitations:

[Insert details]

If the Chef will bring any personal equipment, utensils, or specialty tools, list them here:

[Insert details]

7. Fees and Payment

The Client shall pay the Chef as follows:

☐ hourly rate of [$Amount] per hour
☐ per-service fee of [$Amount]
☐ weekly fee of [$Amount]
☐ monthly fee of [$Amount]
☐ event fee of [$Amount]
☐ other fee structure: [Describe]

Payment is due:

☐ on the date of service
☐ within [Number] days after invoice
☐ weekly
☐ monthly
☐ other: [Describe]

8. Additional Costs

The following additional charges may apply, if applicable:

[travel costs]
[parking fees]
[special ingredients]
[equipment rental]
[extra service hours]
[holiday or rush service fee]
[other costs]

Additional cost terms:

[Insert details]

9. Cancellations and Rescheduling

If the Client needs to cancel or reschedule a service, notice should be given at least [Number] hours or days in advance.

Cancellation terms shall be as follows:

☐ no fee if timely notice is given
☐ partial fee of [$Amount or %] for late cancellation
☐ full fee for same-day cancellation
☐ other: [Describe]

If the Chef must cancel, the Chef will notify the Client as soon as reasonably possible and any refund, credit, or rescheduling will be handled as follows:

[Insert terms]

10. Food Safety and Client Responsibility

The Chef agrees to use reasonable care in food handling, preparation, and storage during the services provided.

The Client is responsible for:

[providing accurate dietary information]
[maintaining the kitchen in a reasonably usable condition]
[following storage or reheating instructions after service]
[other responsibilities]

11. Independent Contractor Status

The Chef is acting as an independent contractor and not as an employee of the Client unless otherwise stated in writing.

The Chef is responsible for the Chef’s own taxes, business expenses, licenses, permits, and insurance unless this Agreement states otherwise.

12. Liability and Limitations

Each party is responsible for its own acts and omissions under this Agreement.

The Chef is not responsible for issues arising from inaccurate allergy information, unsafe kitchen conditions not caused by the Chef, or food handling after the meals leave the Chef’s control, except to the extent required by law.

13. Term and Termination

This Agreement begins on [Start Date] and will continue until [End Date], unless ended earlier under this Agreement.

Either party may terminate this Agreement:

☐ on [Number] days’ written notice
☐ immediately for material breach
☐ after completion of a one-time service
☐ under the following additional terms: [Describe]

If this Agreement ends early, payment for services already performed and approved expenses already incurred shall remain due unless otherwise agreed in writing.

14. Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the state of [State].

15. Entire Agreement

This Agreement contains the full understanding between the parties regarding the private chef services described above and replaces prior discussions on the same subject unless otherwise stated in writing.

16. Signatures

Client Signature: __________________________
Name: [Full Name]
Date: [Date]

Chef Signature: __________________________
Name: [Full Name / Business Name]
Date: [Date]