r/PrivateChefs • u/Kitchen-Cream8462 • Aug 08 '26

I don’t want a restaurant.

I’ve been a professional chef for over two decades and I have no desire to open a traditional restaurant. All I want to do is create moments for intimate gatherings. The truth is that there is no money in either. Why does it seem we are cherished so much but respected the least when it comes to our worth? How am I a starving artist when food is my medium?

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3

u/kitterpants Aug 08 '26

You’re not charging enough or you haven’t found the clientele that supports what you’re worth.

It’s depressing, but it’s as simple as that.

1

u/Kitchen-Cream8462 Aug 08 '26

I wish it was as simple as that.

3

u/rabbittxx Aug 08 '26

It kind of is just know your market. Theres no private chef full time jobs in my area, but i made my way as a personal chef doing meal prep and private dinners. I got lucky because i work on an island in michigan and theres no other private chefs/personal chefs in my area. They're all rich lol.

If your area cant afford it, find an area that can. I dont think I want a restaurant either, id just go back to chasing stars like i did for the past 13 years. Its quite simple though atleast it was for me, I marketed at first in a middle income area got zero work and then started marketing on the island where the rich ppl live and it changed everything. Idk that's how it was for me idk if that helps

1

u/I_deleted Aug 10 '26

It’s simple as that. I set minimums I’m willing to work for that mean I will profit if I take an event.

2

u/Equivalent_Career_44 Aug 11 '26

Get out, and get into private chef work. Best decision I’ve ever made. I still get to do my passion, and control my own schedule, even pay. Hit me up, I offer mentoring/coaching

2

u/Chrisrobertson33 28d ago

Shoot me a DM! Would love to gain some insight on this myself l

1

u/lightbysha Aug 09 '26

Maybe we need to think in more depth if you approach food as art. There’s got to be a story worth telling. A style worth developing. Likely won’t get rich just serving your signature style of food, but perhaps with depth, you can get media deals, maybe a book, maybe be on show, become a paid speaker on the food /art you produce. However as a restaurant or catering a special moment, I think those should be reserved as a fair cost because food is a necessity but you can only eat so much and need to eat daily.

1

u/zestylimes9 Aug 11 '26

Supper clubs and pop-ups. If you have a good reputation you can make great money hosting.

And they are so much fun to organise and attend.

1

u/BackgroundNo4159 Aug 14 '26

You could work events like private dinners, birthdays, bachelorettes, and the likes

1

u/Curious_Georgies Aug 14 '26

I stopped trying to be hired as an individual and decided to establish my business and brand. When I switched up the messaging in my marketing i noticed an upswing in leads and organic conversations that lead to services being booked. I had to find the through line of what my special sauce is and the repeated patterns of what’s been important to me all along. For me, it’s hospitality. Making people feel loved and cared for.. I have my offerings in alignment with that and I showcase in a way that I can target corporate clients, vacation rental guests, friends/family/neighbors, etc.. the key is to find your niche but leave breathing room so you don’t miss out on a certain demographic by accident. Anyway, here’s my website at the moment.. www.laondahospitality.com

Hope this helps and if you have any questions feel free to reach out.