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Welcome to TheKitchenTable!

Chef Guide for TheKitchenTable

We are excited to have you on board. These detailed guidelines will help you deliver excellent services and ensure that every client has a wonderful experience. Please take the time to review everything carefully.

1. Service & Cleanliness

At the end of every service, you must clean the kitchen and any pots, pans, or utensils you used. The client is responsible for cleaning plates and handling leftovers. If there are leftovers, educate the client on how to store and reheat them properly so the dish retains its quality.

2. Using Client's Kitchen Equipment

You are allowed to use the client's kitchen tools like pots, pans, and basic ingredients (e.g., oil, salt, pepper). However, you must ask for permission before using any of their items. Please do not assume that the client will have everything you need for the meal. Always bring your own specialized tools or ingredients. Over time, we will start gathering more data about clients' kitchens. This will help you better prepare for each service, knowing what tools or ingredients the client is likely to have.

3. Ingredient Preparation

We recommend bringing extra ingredients with you in case something goes wrong during the cooking process. To save time, you are welcome to prepare up to 50% of the meal at home and finish cooking at the client's home. If you prefer to cook the entire meal in front of the client, you are free to do so.

4. Menu & Special Client Requests

Your profile features an a la carte menu to showcase what you offer, including your pricing and the cost of ingredients. If a client has specific requests outside of your menu, they can reach out to us through a special profile. We will then work together with the client and chef to create a custom meal plan that meets their needs.

5. Client Interaction

Building rapport with clients is important. Keep the conversation friendly and professional. Ask questions such as: “What's your favorite dish?” “Have you tried something like this before?” Share your love of cooking, and explain the process as you go along. This helps clients appreciate the craft behind their meal. Make sure to educate clients on how to store and reheat any leftovers so they can enjoy them later.

6. Travel & Transportation Costs

You will be reimbursed $0.25 per mile for round-trip travel between your home and the client's location. Ensure you calculate your mileage carefully to ensure accurate reimbursement.

7. Payment Process

For now, payments are handled through Venmo, Zelle, or CashApp, but we are working to integrate Stripe into our platform soon. Each chef will receive a unique URL to create their Stripe account, making tracking payments simple and secure. We no longer require a 25% down payment. Instead, full payment (including tips) will be transferred to you within 24 hours after the service is complete. If you experience any issues with payments, please contact us directly, and we will work with you individually to resolve the situation.

8. Bringing Ingredients

Whenever you bring ingredients to a client's home, make sure to bring extra supplies in case of emergencies. In the future, we will introduce a checklist feature in the app to make ingredient tracking easier. This will allow you to check off items you already have, simplifying preparation for each service.

9. Meal Plans, Special Diets, & Budget Planning

In addition to a la carte services, some clients may request meal plans, special diets, or budget-friendly options. These services are unique and will require close collaboration between you, the client, and our platform. The client's budget will be provided to you, and you will need to create a menu that fits within that budget. We will work together to ensure the client gets the best value while maintaining high-quality food.

10. Future Features & Platform Updates

We are working on several new features to improve your experience, including: In-app notifications so you are always up-to-date with client requests. Chat functionality within the app, so you can communicate directly with clients without needing to go through us. Ingredient checklists to help you keep track of items needed for each service. The ability to add or remove menu items easily from your profile.

Thank you for working with TheKitchenTable! We are committed to helping you succeed as a chef while providing the best possible experience for our clients. Let's work together to create memorable meals and bring the joy of food to every home!

User Guide for TheKitchenTable

Welcome to TheKitchenTable! We're thrilled you've chosen to enjoy a meal prepared by a talented chef in the comfort of your own home. To make the experience smooth and enjoyable for both you and the chef, please take a moment to review this guide.

1. Service Expectations

Your chef will clean up the kitchen and any pots or pans they use. They will leave your kitchen as they found it. You are responsible for cleaning plates and storing any leftovers. If there are leftovers, the chef will provide instructions on how to store and reheat the food properly to maintain its quality.

2. Using Your Kitchen

Your chef may use your pots, pans, and basic ingredients (like oil, salt, and spices). Please let them know where these items are, and feel free to inform them if there are any restrictions on which items they should or shouldn't use.

Please understand that chefs may bring their own equipment and ingredients, but they may need some assistance in locating things in your kitchen.

3. Menu Options

Each chef's profile features an a la carte menu that showcases their available dishes. The prices listed on the menu include the cost of ingredients. If you have any special requests or need something outside of the menu, reach out to us via a special profile on our platform, and we'll work with the chef to accommodate your preferences.

4. Client-Chef Interaction

Feel free to engage with your chef! Ask questions, learn about the dishes they're preparing, and get to know their cooking style. If you're curious about the chef's culinary background or the inspiration behind the meal, don't hesitate to ask. This is a great way to enhance your experience.

5. Ingredient Supply

Chefs will bring their own ingredients. However, if there's something specific you want to provide, feel free to coordinate this ahead of time. If you have dietary restrictions or specific preferences, let us know in advance so we can ensure the chef accommodates these needs.

6. Travel & Fees

There is a small travel fee added to your service, calculated at $0.25 per mile for round trips between the chef's home and your location. This fee helps cover the chef's travel expenses.

7. Payment Process

Payments are processed securely through Venmo, Zelle, or CashApp. Soon, we'll integrate Stripe to streamline this process, and each chef will have a unique payment link. The full payment, including tips, will be charged after the service and transferred to the chef within 24 hours. If you have any issues or concerns with the payment process, please contact us, and we'll assist you promptly.

8. Special Services

We offer additional services like meal plans, special diet accommodations, and budget planning. If you're interested in these options, please let us know, and we'll work with you and the chef to create a tailored experience.

9. Leftovers & Storage Tips

Your chef will be happy to share tips on the best ways to store and reheat any leftovers so that you can enjoy the meal later without losing its quality.

10. Future Features

We're working on exciting updates, including the ability to chat directly with chefs through our app, receive notifications, and checklists for ingredients or special requests.

11. Tips

100% of your tip will go towards your chef. Tips are optional but highly encouraged.

Our Commitment to You

We want every service to be a seamless and enjoyable experience. If anything goes wrong or you're not satisfied with the service, please let us know, and we'll address it promptly.

TheKitchenTable is committed to creating memorable, stress-free meals for you and your guests. Thank you for choosing TheKitchenTable! Enjoy your culinary experience, and let us know how we can make it even better next time.