What is Port Chef?

Port Chef is a food service application that connects local chefs with customers looking for personalized, home-cooked meals. As a chef, you have the opportunity to share your culinary talents with your community and earn extra income.

Do I need to have any cooking experience to sign up as a chef?

You do not need formal culinary training or professional kitchen experience to sign up as a chef on Port Chef. We welcome anyone who loves to cook and has a passion for preparing delicious meals. Whether you are a home cook or have informal cooking experience, your love for food and ability to create tasty dishes will help you succeed on our platform.

How do I sign up to be a chef?

To sign up as a chef, download the Port Chef app and follow the user registration process. Once your account has been set up, on the home page, click the Become a Chef “Request” button where you’ll first need to answer a few quick questions to join our waitlist. Once spots are available in our pilot cities, you’ll receive a notification to provide some basic information and submit a free background check. After your background check has been approved, you can start listing your services and accepting reservations.

How does the waitlist work?

When you sign up to become a chef, you’ll start by answering a few short questions to join the waitlist. This helps us get to know you and manage onboarding as we grow. We review submissions on a rolling basis, with a focus on opening spots in our pilot cities first. To ensure a great experience for customers, we also consider factors like cuisine diversity and local demand. Once a spot opens up, you’ll be notified to complete your background check to get started.

How does the background check work?

As part of the registration process, all chefs undergo a free background check to ensure the safety and trust of our customers. The background check includes verification of your identity and criminal history. This process is handled by a third-party service and typically takes a few days to complete. You will be notified once the background check is completed and you are approved to start accepting reservations.

What types of meals can I offer?

You can offer a wide variety of meals, from home-style dinners to gourmet cuisine. We encourage chefs to showcase their specialties and unique dishes that highlight their culinary skills. Ensure you adhere to local food safety regulations and dietary requirements specified by customers.

How do I set my prices?

As a chef, you have the flexibility to set your own prices based on the complexity of the dishes, ingredient costs, and preparation time. Consider your target market and ensure your pricing is competitive yet fair for the quality of food you provide.

How do I receive payments?

Payments are processed through the Port Chef app. Customers pay when they request a reservation and funds are transferred to your account after the reservation is completed. You can track your earnings with payouts occurring once a week.

How do I handle special dietary requests?

Customers may have special dietary needs or preferences, such as gluten-free, vegetarian, or nut-free options. Ensure to carefully review these requests when accepting reservations and communicate with the customer using the chat functionality if there are any questions or concerns. Always prioritize food safety and allergen awareness.

What do I need to bring to the reservation?

As a chef, you should bring all necessary ingredients and any specialized utensils required to prepare the meal. The customer will provide the basic cooking equipment, such as pots, pans, and serving ware. Before the reservation, communicate with the customer to confirm what equipment they have available and if there are any specific requirements. Additionally, bring any personal items, like your chef's knife, that you prefer to use. Ensure to also bring preferred cleaning supplies to leave the customer's kitchen in the same condition you found it.

What if I need to cancel a reservation?

If you need to cancel a reservation, notify the customer as soon as possible through the app and provide a reason for the cancellation. Frequent cancellations can affect your rating and visibility on the platform, so try to minimize cancellations whenever possible.

What if the customer cancels the reservation?

If a customer cancels a reservation, the cancellation policy outlined in the terms of service will apply. Generally, if the cancellation occurs within a specified time frame before the reservation, you may still receive a portion of the payment to compensate for any preparations you have already made. If the cancellation happens with sufficient notice, the customer may receive a full refund, and you may not receive any payment.
To minimize potential losses, it is recommended that you purchase ingredients no earlier than 48 hours before the reservation. This not only ensures the freshest ingredients but also helps avoid unnecessary expenses in case of last-minute cancellations. The specific details of the cancellation policy can be found in your chef dashboard under the "Settings" section. If you have any concerns about a cancellation, please contact Port Chef support for assistance.

How do I manage customer reviews and ratings?

After completing a reservation, customers can leave reviews and ratings based on their experience. High-quality meals and excellent service will help you maintain a positive rating. If you receive negative feedback, use it constructively to improve your services and communicate with the customer if necessary.

Can I leave a review for the customer?

Yes, after completing a reservation, you can leave a review and rating for the customer through the app. Providing feedback on your experience with the customer helps maintain a positive community and assists other chefs in making informed decisions on accepting reservation requests. Your review should reflect the customer's communication, punctuality, and overall experience.

What support is available for chefs?

Port Chef offers comprehensive support to help you succeed. You can access resources on food safety and customer service through the app. Additionally, our support team is available to assist with any technical issues or questions you may have.

How can I promote my services?

You can promote your services by sharing your Port Chef profile on social media, participating in local food events, and encouraging satisfied customers to leave positive reviews. High ratings and positive feedback will help increase your visibility on the app.

What happens if there’s an issue with a reservation?

If there’s an issue with a reservation, such as a customer complaint, contact our support team immediately through the app. We will assist in resolving the issue to ensure a satisfactory outcome for both you and the customer.

How can I update my menu or profile?

You can update your menu, profile information, and availability at any time through the Port Chef app. Keep your menu fresh and appealing by regularly adding new dishes and seasonal specials.

Are there any fees for using Port Chef?

Port Chef charges a small service fee to customers on each reservation to cover platform maintenance and support services. This fee does not come out of the chef's earnings. Chefs receive the full amount they set for their meals, ensuring transparency and fairness in earnings. The exact fee percentage charged to customers is detailed in the terms of service.

How can I contact Port Chef support?

You can contact Port Chef support through the app's help section or by emailing support@portchef.com. Our team is ready to assist you with any questions or concerns.

We’re excited to have you join the Port Chef community and share your culinary creations with your local area. Happy cooking!