Dinner Elf: In-home chefs for the same cost as takeout

COOK WITH JOY, NOT STRESS

When you choose Dinner Elf to cook, you take a simple but intentional step to enjoy your career. You'll transform your customers' kitchens into a magical in-home meal experience, whipping up their favorite dishes plus kid-friendly backup options for busy evenings. Parents choose from our big menu of nutrient-rich, delicious meals personalized to their family’s needs.

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WHY CHOOSE DINNER ELF?

We bring you customers, help you make good money, and allow you to focus on what you love most: cooking. With whiz-bang technology, wonderful support, and lots of experience (we started in 2014), you won't have to worry about a website, online scheduling, menu options, reminders, grocery lists, recipes, payments, sales tax, refunds, review requests, gift cards, insurance, food photography, and so much more. You just whip up home-cooked love. Not convinced? Read hundreds of 5-star reviews or watch videos from some of our chefs.

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"Dinner Elf has brought me a lot of freedom. I don't like the 9-5 office job or doing the same thing every day. I get to choose when I want to work. The homes change on a daily basis. I love that aspect of it."
- HOLLY

"It's a lot less stressful and the hours a lot more agreeable. It's interesting to meet new people, see different homes and get to know the families. Dinner Elf has also helped me learn more about the city."
- DARIN

PART-TIME, MONDAY TO WEDNESDAY

Work Monday to Wednesday with up to three appointments per day. Customers love appointments early in the week, as this gets them yummy dinners during their work nights. Chefs love this schedule, as Mon-Wed income can compliment another job later in the week (e.g., catering or restaurant work). If you're a big-hearted chef, you'll enjoy getting to really know your small, consistent customer base. You'll often cook for families after a baby, illness, injury (see baby Harper's meal page). If food is your love language, you'll love our platform!

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COMMON QUESTIONS

So... How much do I make?
You’re paid by appointment (not hourly) of $102 ($75 shift pay + $27 standard tip) Your tip may vary. Most chefs make $25-$30/hour depending on their appointment speed (3-4 hours).

What is a typical appointment?
The night prior to an appointment, you'll get a shopping list and recipes. You'll shop en route to your appointment (about 30 minutes), cook six recipes in your customer’s kitchen (about 3 hours), and clean up.

Is this part-time or full-time?
This is a 1099 (contractor) part-time position on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays only. You set your schedule and geography. Many chefs use Dinner Elf to compliment another job later in the week (e.g., catering or restaurant work). You can cook 1-3 appointments per day, but we require you set a minimum of six available spots per week.

Who gets the customers?
We do! You focus on cooking and we'll bring you the customers.

Do I need to be a professional cook to apply?
Yes, to join you'll need a culinary degree and/or professional cooking experience.

What chefs are a good fit for this?
Our best applicants align to our four core values: communication, ownership, detail-oriented, and empathy. Many talented chefs join who want to transition from professional kitchen work to an in-home cooking practice. If you already have an established personal chef business, then Dinner Elf may not be the right fit.

Can I cook from my own recipes?
To keep our prices affordable and standardized for easy online booking, you'll need to cook from our large and growing menu. We develop new recipes several times each year, and welcome suggestions from our chef team.

Can I cook in my home and deliver?
No, due to food safety regulations, all meals must be prepared in your customer's kitchen.

What is your COVID policy?
See our safety protocols for chefs and customers.

What tools do I bring to the home?
You'll bring small tools (e.g., knives) and your customers provide large items like pots and pans.

How do groceries work?
You'll shop at a local store en route to their home. You may be asked to shop at a premium store like Whole Foods. You're reimbursed at the end of your appointment.