Viva Chefs - Book trusted Personal Chef near you
Private chef cooking in San Francisco

Join Viva Chefs in San Francisco

We're looking for talented, passionate chefs to join our growing network. Cook in private homes, set your own schedule, and earn great pay doing what you love.

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See What It's Like

Get a glimpse of what it means to cook with Viva Chefs.

What You'll Do

As a Viva Chefs private chef, you'll cook fresh, personalized meals in clients' homes on a recurring basis. Our clients include busy families, new parents, seniors, and couples who value great food and convenience.

Responsibilities

  • Travel to clients' homes to prepare fresh, personalized meals
  • Plan weekly menus based on each client's dietary needs and preferences
  • Shop for fresh, high quality ingredients before each session
  • Cook, portion, label, and store meals for easy reheating
  • Clean the kitchen thoroughly after every cooking session
  • Communicate with clients to refine menus and incorporate feedback
  • Accommodate a wide range of diets including low sodium, diabetic friendly, gluten free, keto, vegan, and more

Requirements

  • Minimum 5 years of experience in a scratch restaurant kitchen
  • Strong knowledge of nutrition and dietary accommodations
  • Reliable transportation to travel to client homes
  • Food handler's certification (or willingness to obtain one)
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Comfortable working independently in private home kitchens
  • Consistent availability for recurring weekly appointments

Nice to Have

  • Experience as a private or personal chef
  • ServSafe or equivalent food safety certification
  • Familiarity with postpartum, senior, or medical diets
  • Multilingual abilities
  • Experience with meal prep and batch cooking

Why Chefs Love Working With Us

Viva Chefs gives you the freedom, flexibility, and support to build a rewarding career as a private chef.

Set Your Own Schedule

Choose which days and times you work. Pick up as many or as few clients as you like.

Competitive Pay

Earn great rates for every session. No tips required, though clients often tip generously.

Cook What You Love

Bring your culinary creativity to every home. Our clients value chefs who bring personality and passion to the table.

Diverse Client Bookings

Cook for a mix of one time events and recurring clients. Every booking is a chance to showcase your skills and grow your reputation.

Support and Community

Join a network of professional private chefs. Get support from our team with scheduling, client communication, and growth.

Apply to Join Viva Chefs

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about joining Viva Chefs as a private chef

Application Process

How do I apply to become a Viva Chefs private chef?
Simply fill out the application form on this page. Our team will review your experience and reach out within a few business days to discuss next steps.
What qualifications do I need?
We look for professional culinary experience, whether from restaurants, catering, culinary school, or private chef work. A food handler's certification is required, and experience with dietary accommodations is a strong plus.
Is there an interview process?
Yes. After reviewing your application, we schedule a brief phone or video interview to learn more about your background, cooking style, and availability. In some cases, we may request a short cooking demo.
How long does the hiring process take?
Most applicants hear back within 3 to 5 business days. The full process, from application to your first client match, typically takes 1 to 2 weeks.

Pay and Scheduling

How much do Viva Chefs private chefs earn?
Pay varies based on your location, experience, and the number of sessions you take on. Our chefs earn competitive rates per session, and many build a full time income through recurring weekly clients.
Can I set my own schedule?
Yes. You choose which days and times you are available. We match you with clients whose schedules align with yours. You can take on as many or as few clients as you like.
Are the clients recurring or one time?
Most of our clients book weekly recurring sessions. This means steady, predictable income and the chance to build real relationships with the people you cook for.
Do I handle my own taxes?
Viva Chefs private chefs work as independent contractors. You are responsible for managing your own taxes. We provide documentation to make this straightforward.

On the Job

What types of clients will I cook for?
Our clients include busy professionals, families, new parents, seniors, and couples. You may cook weekly meal prep, postpartum recovery meals, dinners for two, or specialized meals for dietary needs.
Do I need to bring my own equipment?
No. You cook in the client's home kitchen using their equipment. If a recipe calls for something specific, you coordinate with the client in advance.
Who handles grocery shopping?
It depends on the client. Some clients handle their own grocery shopping, while others prefer the chef to pick up groceries. Each booking clearly indicates the client's preference in their profile. If the booking includes grocery pickup, you get paid extra for it.
What if a client is not a good fit?
It happens. If a client match is not working out, let our team know and we will reassign you. We want every experience to be positive for both chefs and clients.

Getting Started

Do I need a car?
Reliable transportation is required since you will be traveling to clients' homes. In most cities, a car is the most practical option.
Can I work in multiple cities?
Yes. If you are willing to travel to multiple areas, we can match you with clients across different neighborhoods or nearby cities.
Is a background check required?
Yes. All chefs are required to pass a background check before being matched with clients. Since you will be working in private homes, this is an important step to ensure the safety and trust of everyone involved. We handle the process and cover the cost.
I am a culinary student. Can I apply?
We are typically looking for 5 years hands on experience, but we do make exceptions. Apply and we will follow up!