Terms of Service

Overview

Welcome to Chef.nyc, operated by Chef at Home Inc., 418 Broadway, Ste N, Albany, NY 12207, United States ("we", "us", "our"). These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the Chef.nyc platform, including our website, mobile applications, and all related services (collectively, the "Platform").

By creating an account, making a booking, or otherwise using the Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use the Platform.

Plain language summary: These are the rules for using Chef.nyc. By using our platform, you agree to follow them. We've tried to make them readable, but they are legally binding.

Chef.nyc operates as a marketplace that connects guests seeking private dining experiences with independent chefs who offer their services. We are not a restaurant, catering company, or employer of chefs. Chefs on the platform are independent service providers.

Eligibility & accounts

You must be at least 18 years old and capable of forming a binding legal agreement to use the Platform. By creating an account, you represent that the information you provide is accurate and complete.

You are responsible for maintaining the security of your account credentials. You agree to notify us immediately if you suspect unauthorized access. We are not liable for losses resulting from unauthorized use of your account.

The Platform supports two account types: Guest accounts (for booking chefs) and Chef accounts (for offering cooking services). You may hold both types of account. Chef accounts are subject to an application and approval process.

To keep the marketplace safe, chefs must complete an identity verification (a document and selfie check) through our verification provider before their profile can accept bookings.

How the platform works

Chef.nyc provides a marketplace for connecting guests and chefs. Our role is limited to facilitating the introduction, communication, booking, and payment between the two parties.

We do not employ chefs, control their menus, set their prices, or supervise their performance. The contractual relationship for the provision of cooking services exists directly between the guest and the chef.

Bookings & payments

A booking is confirmed when a guest accepts a chef's proposal and pays the amount due at booking under the chef's chosen payment option. Until that payment is made, no booking exists and neither party has an obligation to the other.

Each chef chooses one of four payment options, shown on every proposal before acceptance: the full event price at booking; half of the menu price plus the service fee at booking, with the remainder charged automatically to the guest's saved card 7 days before the event (authorized by the guest at checkout); half at booking with the remainder paid directly to the chef; or only the service fee at booking, with the full menu price paid directly to the chef. Amounts paid directly to the chef are settled between guest and chef, Chef.nyc does not collect or hold them. If the guest and chef agree changes afterwards, any difference collected by Chef.nyc is paid by the guest through checkout before the event.

Chef.nyc charges guests a service fee of 10% on top of the chef's menu price, shown clearly at checkout. Any applicable sales tax is also shown at checkout. Chefs pay no commission, the chef receives the full menu amount for every completed booking: amounts collected by Chef.nyc are paid out 3 days after the event provided the service was delivered as agreed, and any remainder is received directly from the guest under the chosen payment option.

The chef's price includes groceries. Additional needs such as rented equipment, plates, or cutlery are not part of the platform price and must be agreed ( including any additional fee ) directly between the guest and the chef.

Chef.nyc issues invoices (payment receipts) only for its service fee. For the cooking services themselves, the chef is solely responsible for issuing any invoice to the guest.

Cancellations & refunds

Guests may cancel a confirmed booking free of charge until 7 days before the event: everything collected by Chef.nyc is refunded in full, including the service fee. From 7 days before the event, bookings are non-refundable; if exceptional circumstances prevent an event from going ahead, guests should contact our support team, refunds under special circumstances are assessed case by case. Where an event is not delivered as agreed, the guest may be entitled to a partial or full refund.

If a chef cancels a confirmed booking, we will look for a similar replacement chef as soon as possible. If no replacement can be found in time, the guest receives a full refund of 100% of all amounts paid, including all service fees. Chefs who repeatedly cancel may have their accounts suspended.

Refunds are issued to the original payment method and may take 5–10 business days to appear, depending on your bank or card provider.

Chef obligations

Chefs are independent service providers and are solely responsible for the quality, safety, and legality of the services they provide. Chefs must hold any food safety certifications, licences, and insurance required by law in their jurisdiction.

Chefs agree to honour confirmed bookings, communicate clearly with guests, arrive on time, and provide the menu and service described in their accepted proposal. Chefs are responsible for declaring any allergens and accommodating dietary requirements agreed with the guest.

Chefs are responsible for reporting and paying their own taxes on earnings received through the Platform, and for issuing invoices to guests for their services where required.

All communication with guests must take place within the Platform. Chefs may not share or request contact details such as email addresses, phone numbers, messaging apps (for example WhatsApp), social media accounts or websites, nor attempt to move communication, bookings or payments outside the Platform. Messages containing such details are blocked, and doing so results in the permanent termination of the chef's account.

Guest conduct

Guests agree to provide a safe and suitable environment for the chef to work in, including reasonable access to a functional kitchen and the facilities described at the time of booking.

Guests must treat chefs with respect and refrain from any unlawful, discriminatory, or abusive behaviour. We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate this standard.

The same rule applies to guests: all communication with chefs must take place within the Platform. Guests may not share or request contact details such as email addresses, phone numbers, messaging apps (for example WhatsApp), social media accounts or websites, nor attempt to move communication, bookings or payments outside the Platform. Messages containing such details are blocked, and doing so results in the termination of the guest's account.

Content & reviews

You retain ownership of any content you submit to the Platform, including reviews, photos, and messages. By submitting content, you grant us a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free licence to use, reproduce, display, and distribute it ( including photos of your dishes, menus, and events ) to operate the Platform and to promote it, including in our marketing on social media (such as Instagram and TikTok) and in offline media such as newspaper and other print advertisements.

Reviews must reflect a genuine experience. We do not edit reviews, but we may remove content that is unlawful, fraudulent, or violates these Terms.

If you use the Platform as a chef, you additionally agree that we may use your name, chef title, and public profile information to feature and promote you and the Platform in that marketing, for example when highlighting your profile or menus on our social channels. If you prefer not to be featured, contact [email protected] and we will exclude you from future marketing materials.

Texts you publish on your profile may be automatically translated into the platform's other languages; you remain responsible for the original content.

Limitation of liability

The Platform is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis. To the maximum extent permitted by law, we disclaim all warranties, express or implied, regarding the Platform and the services provided by chefs.

Because we are a marketplace and not a party to the contract between guests and chefs, we are not liable for the acts or omissions of any chef or guest, including the quality of any meal, personal injury, or property damage. Nothing in these Terms limits liability that cannot be limited by law.

Changes & contact

We may update these Terms from time to time. When we make material changes, we will notify you by email or through the Platform before they take effect. Continued use of the Platform after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of New York, United States, without regard to conflict of law principles.

Questions about these Terms? Contact us at [email protected] or by mail at Chef at Home Inc., 418 Broadway, Ste N, Albany, NY 12207, United States.