National Personal Chef Day

National Personal Chef Day is most commonly celebrated on July 16, though it is also observed on February 26. The observance was established in the early 2000s by the United States Personal Chef Association (USPCA) to recognize the industry’s rapid growth.

🧑‍🍳 A related observance, International Chefs Day on October 20, highlights the vital role chefs play in shaping how communities eat and think about food.

What Is a Personal Chef?

A personal chef is a culinary professional who prepares customized meals for several clients, usually working in the clients’ own kitchens. They design menus based on individual dietary needs, food preferences, and schedules. Meals are often prepared in advance so they can be reheated and enjoyed throughout the week. Personal chefs typically manage menu planning, grocery shopping, cooking, and cleanup, and may also cater small private events.

This differs from a private chef, who works exclusively for one household, often on a full-time basis and sometimes living on-site.

Who Hires Personal Chefs?

Personal chefs work with a wide range of clients—busy families, professionals with limited time, people managing dietary restrictions, and those who simply enjoy gourmet meals without the hassle of cooking. Some chefs have even built a following for their work with athletes and celebrities. For example:

Chef Jess (Jessica Swift) is known for fueling professional athletes with healthy meals.
Chef Ryan Rondeno has cooked for A-list clients and major events.
Chef Ann Butler is popular among families who want wholesome, home-style meals during the week.

Personal chefs also help elevate dinner parties by curating meals that suit both the occasion and the guests.

The Rise of the Personal Chef Industry

The personal chef profession has grown steadily over the past few decades, shaped by modern lifestyles, health trends, and the desire for convenience. Here’s a closer look at how this field has evolved:

The industry began gaining traction in the late 1990s and early 2000s, as more people looked for healthier, home-cooked meals without the time commitment.

Many personal chefs are former restaurant professionals who shifted to independent work to gain flexibility and build closer relationships with clients.

Unlike meal prep services or delivery kits, personal chefs offer fully customized, from-scratch cooking tailored to each household’s tastes and dietary needs.

Some chefs focus on specialty diets, like keto, vegan, paleo, or allergen-free menus, making them an essential resource for health-conscious clients.

Personal chefs typically work as small business owners, handling every part of their service—from meal planning and cooking to marketing and scheduling.

The cost of hiring a personal chef varies, but often ranges from $35 to $50 per hour or $300–$500 per day depending on the region and complexity of the menu.