FAQs

What is Tivity?

Tivity is a platform for professional Chefs to earn income and use their skills to cook for people who want to hire a private Chef for a meal-event. Think of it like booking a private Chef just like you book a vacation rental or ride-share. You specify the details, request, book, and the Chef comes to you.

Who are the Chefs?

Tivity offers seamless access to a hand-selected network of experienced Chefs in your city. The Chefs have an eclectic and diverse culinary background and menu offering. All of the Chefs undergo an extensive work experience, criminal background, and screening process prior to joining Tivity.

How do you Book a Chef?

Once you have a date for your meal-event, click Book A Chef and send us an inquiry. From there we will pair you with the best Chef(s) for your request. Once you decide on the Chef, you will collaborate with them on your menu based on the information and requests you provide. Chefs can either provide a fully customized menu or a pop-up menu for your meal-event.

Menu: Customized versus Pop-up?

The Chefs offer two types of experiences as it relates to the menu. Chefs can fully customize any experience and menu to your exact specifications depending on number of guests and style of service. Since our Chefs have such a diverse background, Chefs can meet most menu requests. (Actual food components are always subject to seasonality and availability. Never be afraid to ask! ).

Pop-up menus are like restaurant menus and can be booked based on the pricing set by the Chef. Generally these menus require less customization and allow the Chef to highlight a certain culinary experience or style of service. This a great option for larger groups and based on the format, offer a cost savings to the host. Don’t worry these menus can be customized as well!

How much does it cost?

Every Chef, menu, and event is different, therefore the final price of a meal-event will vary. The Pop-up menus allow the best understanding of a meal-event cost depending on your number of guests. The meal-type, style of service, and number of courses are a key function of the cost. Depending on the level of service needed and customization of the menu, the price will start at Pop-up menu pricing and increase from there based on these factors.

What is the deal with Meal Style and Service Style?

Meals can be served and enjoyed in many different ways. Some meal-events every guest gets their own plate, served to them while they are sitting at the table. Some events, the guests serve themselves from the counter and less table service is required. The Meal Style and Service Style really depends on the host and how they want the meal-event to go down. Generally speaking the price is less when less service at the table is required, however depending on the complexity of the menu and food being served, this is not always true. It really depends on how you want your event to feel for your guests. The Chefs are experienced in all levels, therefore will finalize which ever one you choose.

How does payment work?

You pay 50% up front to book the Chef for the date of your event; you pay the remaining 50% on the day of the event. You can cancel up to 7 days prior to the event with no penalty. Cancellation within 48 hours of the event will receive no refund and prior to 48 hours will receive 50% of your initial deposit.

How does Gratuity work?

One last thing people ask is about how to handle Gratuity. Just a note on gratuity, we assume all gratuity amounts in our all-in pricing. The purpose is that our partners are paid fairly to their own expectations and there is no missing value that you need to cover. Therefore Gratuity is not an expectation they will have going into it. However some clients still like to tip and that is totally fine with us if you do! If you do want to pass along a tip or additional gratuity, you can do that directly with them before they leave. Again, gratuity is not expected but if you want to tip, you are welcome to do it! The idea is that you don't have to worry about anything during your party and to just have fun!

Do I need to rent cutlery / plates / items for my meal?

No, but only if you don’t need these things. Otherwise, the Chef can handle this for you as part of the final agreement. Having all the correct service and tablewares is something the Chefs manage all the time and part of the Tivity process. If there is something you need that you don’t have, you will have a chance to request it. Remember, don’t be afraid to ask.