Most people who contact us have never hired a personal chef before. They want to know what actually happens, what it costs, and whether it fits their household. These are the questions we hear most, answered plainly.

The Travelling Cafe is a collective of personal chefs who have been cooking in homes across Chapel Hill and the Triangle since 2019.

How it works

How does the weekly service actually work?

A chef comes to your home on your service day. They shop beforehand, cook in your kitchen, package and label everything into your refrigerator, and leave the kitchen as clean as they found it. Your menu comes to you the Friday before, so nothing arrives that you haven’t seen.

Do you deliver?

As personal chefs we don’t operate a commercial kitchen, so we don’t offer delivery. We cook in your kitchen instead and leave your meals packaged, labeled and in your refrigerator, ready to reheat. The food has never been in transit.

Can you cook somewhere other than my home?

For the same reason, no. Your kitchen is where the cooking happens.

Do you cater?

We’re personal and private chefs, not normal caterers. If what you have in mind is a chef cooking on site at your home for your guests, that’s very much what we do.

Can meals be frozen?

Yes. Everything is packaged ready to reheat and labeled with the dish and the date. Anything you won’t eat within a few days freezes well.

What if I have allergies or follow a specific protocol?

That’s a large part of why our clients come to us. We cook for GLP-1, AIP, low-FODMAP, severe allergies, oncology, gluten-free, diabetic, paleo and keto households, and for college and professional athletes. We don’t bring anything with us into homes that are gluten-free or allergy households. Your chef cooks only with your own equipment and groceries bought new for you.

What areas do you serve?

Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Durham, Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Pittsboro, Hillsborough and Chatham County, North Carolina. We also cook for vacations in surrounding areas, at the same rates plus travel and accommodations when needed.

What it costs

What does weekly meal prep cost?

Weekly plans run from $625 to $1,500 a week, all in. That covers the chef’s time, shopping, cooking, packaging, cleanup and the groceries themselves. Nothing is billed separately, and every dietary need is the same price. Sales tax is added at checkout.

How much food is that?

From 3 dinners a week for the household to all breakfasts, lunches and dinners, depending on the plan.

Is there a sign-up fee?

There is a one-time enrollment fee equal to one week of your plan. It covers your onboarding and the time your chef spends learning your preferences and your kitchen, and it is non-refundable. Your first week is paid at enrollment, and each week after that is charged automatically to a card on file.

What do dinner parties and private classes cost?

Dinner parties and group and private classes are priced all in, with the groceries and service included and sales tax added on top. One-on-one lessons are the exception, with groceries billed separately. Every event is priced for your menu and your guests. See our Dinner Parties and Cooking Classes pages for current pricing.

The practical part

Can I change my menu?

Yes, up to 2 days before your service day.

What if I’m travelling?

Skip a week with 5 days’ notice. To hold your chef for longer, pause for $150 a week, for up to eight weeks.

What if I want to stop?

Two weeks’ notice, and that’s it.

What do I need to do before my chef arrives?

Clear your counters, and make sure the sink, dishwasher, oven and trash are empty and ready. Leave space in your refrigerator for the meals.

What about children and pets?

We love them both. For everyone’s safety, we ask that they stay out of the kitchen while your chef is cooking.

Ready to start?

Start with our food questionnaire, or call us at 919-444-2840.

With you at the table.