Terms of Service

Last updated September 29, 2026

These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern the booking and use of personal chef services provided by Metta Personal Chef, LLC (“Metta Personal Chef,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), as well as use of this website. By submitting an inquiry, booking a service, buying a gift card, or using this website, you agree to these Terms.

1Services

Metta Personal Chef provides in-home private dining, event cooking, and, when open to new clients, weekly meal preparation across Greater Boston, MetroWest, and Worcester County, and for select events elsewhere in New England. Menus, pricing, and service details are customized for each client and confirmed in writing, including by email, before the event.

2Booking and deposit

A booking is confirmed once a quote or invoice is accepted and the deposit is received. The deposit is $200 for every booking and is applied toward your total. Dates are not held without a deposit unless we agree otherwise in writing.

3Cancellations and rescheduling

Cancel at least 7 days before the event and the deposit is refunded in full. Inside 7 days the deposit is not refunded, but it carries over to a new date within six months of the original, subject to availability. If you cancel within 48 hours of the event, groceries already purchased for your menu are billed at cost. If we must cancel or reschedule because of illness, severe weather, or other circumstances beyond our control, the deposit is refunded or applied to a new date, your choice.

4Pricing and payment

Service is priced per person as listed on the Services page, with a $650 minimum. Holiday dates (Thanksgiving through New Year’s, and Valentine’s Day) are priced 25% above regular service rates, stated on the quote. Invoices are sent through Square and paid by bank transfer or card. The balance is due the day after the event, adjusted to the actual grocery receipts, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

5Ingredients

Ingredients are billed separately from the service fee, at actual cost, with no markup. The quote includes an ingredient estimate based on the agreed menu; the final invoice reflects the grocery receipts. Substantial menu changes after shopping may change the ingredient total.

6Gratuity

Gratuity is never included and never expected. If you were happy, a Google review or a referral means as much.

7Gift cards

Gift cards are sold through Square, delivered by email, and never expire. They are redeemable toward any Metta Personal Chef service, are not redeemable for cash except where required by law, and are treated like cash: we cannot replace a lost or stolen card code. Any unused balance stays on the card.

8Allergies and dietary needs

You are responsible for telling us every known food allergy, intolerance, and dietary restriction for every guest before the event. We take real care with them, and we ask whether a gluten-free guest is celiac or intolerant so we can plan accordingly. Because we cook in home kitchens, we cannot guarantee a kitchen free of cross-contact, and Metta Personal Chef is not liable for reactions resulting from undisclosed allergies or restrictions, or from cross-contact in a home kitchen environment.

9Your kitchen and our equipment

You provide access to a working kitchen with a functioning oven or stovetop and reasonable counter space, as discussed before booking. We bring professional cooking equipment and, if you’d like it, a tabletop kit (stoneware, glassware, silverware, linens, candles) at no charge; you agree to take reasonable care of it while it is in your home. We are not responsible for pre-existing problems with your kitchen, appliances, or utilities that affect service.

10Alcohol

We do not sell, supply, or serve alcohol. We are glad to suggest pairings; you purchase and pour, and you are responsible for the lawful service of alcohol in your home.

11Insurance and liability

Metta Personal Chef carries liability insurance through the Food Liability Insurance Program (FLIP) and holds a current ServSafe® Food Protection Manager certification and Allergen Awareness Certificate. To the fullest extent permitted by law, our total liability for any claim arising from a service is limited to the amount paid for that service, and we are not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from our services or this website. Nothing in these Terms limits liability that cannot be limited under Massachusetts law.

12Photography and reviews

We may photograph food and table settings during an event for our portfolio and social media. We do not photograph guests without consent and will honor any request for privacy. Client reviews may appear on this website or on social media, with permission, using a first name or initials unless you ask for full attribution.

13This website

The content on this website, including recipes, menus, photographs, and text, belongs to Metta Personal Chef, LLC unless noted, and may not be reproduced without written permission. Pricing and menus on the site are for general reference and can change; your quote is the price that counts.

14Governing law and changes

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We may update them from time to time; the date at the top reflects the latest revision, and continued use of our services after a change means you accept it.

15Questions

Write to jeff@mettapersonalchef.com, call or text (978) 709-1736, or use the inquiry form.