When most people hear the term “personal chef”, they immediately picture luxury kitchens, celebrity lifestyles, and sky-high prices. But that’s one of the biggest myths in the culinary world—and at Platesfull, we’re here to challenge it.

We believe a personal chef is not a luxury—it’s an accessible lifestyle solution for anyone looking to eat healthier, save time, and cut down on unnecessary food spending.

Let’s break down this misconception with a real-world comparison.

📦 Case Study 1: Ordering from Uber Eats

Recently, I ordered dinner from a local taco place for two people:

• Items Ordered: 1 Steak Taco, 4 Chicken Tacos

• Food Cost: $26.60

• Tip: $7.05

• Tax: $2.19

• Total: $41.01 (That’s ~$20.50 per person)

Pros:

• Quick and convenient

Cons:

• High cost for basic food

• Unhealthy ingredients (often high sodium, low-quality oils)

• No control over sourcing or portioning

• Repeated use adds up fast

👩‍🍳 Case Study 2: Affordable Chef-Prepared Meals at Home

Now let’s compare that to a recent weekly meal prep by one of our Platesfull personal chefs for a family of three:

• Meals Cooked: 3 lunches and 3 dinners

• Examples:

  • Ginger Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Brown Rice

  • Thai Basil Chicken with Jasmine Rice

  • Spicy Shrimp Sushi Bowl with Cauliflower Rice

• Chef Fee: $180

• Groceries: $60

• Total Per Meal Per Person: ~$13

Pros:

• Huge time savings (chef handles grocery shopping + cooking)

• Healthier options tailored to your dietary needs

• No wasteful or impulsive grocery spending

• Fresh, home-cooked meals made with quality ingredients

⏳ What About Cooking Yourself?

Sure, you could make these meals at home. But here’s the question: What is your time worth?

Cooking, grocery shopping, prepping, and cleaning can eat up 6–10 hours a week. That’s time that could be spent:

• With family

• Exercising or focusing on wellness

• Resting or recharging

• Building your business or career

And for those who genuinely enjoy cooking, hiring a chef occasionally—like during busy weeks or for private events—can be a hybrid solution that still supports your lifestyle.

💡 So, Is a Personal Chef Expensive?

Not at all. At Platesfull, we offer:

• Meal Prep Services starting at just $100 per visit

• Private Dining starting at $55 per person (all-inclusive)

We work with vetted chefs across Texas who offer everything from clean eating to gourmet experiences, right in your home.

Whether it’s weekly meal prep, corporate events, or an intimate dinner party, we’re redefining what it means to hire a chef at home.

Ready to Save Time, Eat Better, and Stress Less?

A personal chef isn’t a luxury—it’s a smarter way to live well.