Terms & Conditions
1. Services
Chef Eric James (“the Chef”) provides personal chef and catering services in clients’ homes or private spaces. Services include shopping, preparation, cooking, plating, and cleanup of the kitchen and preparation areas after service.
2. Client Responsibilities
The Client agrees to provide a clean and functional kitchen free of clutter or debris prior to service.
The Client will make one available shelf in the refrigerator and adequate counter space for food preparation.
The Client will provide access to basic cleaning supplies, such as paper towels, dish soap, sponges, and trash bags.
The Client is not responsible for table settings, décor, or tablescapes unless otherwise arranged in writing.
Pets should be kept out of the kitchen and preparation areas during service.
The Client is responsible for providing timely access to the property at the agreed-upon start time.
3. Equipment & Property
The Chef will provide his own knives, specialty tools, and personal utensils. The Client agrees to make available the use of standard kitchen equipment, including pots, pans, cookware, and appliances necessary for meal preparation.
The Chef is not responsible for normal wear and tear or any pre-existing damage to the Client’s equipment, fixtures, or surfaces. In the event of accidental damage requiring repair or replacement, the Client agrees to address the matter through their homeowner’s insurance policy.
4. Food & Ingredients
All ingredients are purchased fresh for each event. The Chef cannot be held responsible for allergic reactions or adverse effects if the Client fails to disclose allergies, intolerances, or dietary restrictions in advance.
5. Payment & Deposits
A non-refundable deposit (as stated on the invoice or proposal) is required to secure the event date. The remaining balance is due on or before the event date unless otherwise agreed upon in writing.
Groceries, rentals, and any additional approved costs will be billed separately if not included in the quoted price.
6. Cancellations & Rescheduling
Cancellations made within 7 days of the scheduled event will forfeit the deposit. Cancellations made within 48 hours of service may be charged the full remaining balance.
Events may be rescheduled once within 90 days of the original service date, subject to the Chef’s availability. If rescheduling cannot occur within that timeframe, all payments will be forfeited.
7. Liability & Insurance
Chef Eric James is fully insured for general and professional liability. However, the Client accepts responsibility for their property and guests during the event and releases the Chef from liability for injuries, damages, or losses not caused by gross negligence or misconduct.
8. Arbitration Agreement
In the event of a dispute, both parties agree to resolve the matter through binding arbitration in the state of Texas (or the state of service) rather than through court proceedings. Each party will bear its own legal costs unless otherwise determined by the arbitrator.
9. Photography & Videography Consent
Upon payment of the event deposit, the Client provides full consent for Chef Eric James to photograph and video record portions of the event, including the Chef’s work, food preparation, guests, and the overall event atmosphere.
The Client understands that the deposit serves as acknowledgment and consent for the use of such media on websites, social media platforms, and promotional materials. The Chef will ensure all content is used respectfully and professionally.
Guests’ identities may appear in photos or videos unless the Client submits a written request prior to the event to restrict or limit visual inclusion.
No additional compensation or consideration shall be owed to the Client or guests for the use of any images, videos, or recordings created during the event. All media captured remains the sole property of Chef Eric James for marketing, promotional, and creative purposes.
10. Kitchen Cleanup
The Chef will leave the kitchen and preparation areas clean and organized, removing trash and wiping down surfaces. Dishes, cookware, and utensils used for cooking will be washed and put away. The Client is responsible for post-event cleanup unrelated to food preparation (e.g., after guests depart).
11. Force Majeure & Refund Policy
Refunds are only available in the event of Acts of God, extreme emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances beyond either party’s control, such as natural disasters, illness, accidents, or government restrictions.
In all other situations, deposits and payments are non-refundable, but the event may be rescheduled once within 90 days of the original service date, subject to the Chef’s availability.
If a refund is approved under this policy, any money already spent toward the event—including but not limited to groceries, supplies, rentals, or other pre-event costs—will be deducted from the refunded amount.
If rescheduling is not possible within the allowed period, all payments made will be forfeited. The Chef is not liable for any additional costs or losses incurred by the Client due to cancellation or rescheduling.
12. Agreement
By booking a service or submitting a deposit, the Client acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions in full.