Frequently asked
Questions, answered.
The stuff people ask before they book a private chef in Nashville. If yours isn't here, send it over — I'll answer it personally.
01How much does a private chef cost in Nashville?+
Most private chef dinners in Nashville fall between $95 and $165+ per guest, depending on menu, course count, party size, and proteins. Linea private dining starts at a $1,000 food minimum + 20% hospitality. Weekly ChefBox meals are priced per meal — order what you want, skip when you don't.
02How far in advance should I book?+
Two to six weeks is comfortable for private dinners. Big weekends — Valentine's, Mother's Day, Derby weekend, holidays, Christmas, New Year's — fill up earlier. If you're in a tight window, ask anyway. I keep a small amount of last-minute capacity for the right night.
03Can you accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions?+
Yes — every menu is customized. Gluten-free, dairy-free, nut allergies, shellfish, vegetarian, pescatarian, low-FODMAP, and combinations of those. Tell me what I'm working with and I'll design around it without it tasting like a restriction.
04What do you need in my kitchen?+
Less than you'd think. A working oven, a usable cooktop, fridge space, and a sink. If the kitchen is missing something specific to the menu, I bring it — induction burners, sous-vide, plating tools, serving pieces.
05Do you clean up after the meal?+
Yes. Plates done, kitchen wiped, trash out, my equipment packed. You wake up to a clean kitchen, not a project.
06Is gratuity included?+
Gratuity is not included in the per-person price. It's at your discretion. Most clients tip 18–22% on the food total when the night lands well.
07Do you require a deposit?+
Yes — a non-refundable deposit (typically 50%) holds the date. The balance is due before or on the day of service. Cancellation terms are in the booking agreement and are reasonable.
08What's your service radius?+
Nashville metro and most of Middle Tennessee — Belle Meade, Green Hills, Brentwood, Franklin, East Nashville, Germantown, The Nations, Nolensville, Murfreesboro. Further out is possible with extra travel time worked into the quote.
09What's the minimum guest count?+
Aura private dinners start at 2 guests. Linea private dining starts at a $1,000 food minimum, which typically lands between 8 and 12 guests. There's no upper limit — larger parties are quoted.
10Can I try the weekly meal service before committing?+
Yes. ChefBox Reserve has no subscription lock-in. Order one week, see how it lands, decide from there. Most households know by week two.
11Will you cook in my Airbnb or short-term rental?+
Yes. Both Aura and Linea are built for in-home cooking, including short-term rentals across Nashville, Franklin, Brentwood, East Nashville, and the surrounding area. Just confirm the kitchen has a working oven and cooktop.
12Do you do weddings and corporate events?+
Linea handles weddings, rehearsal dinners, welcome dinners, and corporate gatherings. Aura handles smaller corporate dinners up to about 16 guests. Larger weddings — start with a Linea inquiry.