How it Works

Setting Up a Cooking Class

Everything you need to know to get started.

1. Pick a Date

We recommend scheduling classes on weeknights at 6:30pm. They tend to attract better attendance than on weekends.

We'll Be Back!

Our cooking classes are like potato chips -- you can't have just one! Almost all of our clients host classes at least once a month on a set date (example: the third Wednesday of each month), depending on the size of their community and their marketing budget.

2. Pick a Size

Our MultiFamily events bring residents together and increase your property amenity offering.

Size of Group

We recommend 15, 20, or 25 people, depending on your budget and space. Our minimum headcount is 15, confirmed and guaranteed no later than 48 hours prior to the class (one week preferred).

3. Pick a Topic

From Seasonal to Around the World, we have something to delight every one of your residents.

Over 200 Class Topics

Follow our Cooking Class Calendar's featured monthly menus, or choose any topic from our List of Class Topics.

View Our Class Topics

Guests Cooking!

We know that happy residents are the best residents. We provide everything, so all you have to do is sit back.

Send us a message to get started. We're Compliance Depot and RMIS compliant, so we're probably already an approved vendor of your property management company. (Compliance Depot Vendor # 367031).

Get Started Now

Send Us a Message to Get Started

Pricing and Payment

Cooking Classes
(Chef Demo):

Starting at $23 per person, min 15 people
Includes recipe handouts and tasting portions of all food prepared.
Pricing and minimum headcount
may vary by location

Hands-On
Cooking Workshop

Starting at $27 per person, min 15 people
Includes recipe handouts and tasting portions of all food prepared.
Pricing and minimum headcount
may vary by location

Wine
Classes

Starting at $27 per person, min 15 people
Includes recipe handouts and tasting portions of all food prepared.
Pricing and minimum headcount
may vary by location

Virtual
Classes

Shared Events

$225 per community, one class/month
$375 per community, two classes/month
No maximum headcount

Private Events

Custom dates, times, and topics:
$375 per community, one class/month
$575 per community, two classes/month
No maximum headcount

Frequently Asked Questions

For wait listing residents...

If your RSVP list fills up and additional residents would like to join the class, we encourage you to tell them that they are on the wait list, and to please stop by the clubhouse on the night of the class to see if there are any last-minute openings.

Can residents participate?

Yes, we encourage volunteers to take turns helping the chef where appropriate. Those who prefer to watch the demonstration can also do so.

What do Big City Chefs bring?

Our chefs will bring burners (if needed), pots, pans, chef's tools, all ingredients, recipe handouts, and disposable plates, napkins, and forks.

Does the chef clean up after the class?

While our chefs don't have all of the cleaning skills and tools of a professional cleaning staff, they will remain after the class to wipe down sinks, counters, stoves, and floors with soap and water using damp cloths in order to leave your kitchen as clean as possible. Please provide trash receptacles, and please advise us if you need additional cleaning.

Does our community need a kitchen on site?

If you do not have a kitchen in your clubhouse or clubroom, we can set up a demonstration area with portable burners. Please let us know how your kitchen area or clubroom is set up so that we can plan appropriately.

What about dietary restrictions? Can you accommodate?

Most likely, yes! It depends on what the dietary restriction is, but for the most part, we love to match the right chef for the right menu. Give us a call at 866-321-2433 so we can understand your custom menu.

How long are Classes?

Classes run between 1 ½ and 2 hours from start to finish. The chef will remain a bit longer to clean up.

What are your cancellation policies?

Two Business Days Policy:
Please make sure residents RSVP to the classes no later than 2 business days before the class. We cannot change the head count or cancel a class within 2 business days prior to a class. Should you cancel your scheduled cooking session with less than 2 business days' notice, we will assess a cancellation fee equal to fifty (50) percent of the price of your scheduled service.

Illness or Emergency:
Should your chef become ill or have an emergency, we will contact you with as much notice as possible and attempt to provide an alternate chef. Should we contact you within 1 business day of your scheduled cooking date, we will provide you with a 10 percent discount upon rescheduling.

Promoting Your Classes

Print a Custom Big City Chef Flyer: The most effective way to promote classes to your residents is to send flyers to each apartment. At minimum, we recommend that you post flyers in common areas such as mail rooms, bulletin boards, your fitness center, elevators, and other club facilities. Big City Chef flyers are available on each Class Topic under “Print Your Own PDF Flyer” below the dishes. Simply enter the date, location, RSVP information and print. If you are not using our flyers, please include the following information on your own flyers:

Time, date, and location of the event
Menu
Last date on which to RSVP
The leasing office phone number
Cost to the residents (if any), and
Big City Chefs’ toll free number and website Newsletters and Activities

Calendars: If your community has a newsletter and/or activities calendar, we recommend announcing the cooking class dates and topics.
Word of Mouth: Please let your residents know about the classes when they are in the office.