Question 1

What areas do you service?

Accepted Answer

Chef Brian Sumner is proud to serve Lake Tahoe area.

Question 2

How far ahead do I need to book my event?

Accepted Answer

Chef Brian always suggest planning as far in advance as possible.

Question 3

How much does it cost to hire Chef Brian Sumner? Where can I view pricing?

Accepted Answer

The total cost of your booking will depend on many factors, such as the specific menu you select, service style, staffing needs, number of hours on-site, rentals, your geographic location, setup & breakdown times, and a bunch of other details we will handle for you. No two events are ever the same and Chef Brian Sumner prides himself on offering 100% full customizability for every single event. Chef Brian is happy to provide you with a no-obligation fully transparent proposal in writing for any type of booking. There are no unexplained or hidden "service fees" with Chef Brian Sumner. He provides full transparency on his pricing proposals.

Just share with Chef Brian your vision of your event and leave the rest to him!

Question 4

Help! I'm having a last-minute event, can you help?

Accepted Answer

Quite possibly! Please call Chef Brian Sumner right away at (530) 559-6244 and inform him of your needs and he will do his best to make it happen for you!

Question 5

I have guests coming that have food allergies or dietary restrictions. How do I meet their needs and still ensure that the food is great for everyone?

Accepted Answer

In today's world, this is not anything uncommon. Being a great host that considers the needs of all of their guests is vitally important to a successful event. Chef Brian will work with you during your menu design phase to prepare a fully custom-tailored menu where all guests can feel included, and their dietary needs are met without awkward feelings. Simply provide Chef Brian with as much detail to you & your guests dietary needs during your menu design phase to ensure that all of these details are addressed and incorporated into your menus easily.

Question 6

Can you cook for us at our vacation rental / AirBnB?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Chef Brian can easily accommodate you & your guests at most any vacation rental or Airbnb. Simply email him a link to your vacation rental or AirBnB prior to signing your contract documents. Some vacation rental owners require certificates of insurance to be issued to them prior to permitting Chef Brian on-site. Rest assured that Chef Brian is fully licensed & insured and will work directly with your vacation rental owner to handle all of that paperwork for you, stress-free.

Question 7

Does Chef Brian provide alcoholic beverages?

Accepted Answer

No. Due to liquor licensing laws, Chef Brian will not furnish any alcoholic beverage for your event. However, he is happy to provide you with a shopping list with suggested quantities for you to purchase, and for him to serve under your direction during your event.

Question 8

What if I want to change my menu or services?

Accepted Answer

No problem! Once you've secured your event with a non-refundable date reservation payment & contract, you will have the freedom to adjust your menu and services as desired, up until 7 (seven) business days prior to your event. Simply contact Chef Brian to inform him of any changes as early as possible.

Question 9

How many people can Chef Brian accommodate?

Accepted Answer

Chef Brian Sumner can accommodate up to 25 people. Minimum booking fees apply.

Question 10

Where does Chef Brian source his ingredients?

Accepted Answer

Chef Brian proudly sources his ingredients as micro-locally as possible. He is  commited to using only the finest quality, locally sourced, organic, sustainable, GMO-free, fair trade and fair wage ingredients.

Question 11

Can I purchase the ingredients and just have Chef Brian prepare them?

Accepted Answer

No. Due to strict public health code regulations, and foodborne illness potential, all ingredients must be purchased by Chef Brian and kept in his supervised control until they are served. Not only does this ensure proper food safety, but also better quality and freshness of your dining experience. Chef Brian apologizes in advance, but there will be no exceptions to this policy.

Question 12

What happens if I need to cancel?

Accepted Answer

Please notify Chef Brian immediately if you need to cancel your event. Please refer to the cancellation policy of your contract for details on cancellation fees and rescheduling options.

Question 13

Does Chef Brian have a minimum?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Chef Brian has a minimum total event charge of $999. These charges are inclusive of ingredients & labor but exclusive of sales tax, travel/mileage charges, or gratuities.

Question 14

When will Chef Brian arrive?

Accepted Answer

He generally will arrive 4-6 hours prior to your desired event start time. This prep time allows Chef Brian and his team to begin the preparation of your menu and familiarize themselves with your event.

Question 15

Does Chef Brian clean up & do the dishes?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! This is a complimentary part of his service. Chef Brian will leave your kitchen surfaces clean & sanitized, dishes & flatware rinsed & loaded into your dishwasher.

Question 16

Some of my guests canceled last minute, can I get a refund?

Accepted Answer

All headcount changes must be provided no later than 5 pm ten calendar days prior to your event. He cannot offer a refund for last-minute headcount decreases. Chef Brian will prepare the menu as contracted, and will be happy to leave any excess portions not served to a guest, in your fridge for you to enjoy the next day.

Question 17

What payments does Chef Brian accept?

Accepted Answer

Chef Brian accepts payments via Venmo and Zelle.

Question 18

Are gratuities included in my contract?

Accepted Answer

Gratuities are included in your contract. A 20% gratuity is included in your contract and additional gratuities are always appreciated.

Question 19

What will Chef Brian use in my kitchen?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the type of event that you are having, Chef Brian normally will utilize the stove, oven, sink, pots and pans, bowls, plates, etc. If you are lacking any of these items or prefer he not use them, please let him know.

Frequently Asked Questions