Well - I am scheduled to take my safe serve class/test this coming week and have decided to send an e-mail to some friends/family(guinea pigs in other words)! What I am thinking of offering is my free personal chef service to may be two clients/familys. They would of course pay for their own groceries and containers and I would come and fulfill all the personal chef requirements at no charge. They would be getting my service for free, just for letting me "use" them and I would get some experience. I would love some feedback on if anyone thinks this may or maynot be a good idea. Or any suggestions at all! I feel as though this would be a great way to get started and also maybe some word of mouth as well? I also have a question for any pc's in New York state. Someone's previous post was asking about container/knife safety in bringing back and forth to someone's house. I advised that I just spoke to someone at the health department who told me I had to have a note from a licensed kitchen/restaurant/church, basically someone with a 3 basin sink stating I can wash my appliances there, otherwise I have to use the clients. Jim, has been kind enough to respond to me about that and suggested maybe someone else in New York state knew something about this? Other than Long Island that is. I know, lots of questions, but any help is so very much appreciated!!
Frosty, I know you use to be a member, & your effort in getting started long ago, was hindered. You said you were "re-freshing" yourself with the training materials you got so long ago. At this point though, you need more than what the written materials cover...maybe attend a seminar or at least re-join. This is so you can ask questions pertaining to getting started. I say this b/c there is only so much that will be said in any association's open forum. Why don't you give Chef Candy a call, and also she may be able to help you with the health dept problem you are facing.
I advised that I just spoke to someone at the health department who told me I had to have a note from a licensed kitchen/restaurant/church, basically someone with a 3 basin sink stating I can wash my appliances there, otherwise I have to use the clients.
Okay, are you sure they meant you have to use the client's equipment? Or did they mean that if you didn't have a 3 basin sink, then you have to use the clients?
I have been talking with another pc & he said he's never heard of this. We will get to the bottom of it though!
Nope- he meant I would have to use clients utensils. I spoke to an instructor who taught the safe serv. class the other day again about this. He did two things - 1 - he said he hadn't really heard of this being an issue & doubts it would matter. - 2- referred me to his supervisor (who was the one who I already spoke to & told me this to begin with). Just keeping you updated on this end!
Frosty, Jackie is the best and I would listen to her advice. If you have an opportunity to attend a seminar, it would be a great investment in your business.
I also agree, if you have a moment you may want to give Candy a call. I am in IN. so things may be completely different.
For our business, I would by no means give my service away for free NEVER. Now, what we did do for experience is cook for family and friends keeping in mind they did pay for the groceries. That is giving the service for free, but it was also for our family not possible clients. Good Luck Ronetta
I have put in a call to upstate NY, and am expecting a return call probably on Monday. Will let you know what they say...but I think the person you talked to, was confusing himself with caterers. That being said, every county in each state will uphold what the state regulates, but each county can add additional rules if they choose. (counties in Texas vary with health dept issues).
No home kitchen is going to have a 3 basin sink...well, Jim might have one!
Thanks so much for the replys! It's very nice to have people willing to help me regardless. That being said, i think I will be rejoining hopefully this week. As far as the seminar goes, love to but no $$. I'm sure I'm not the only one. I think re-joining and getting in on the "inside" may give me a wealth of info though! Thanks again everyone.
I attended a seminar well over 9 months from joining...so don't discount attending a seminar yet! Am looking forward to you re-joining...call Candy & ask her about renewing your membership....since you still have the training materials & all....and you're right...the info you get on the "inside" is far more worth the money to renew your membership....it's pure GOLD baby!
