26 Business Ideas For Chefs [2024]
Interested in starting a business as a chef in 2024?
If managed well, building a business as a chef could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for chefs?
We put together 26 of some of the best chef business ideas you can start in today.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other chef businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start an online food business ($336K/month)
Starting an online food business could be a fantastic way for you to leverage your culinary expertise while supplementing your income. By creating and selling meals or pre-packaged ingredients online, you have the chance to cater to a diverse audience, such as busy professionals, cooking novices, or food enthusiasts looking for global cuisine experiences.
You'll be involved in menu planning, sourcing ingredients, and preparing dishes—all activities you likely excel at. This venture allows you to maintain your creative culinary passion while tapping into the growing demand for convenient, high-quality meals delivered to customers' doorsteps. With the right blend of business acumen and your culinary skills, you could find a rewarding niche in the online food market.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)
Healthy Chew is a profitable weekly meal preparation service that grew from 200 to 10,000 weekly bowls in just over 3 years, with an overall sales figure of $1.8 million, achieved through effective branding and personalised customer service.
2. Start a food delivery business ($510K/month)
Starting a food delivery business could be a smart move for chefs looking to supplement their income or embark on a new entrepreneurial venture. Given today's busy lifestyles, many people prefer ordering food from their favorite restaurants and enjoying it at home. This means there's a robust demand for reliable food delivery services.
As a chef, you could use your culinary network to partner with local restaurants, offering them the option to use your delivery service. With a truck at your disposal, you could act as the critical link between the restaurant and the customer, ensuring timely and efficient delivery. By leveraging your understanding of the food industry and high-quality standards, you could carve out a niche in a growing market while earning extra income.
How much you can make: $14,000 — $1,800,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Food Fleet grew over 160% in just one year and managed over 20 million in sales for its clients, securing multiple contracts with the likes of Sodexo, Levy Restaurants and more, due to its understanding of catering client needs and its advanced turnkey and design services.
3. Start a healthy snack food business ($438K/month)
Healthy Snack Food Business
Starting a healthy snack food business could be a fantastic way for you to supplement your income and turn your culinary skills into profit. Given the growing demand for healthier food options, your expertise as a chef would allow you to create delicious, nutritious snacks that stand out in a crowded marketplace.
The global healthy snacks market is expected to reach $152 billion by 2030, reflecting the increasing consumer focus on healthier eating habits. With your knowledge of ingredients and flavor profiles, you could develop a range of products that cater to various dietary preferences, from protein bars to gluten-free cookies. This venture could quickly become a lucrative side business or even grow into a full-time endeavor, capitalizing on the strong market trends.
How much you can make: $15,000 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 270 days (?)
Neuro co-founders Kent Yoshimura and Ryan Chen developed their functional gum and mint products to offer a portable, healthy, and efficient alternative to energy drinks and supplements, hitting 12M pieces sold and generating ~$500k in monthly revenue with over 25% repeat customer rate and retail presence in over 6,500 locations including 5,000 CVS stores.
4. Start a meal prep business ($185K/month)
Starting a meal prep business could be a lucrative side venture for a chef looking to supplement their income. Given your culinary skills, you could create high-quality, nutritious meals that cater to busy professionals who lack the time to cook. This fast-emerging niche provides the perfect opportunity to capitalize on the increasing demand for convenient meal options.
By leveraging your expertise in meal preparation and utilizing your communication skills, you could build a loyal customer base that appreciates timely and efficient service. Additionally, entering this market allows you to showcase your creativity and culinary prowess, potentially turning a side hustle into a fully-fledged business.
Overall, a meal prep business could be a practical and profitable extension of your culinary career, allowing you to earn extra money while doing something you love.
How much you can make: $50,000 — $600,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 6 days (?)
Healthy Chew is a profitable weekly meal preparation service that grew from 200 to 10,000 weekly bowls in just over 3 years, with an overall sales figure of $1.8 million, achieved through effective branding and personalised customer service.
5. Start a food blog ($43.3K/month)
Starting a food blog could be an incredible way to supplement your income as a chef, all while sharing your culinary expertise with a broader audience. If you're passionate about educating people on healthy eating, a blog focused on this topic could gain significant traction and attract readers interested in nutritious and budget-friendly recipes.
Beyond sharing recipes, you could engage your audience by offering tips on meal prepping, selecting quality ingredients, and maintaining a balanced diet. You might begin by hiring someone to help configure your website and a content creator to ensure you consistently provide high-quality, engaging content. With informative and insightful posts, you could build a loyal readership and potentially monetize your blog through advertisements, sponsorships, or selling your own eBooks and exclusive recipes.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $200,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
How one food blogger turned his passion into a business that brings in $15k-$20k per month through display advertising, affiliate marketing, and exclusive content, and doubled in revenue every year since going full time in 2018.
6. Become a nutritionist ($74.6K/month)
As a chef, your expertise in food and flavors uniquely positions you to enter the burgeoning field of nutrition. You could supplement your income and potentially start a side business by becoming a nutritionist, providing personalized nutrition advice and creating tailored meal plans to help clients achieve their health and wellness goals. With an increasing demand for healthier lifestyles, your culinary skills combined with nutritional knowledge could set you apart in a competitive market.
You could offer services such as conducting dietary assessments and providing ongoing support, leveraging your experience to guide clients in improving their nutritional habits through well-balanced and delicious meals. Obtaining relevant certifications and gaining practical experience through internships or supervised practice would further enhance your credibility and expertise, making this an excellent entrepreneurial opportunity.
How much you can make: $600 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 3 hours/week
RDRx Nutrition is a successful private practice that offers individual nutrition coaching, boasting profits of $1,800-$2,100 per month after just one year of business, and achieving a client base of over 2200 followers on Instagram alone.
7. Start an eBikes business ($540K/month)
If you're a chef looking to supplement your income or start a side business, an eBikes business could be a unique and lucrative opportunity. With eBikes' rising popularity among millennials for their health benefits and ability to reduce urban traffic, you could tap into a growing market. The demand has already seen annual sales exceed 880,000 eBikes, indicating a thriving potential customer base.
Given your likely connections in the local community through your culinary career, you could leverage these relationships to promote your eBike business. You might even consider combining your passions by offering local food tours on eBikes, providing a distinctive experience that blends your love of food with fitness and eco-friendly transportation. This could allow you to diversify your income while staying connected with your core culinary interests.
How much you can make: $110,000 — $1,200,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Tower Electric Bikes is a direct-to-consumer eBike brand co-founded by Stephan Aarstol and Mark Cuban, which has done over $36 million in sales since its $150,000 investment in 2012, and produced and sold everything from paddleboards to electric bikes for half the retail price, with the aim of creating the world's first famous eBike brand.
8. Start a beverages business ($1.79M/month)
Starting a beverage business could be a natural extension of your culinary skills as a chef, offering you an innovative way to supplement your income or even build a full-fledged side business. You could develop unique beverages such as artisanal juices, specialty coffees, or signature teas that reflect your culinary creativity and taste expertise. This allows you to leverage your knowledge of ingredients and flavor combinations to create high-quality, consumer-pleasing drinks.
Whether you choose to manufacture your own unique concoctions or act as a distributor for popular beverage brands, this venture provides multiple avenues for business growth. Your understanding of consumer preferences and your ability to craft exceptional products can set your beverage business apart, making it a meaningful and profitable complement to your culinary career.
How much you can make: $500 — $12,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 240 days (?)
BruMate is a successful insulated drinkware brand focused on the adult beverage community, with a flagship product that generated $2.1M in sales in 2017 and is now doing over $1.1M per month in sales, with plans to do $20M this year.
9. Start a specialty food business ($49.8K/month)
As a chef, starting a specialty food business could be an exciting way to supplement your income or even create an entirely new venture. Specialty foods, prepared in small quantities with premium and unique ingredients, not only stand out in the market but also allow you to showcase your culinary creativity and expertise. These quality ingredients often provide added health benefits and a range of micro-nutrients, enhancing the appeal of your products.
With the global specialty food ingredients market expanding at an impressive annual growth rate of 6.4%, there’s a growing demand for unique and high-quality foods. You could identify a niche that aligns with your passion and expertise, procure reliable suppliers, and take steps to officially register your business.
By offering specialty foods, you could carve out a distinct market for yourself, capitalizing on the trend towards healthier, high-quality eating options. Step into 2024 with a diversified income and the potential to turn your culinary skills into a thriving specialty food business.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $124,998/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
ChipMonk co-founders built a mail-order bakery selling low carb, gluten-free desserts, making around $25,000 a month with growth through e-commerce, and plans to tighten budgets and conserve cash in challenging times.
10. Start an online fitness business ($78K/month)
As a chef, your expertise in nutrition and meal planning can seamlessly translate into a lucrative online fitness business. By creating tailored meal plans and nutrition guides, you could tap into the rapidly growing demand for convenient, affordable, and accessible fitness solutions. This form of income not only supplements your current earnings but also leverages your culinary skills to offer value beyond the kitchen.
In addition, you could offer virtual cooking classes focused on healthy eating, which would both diversify your services and attract health-conscious clients. Since this business model requires minimal overhead costs, just a computer and an internet connection, it's an ideal side venture that could eventually grow into a full-scale standalone business.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study is about a former personal trainer who launched his online personal training platform, TeamFFLEX, starting with no money and a lot of drive, and grew it into a 6-figure business in less than a year, now doing $48,000 a month with potential for continued growth.
11. Start a life coaching business ($19.7K/month)
As a chef, starting a life coaching business could be a fantastic way to supplement your income and leverage your emotional intelligence, professional knowledge, and experience. Life coaching is a booming industry worth over $2.85 billion, and the number of life coaches has increased by 33% between 2015 and 2019. This indicates a growing demand for coaching services, which could translate into a lucrative side business or even a full-time career for you.
You could use your experience in the kitchen to help others navigate challenges, set goals, and achieve a well-rounded personal and professional life. The startup costs are minimal—all you need is a computer, high-speed Internet, and a LinkedIn account. You could begin coaching part-time in your spare time, building a clientele and creating an additional revenue stream without significantly disrupting your primary career.
How much you can make: $100 — $120,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
GrowthMentor, a platform connecting vetted growth mentors for one-on-one calls, founded by Fotis Panagiotakopoulos, has had over 2,500 mentorship calls booked to date and has seen success in using word of mouth, content marketing, and leveraging other people's networks as the primary drivers of customer acquisition.
12. Start a medication validity verifying business
As a chef, you could leverage your meticulous attention to detail and organizational skills to start a medication validity verifying business. This business model involves ensuring that prescription and over-the-counter medications are legitimate, not expired, and sourced from reputable manufacturers. Your expertise in maintaining high standards in the kitchen could translate seamlessly into maintaining high standards in this niche service.
Beyond supplementing your income, this venture allows for flexible hours, making it an ideal side business alongside your culinary career. With the growing concerns over counterfeit medications, your service could provide peace of mind to clients, establishing you as a trusted resource in an increasingly important field.
13. Start a CBD business ($84.9K/month)
As a chef, leveraging your culinary expertise to start a CBD business could be an inventive and lucrative side venture. Given CBD’s rising popularity and its health benefits—ranging from pain management to anxiety relief—integrating it into gourmet dishes, specially crafted edibles, or unique dining experiences could set your offerings apart in a burgeoning market. Market trends suggest the CBD sector will experience significant growth, making it an opportune time to diversify your income streams.
You could explore creating a line of CBD-infused oils, sauces, or baked goods tailored to health-conscious foodies, or even partner with local wellness centers to offer cooking classes centered around CBD-infused cuisine. Another exciting possibility would be to develop a subscription box service featuring curated CBD products and recipes, making it easier for customers to explore this beneficial ingredient in their own kitchens.
By tapping into the fast-growing CBD market, you can extend your culinary brand and provide innovative solutions to your customers’ dietary needs, all while navigating a promising and profitable industry.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Plain Jane, an online CBD company founded by two college roommates, offers unique products and has generated over $20K a month in sales within five months, attracting and retaining customers through social media, authentic stories, and content.
14. Start a book blog ($29.4K/month)
Starting a book blog could be an enriching way to supplement your income as a chef while indulging in your passion for literature. As a culinary expert, you could offer unique perspectives by combining book reviews with themed recipes inspired by the stories you read. This fusion could set your blog apart and attract both literary enthusiasts and fellow food lovers.
By crafting engaging content and promoting your blog on social media, you could build a community of readers who appreciate your dual expertise in cuisine and literature. This venture not only allows you to explore and share your love for books but also creates an avenue for potential income through affiliate links, sponsored posts, and advertising. If you’re avid about reading and willing to invest time in growing an online presence, starting a book blog could be a fulfilling side business.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $90,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $7,550 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
OrderOfBooks.com is a website that lists books in both publication and chronological order and generates six-figure revenue after starting off as a resource for the founder and his friends, serving as a valuable resource for book readers.
15. Start a custom apparel business ($268K/month)
As a chef, you could channel your creativity and eye for design into a custom apparel business. By designing and selling personalized clothing items like chef-themed t-shirts, hoodies, and caps, you cater to a unique market that shares your passion for culinary arts. Imagine fellow food enthusiasts and industry colleagues proudly sporting your custom designs, showcasing their love for food and cooking.
You might find this venture particularly rewarding as it allows you to diversify your income and exercise your artistic side beyond the kitchen. Utilizing platforms like Etsy and Shopify, you could quickly set up your online store, reaching a wider audience with minimal overhead. Additionally, leveraging your existing social media presence and industry contacts could help market your products effectively, making this a fruitful entrepreneurial endeavor.
How much you can make: $450 — $1,333,333/month
How long does it take to build: 348 days (?)
This case study features an entrepreneur who started a screen printing company with no financing or investors, and despite struggling for the first few years, was able to grow his business to hit $80,000 in revenue in October 2018 and is set to hit $1 million by the end of 2019.
16. Start a car race and drag strip business
As a chef, you could harness your entrepreneurial spirit by starting a car race and drag strip business as a unique side venture. Hosting regular races and drag events could attract car enthusiasts and provide them with a dedicated space to enjoy their passion, ultimately generating extra income.
Additionally, you could create a dual experience by offering gourmet food options at your events, making it a memorable destination for both racing and culinary delights. The combination of high-octane entertainment and quality cuisine could set your business apart and appeal to a broader audience.
By leveraging your culinary skills, you could also cater to private parties, corporate events, and themed race nights, further enhancing the profitability of your new venture.
17. Start a whatsapp-status exclusive coupons business
As a chef, starting a WhatsApp-status exclusive coupons business could be a unique way to leverage your culinary expertise while supplementing your income. You could create special promotions and discounts for your dishes, sharing these exclusive deals only through your WhatsApp status to attract a dedicated customer base. This method fosters a sense of exclusivity and urgency among your followers, encouraging them to take advantage of your offers quickly.
Additionally, this business model allows you to directly connect with your audience, build a loyal customer base, and drive traffic to your restaurant or catering services. By sharing behind-the-scenes content, new menu items, and limited-time offers, you could create a more personal and engaging experience for your customers. Furthermore, this approach requires minimal initial investment and utilizes a platform that most people already use daily, making it a cost-effective and straightforward way to grow your culinary business.
18. Start a credit card comparison website
As a chef, you could explore entrepreneurial ventures by starting a credit card comparison website to supplement your income or even transition into a new business. This online platform allows users to compare different credit cards based on factors like interest rates, rewards programs, and annual fees, providing a valuable service for those looking to make informed financial decisions.
You might find parallels between carefully selecting ingredients for your dishes and curating the best credit card options for your audience. Utilizing your skills in researching and presenting information clearly can help create a user-friendly and informative website. By partnering with credit card companies, you could offer exclusive deals, attracting more traffic to your site and generating additional revenue streams.
With your knowledge of running a busy kitchen, managing the timely and accurate updates required to keep such a website relevant and useful would be within your skill set. Plus, diving into marketing strategies like social media promotion and search engine optimization can further enhance the site’s visibility, setting the stage for a successful side business or full-time new career.
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
19. Start a public speaking instruction business
As a chef, you could leverage your extensive culinary knowledge and experience to start a public speaking instruction business. By offering workshops and courses, you could teach other aspiring chefs and food enthusiasts how to effectively communicate their ideas, present dishes, and even handle media interactions. Your unique perspective as a chef can provide invaluable insights, making your instruction highly relevant and practical.
Additionally, this type of business allows you to supplement your income and expand your professional network. Public speaking skills are highly sought after in various industries, increasing your market reach beyond the culinary world. This venture not only diversifies your revenue streams but also enhances your reputation as an all-rounded professional in the culinary field.
20. Start an amazon business ($53K/month)
Consider leveraging the power of ecommerce by starting an Amazon business to supplement your income as a chef. You could source or create culinary-related products such as unique kitchen gadgets, high-quality cooking utensils, or even your own line of spices and seasonings to sell directly on Amazon's extensive marketplace. By tapping into your industry expertise, you can perform meticulous product research and develop competitive pricing strategies to differentiate your offerings.
Amazon's FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) program could handle the logistics for you, including storage, shipping, and customer returns, making it easier to manage your side business while still working in the kitchen. With compelling product listings and strategic planning, an Amazon business could offer a substantial opportunity to generate additional revenue and expand your reach to a global customer base, potentially transforming your financial future.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Felony Case, a Toronto-based company designing unique iPhone cases, started as a small shop on Etsy and has grown to become an internationally recognized fashion iPhone case brand sold in top tier retailers like Nordstrom, Holt Renfrew, Indigo, Urban Outfitters, Revolve, Free People, and made over half a million dollars in revenue last year.
21. Start a white label fitness apparel business ($4.51K/month)
As a chef, diversifying your income with a white label fitness apparel business could be a smart entrepreneurial move. Fitness apparel is always in demand, and leveraging this trend could provide a steady stream of extra income. You could design custom gym clothes and add your unique brand, logo, and patterns to create exclusive fitness apparel that resonates with your culinary flair.
This side venture not only supplements your income but also allows you to tap into a different industry, expanding your personal brand. Whether you're passionate about promoting a healthy lifestyle or simply seeking to explore new business avenues, a white label fitness apparel business could be the ideal opportunity for you.
How much you can make: $650 — $8,378/month
Learn how a lawyer turned YouTube comedian turned gym apparel entrepreneur created a profitable side business selling gym apparel with designs based on his dark sense of humor and love of video games, reaching a monthly revenue of over $8,000 by capitalizing on his newfound YouTube popularity and keeping an eye on competitors.
22. Start a cleaning products business ($341K/month)
As a chef, you could leverage your deep understanding of hygiene and sanitation to start a cleaning products business, offering solutions that meet the high standards of kitchen cleanliness. By creating eco-friendly and effective cleaning products, you cater to today’s conscientious consumers who are increasingly seeking sustainable and non-toxic alternatives.
This business involves formulating unique cleaning solutions, conducting ingredient research, and ensuring compliance with regulations. It’s a venture that goes beyond a quick gig, requiring dedication and creativity to develop products that stand out. Given the rising consumer awareness regarding environmental impact, launching a line of innovative and sustainable cleaning products can be both profitable and personally rewarding.
How much you can make: $20,000 — $708,333/month
How long does it take to build: 320 days (?)
DetraPel is a company that manufactures and distributes eco-friendly liquid repellent sprays designed to protect fabric and leather belongings, which has made over $512,000 in sales last year and has successfully partnered with Shark Tank.
23. Start a Cactus Arrangements Business
As a chef, starting a Cactus Arrangements Business could be a unique and exciting way to supplement your income. Your artistic eye for plating and presentation would seamlessly translate into the art of creating stunning cactus displays. Given your existing network in the hospitality industry, you could easily find clients who value beautiful, low-maintenance centerpiece options for restaurants and events.
Additionally, the process of arranging cacti can be quite meditative, offering a relaxing counterbalance to the high-pressure environment of the kitchen. This business can fit into your schedule as it doesn’t require constant attention, allowing you to focus on your culinary career while exploring your passion for plant aesthetics. By leveraging your creativity and existing connections, you could build a profitable side business with minimal overhead.
24. Start a medical equipment exports business
As a chef, you have honed exceptional organizational and management skills, which could translate seamlessly into running a medical equipment exports business. Your ability to source premium ingredients from various suppliers is analogous to finding reliable manufacturers for high-demand medical equipment. This venture could allow you to leverage your broad network and logistical know-how to establish a robust supply chain.
In addition, your keen eye for quality and detail can ensure that only top-tier medical equipment reaches your clients, akin to ensuring your dishes meet the highest culinary standards. By diversifying your income streams, you could supplement your chef's salary and mitigate financial risks, ultimately providing more stability and opportunities for growth.
25. Start a dropshipping business ($453K/month)
Dropshipping Business
As a chef looking to supplement your income or start a side business, dropshipping offers a low-risk and flexible way to enter the e-commerce market. By selecting a niche related to your culinary expertise, such as gourmet kitchen tools, specialty ingredients, or culinary gadgets, you could create an online store without having to worry about inventory or shipping logistics.
Platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce make it easy to set up your store, while suppliers from AliExpress can provide the products you list. Focus on marketing to fellow food enthusiasts and providing excellent customer service for best results. This approach allows you to test the waters of entrepreneurship with minimal initial investment and potentially substantial returns.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $7,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week
Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.
26. Start a niche fashion business ($32.7K/month)
As a chef, starting a niche fashion business could be an appealing and profitable side venture, especially in a booming industry set to reach $1.002 trillion by 2025. You could leverage your culinary expertise and insight into the hospitality environment to design specialized chef wear, such as stylish aprons, comfortable yet functional uniforms, or unique accessories that cater directly to chefs and kitchen staff. By focusing on the specific needs and aesthetics of professionals in your field, you can create products that resonate deeply with your target audience.
Furthermore, the growing appreciation for niche products means there’s significant market potential for well-crafted, trendy items. You could seize this opportunity by developing a brand that represents quality and innovation, appealing to fellow chefs who value both practicality and style. This venture not only supplements your income but also allows you to express creativity beyond the kitchen.
How much you can make: $150 — $134,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 65 days (?)
This case study showcases the journey of Tradlands, a women's clothing brand generating $134k in monthly revenue, which was started with just $15k, and grew through email marketing, Instagram, and influencer collaborations.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
