Frequently asked questions

Find answers to common questions about Maisonly. Select a category below to get started, or contact us directly for personalized help.

For Guests
For Students
For Partners

Questions for Guests

Who cooks my meal?
Advanced culinary students prepare and serve your meal under mentor oversight. All cooks complete a practical skills checklist and food-safety certification before joining our platform.
What safety measures are in place?
All participating cooks hold required food-safety credentials. Menus and service plans are reviewed by senior mentors, and chefs follow a strict checklist on-site for hygiene and safe food handling.
What is included in a booking?
Your booking includes full menu planning, grocery sourcing, in-home meal preparation, professional plating, service for your guests, and complete cleanup. Optional add-ons like wine pairing, extra staffing, or specialized equipment are available during booking.
How do cancellations and refunds work?
Cancellation policies vary by booking type, and you'll see full terms and deposit rules during checkout. We offer re-scheduling or refunds depending on the circumstances and timing of your cancellation.
Can I customize the menu?
Absolutely! We work with you to create a menu that fits your dietary preferences, restrictions, and occasion. All menus are confirmed with you before the event.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking at least 2-3 weeks in advance to ensure chef availability and proper menu planning. However, we'll do our best to accommodate last-minute requests when possible.

Questions for Students

How do I apply to cook with Maisonly?
Apply via our student sign-up form. You'll need to submit a skills checklist, food-safety certification, and a short profile. Selected students are invited to mentor-led onboarding sessions.
Do I get paid and how often?
Yes! Students are compensated per service. Payment cadence and rates are detailed in the student onboarding materials and confirmed for each booking.
What kind of experience do I need?
We look for culinary students who are currently enrolled or recently graduated from accredited programs. You should be comfortable with advanced cooking techniques and professional kitchen standards.
Will I have support during events?
Absolutely. Every event has mentor oversight, and senior chefs are available to advise during service planning. For complex bookings, mentors may provide on-site support.
How are bookings assigned?
We match students with bookings based on their skills, availability, location, and menu expertise. You'll have the opportunity to accept or decline each booking offered to you.

Questions for Partners

How can event planners or caterers work with Maisonly?
Partners can request access to our vetted student pool for overflow staffing, specialty menus, or last-minute coverage. Contact [email protected] to start a conversation about collaboration.
What support do partners receive?
We provide chef matching, scheduling support, and access to mentor-reviewed menu templates. Contracting and billing arrangements are customized based on your needs.
Can we partner with specific culinary schools?
Yes! We actively partner with culinary schools to provide students with real-world experience. Reach out to discuss partnership opportunities that benefit both students and your institution.
What are the requirements for partners?
Partners should have established business credentials and align with our values around student mentorship, food safety, and quality service. We'll discuss specific requirements during our initial conversation.