Terms of Service
Last updated: April 2026
1. Introduction
Welcome to Local Chef RI. By accessing or using our platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. Local Chef RI provides a marketplace that connects customers with independent chefs for private dining experiences across Rhode Island.
Please read these terms carefully. If you do not agree, you may not use the platform.
2. Platform role
Local Chef RI is a marketplace platform. We are not the provider of chef services. Chefs listed on our platform are independent contractors and are solely responsible for the services they provide.
We facilitate:
- Chef discovery and profile browsing
- Messaging between customers and chefs
- Booking management and scheduling
- Secure payment processing
3. User eligibility
Users must be at least 18 years old to use the platform. By creating an account or placing a booking, you confirm that you have the legal capacity to enter into agreements and that all information you provide is accurate and complete.
4. Bookings & payments
All bookings must be completed through Local Chef RI.
- Customers agree to pay the total amount shown at checkout
- A 15% service fee is added to the customer total. Chefs receive 100% of their quoted rate.
- Payments are processed securely through Stripe
- Chefs receive payouts after the experience is completed
Off-platform payments are strictly prohibited.
Conducting transactions outside of Local Chef RI may result in account suspension and loss of platform protections for both parties.
5. Communication policy
Users may communicate through the platform before booking to discuss event details, dietary needs, and other logistics.
- Sharing personal contact information prior to booking is prohibited
- Attempts to bypass the platform for bookings may result in account suspension
After a booking is confirmed, users may share contact details as needed for day-of coordination.
6. Cancellations & refunds
Cancellations are based on how far in advance you cancel before the scheduled event date:
Cancellations made 5 or more days before the event receive a full refund. Cancellations between 72 hours and 5 days receive a 50% partial refund. Cancellations less than 72 hours before the event are non-refundable.
If a chef cancels for any reason, customers receive a full refund regardless of timing. Refunds are processed to the original payment method within 5–10 business days.
Local Chef RI may intervene in disputes at its discretion. See our full Refund Policy for details.
7. Chef responsibilities
By listing services on Local Chef RI, chefs agree to:
- Provide services as described in their listing
- Maintain accurate pricing, availability, and profile information
- Honor all confirmed bookings or cancel with adequate notice
- Follow food safety and hygiene standards
- Respect customer property and leave the kitchen clean
- Arrive prepared with all necessary ingredients and equipment
8. Customer responsibilities
By booking through Local Chef RI, customers agree to:
- Provide accurate event details including guest count and location
- Disclose all allergies and dietary restrictions before the event
- Provide a safe and suitable environment with kitchen access for the chef
- Treat chefs with respect and provide honest reviews
- Honor cancellation policies as outlined above
9. Prohibited conduct
Users may not:
- Conduct transactions outside the platform to avoid service fees
- Share misleading, false, or fraudulent information
- Harass, discriminate against, or threaten other users
- Violate any applicable local, state, or federal laws
- Interfere with platform functionality or security
- Create multiple accounts for deceptive purposes
10. Account suspension
Local Chef RI reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these terms. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Attempts to bypass platform payments
- Repeated cancellations or no-shows
- Fraudulent activity or misrepresentation
- Harassment or abusive behavior toward other users
Suspended users will be notified by email and may appeal the decision by contacting our support team.
11. Liability disclaimer
Local Chef RI is not liable for:
- The quality, safety, or outcome of chef services
- Any damages, injuries, or losses arising from bookings
- Disputes between customers and chefs beyond platform mediation
All services are provided by independent chefs. The platform is provided “as is” without warranties of any kind.
12. Disputes
Any disputes between users should first be attempted to be resolved through the platform's messaging system. Local Chef RI may assist in mediation but is not obligated to do so.
If a resolution cannot be reached, users may contact our support team for further assistance at support@localchefri.com.
13. Modifications
We may update these Terms of Service at any time to reflect changes in our practices, features, or legal requirements. We will update the “Last updated” date at the top of this page.
Continued use of the platform after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.
14. Governing law
These Terms of Service are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Rhode Island, without regard to its conflict of law principles. Any disputes arising under these terms shall be resolved in the courts of the State of Rhode Island.
15. Contact
For support or questions about these Terms of Service, contact us at: support@localchefri.com