Frequently Asked Questions

What types of services do you offer?

Zacki’s Culinary Creations provides a range of services, including culinary classes, personal chef services, corporate team-building events, and in-home parties. For booking and additional information, please contact ZCC.

What is your typical process for working with a new client?

  • The return of an initial client inquiry form, followed by a ZCC consultation that includes an evaluation of client menu, time-table, needs & budget; discussion of any travel, staff, rentals & décor.

  • ZCC provides personal previews of the event space and consultations for a $50 an hour consulting fee OR clients can submit photos of kitchen layout, cooking space, serving dishes, etc.

  • Finalization of menu and time for travel, preparation, set-up, event & clean-up. A 50% deposit is due upon contract signing, with the balance due the day of the event.

What is the event serving capacity?

For full service caterings, ZCC serves groups up to forty people. For culinary demos and expos, with sample sized portions, ZCC works with groups up to 30.

How are services priced?

After a preliminary phone or email complimentary consultation, event pricing is based on final menu selection, staffing, rentals, travel (outside of a 25-mile radius), and any additional consulting time at a rate of $50/hour. Catering pricing for groups ranges from $25-100 per person depending on the menu selected. Culinary classes are priced per person or at an agreed-upon group rate. For pricing information Contact ZCC.

Are other services available?

Zacki’s Culinary Creations offers custom gift baskets & holiday items as well as event décor. See Other Services or Contact ZCC.

What is ZCC’s payment and cancellation policy?

A 50% deposit and final menu selections are required at the contract signing for ZCC to confirm any catering. A final head count is required 7 days in advance of any event and constitutes a binding agreement. Payment can be made by credit card via PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, cashier’s check, money order, or cash. All deposits are non-refundable. However, if canceled within 5 days of the event, deposits are transferable to another date within one year of the original event.

What education, training, and experience does founder Zacki Murphy have?

Extensive international travel and freelance consulting and culinary experience including:

Education

  • Epicurean Culinary School - Los Angeles, CA

  • Ma Maison Cooking School - Los Angeles, CA

Consulting

  • Food Stylist & Menu Developer at Martha Stewart Living - Westport, CT

  • Lifestyle Consultant at Family Circle Magazine - New York, NY

  • Recipe Developer at Chick-fil-A - Atlanta GA

Restaurant

  • Ark Restaurants, Inc. - New York, NY

  • Bold American Foods - Atlanta, GA

What advice would you give a client looking to hire a caterer? What questions should clients think through before talking to professionals about their project?

  • Consider actual needs including a realistic preliminary budget, timetable, number of guests, weather considerations, menu, and theme.

  • Have a preliminary phone consultation to discuss the menu and event details.

  • Let Zacki's Culinary Creations exceed client expectations!