Chef James Merritt

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About

Cooking sometimes take more than just knowing the recipe and executing the dish. It takes good heart and patience to create a beautiful and tasty dish. I am Chef James Merritt. I cook with love, passion, and patience. After working in culinary over a decade now, I have learned numerous cooking methods. I have worked in restaurants such Two Urban Licks, C.Ellet’s Steakhouse, Rumis Kitchen, and many more! I’m confident to deliver exactly what you want on the menu for your special event. I started this journey doing dinner dates for friends and holiday meals for family. My specialty is creating sauces for the dish. Sometimes we can have the well cooked salmon or steak but just missing that one special moment…the sauce! I love catering for large and intimate engagements. I specialize in southern and Italian cuisine. I like grilling for sure and can provide delicious meals. Feel free to contact me for your special day! Communication✔️ On Time ✔️ Delicious ✔️ Quantity ✔️ Love✔️

Overview

Hired 14 times

Background checked

1 employee

3 years in business

Business hours

This pro hasn't listed their business hours.

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, PayPal, Stripe, Venmo, and Zelle.

Social media

Instagram

Services offered

Event type

Wedding

Birthday or anniversary party

Dinner party

Corporate event

Meal

Breakfast or brunch

Lunch

Cocktail hour or hors d'oeuvres

Dinner

Drinks and dessert

Dessert

Non-alcoholic drinks

Alcoholic drinks

Coffee or tea

Projects and media

Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and responsiveness.

Exceptional 5.0

14 reviews

5

100%

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Read reviews that mention:

Lisa H.

Jul 26, 2026

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Hired on Thumbtack

Chef James Merritt and his team went above and beyond our expectations. The food was absolutely delicious, with such variety and flavor- our guests were impressed! He was communicative, kind, and it really was a pleasure working with him. Thanks so much- we can’t wait to have you back over.

Details: Birthday or anniversary party • Cocktail hour or hors d'oeuvres • Alcoholic drinks • American - casual • Barbecue • Small bites • Yes, full service • Home • Yes, full kitchen • 30 - 39 guests • Plates, utensils and glasses • Cloth napkins • Serving and warming equipment • Premium (high end ingredients)

Wedding and Event Catering

Li M.

Dec 18, 2025

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Hired on Thumbtack

I wanted to do something special/out of the ordinary for my husband’s birthday + this was our first experience having a personal chef, it was fantastic! Chef James provided all that we requested: communication was on point, he showed up on time, came equipped with the ingredients to made a delicious dinner (prime rib, roasted crab, mashed potatoes, Parmesan linguine, asparagus & shrimp Louie salad) and on top of his culinary skills, he is very personable, it was comfortable & enjoyable to have him in our personal space. We will definitely be reaching out for personal chef or catering services again!

Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 2 guests • Dinner • Premium (high end ingredients) • American - formal • Southern • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.

Personal Chef

Mike J.

Aug 8, 2025

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Hired on Thumbtack

Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 11 - 20 guests • Dinner • I'm flexible • Dessert • American - casual • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.

Personal Chef

Natasha D.

Aug 17, 2025

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Hired on Thumbtack

Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 2 guests • Dinner • Premium (high end ingredients) • Cold beverages (non-alcoholic) • American - formal • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.

Personal Chef

DeLisa L.

Aug 31, 2025

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Hired on Thumbtack

I booked Chef James to cater a work/birthday event and everything, from the initial response to delivery he was very communicative

Details: Birthday or anniversary party • Cocktail hour or hors d'oeuvres • Dessert • Non-alcoholic drinks • American - casual • Barbecue • American - Southern • I'm flexible • No, drop off only • Community center • Yes, partial kitchen (fridge and sink only) • 30 - 39 guests • Table décor • Standard (basic ingredients)

Wedding and Event Catering

Credentials

Background Check

James Merritt

FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Affordable
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Communicate the needs and wants before starting work. I then will send proposals options based of what customers want.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Serv Safe, Chef, Sous Chef, First Cook, Line Cook, Prep Cook

Chef James Merritt

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