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If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
I am originally from Brooklyn, NY with a passion for Southern, Italian, traditional American and Caribbean cuisines. I am also fond of creating vegan and vegetarian dishes. After developing my love for cooking since age 7, I decided to attend The Escoffier School for the Culinary Arts to further my knowledge of the food industry. Once I graduated with an Associate’s degree in the Culinary Arts, I knew that I wanted to share my knowledge, passion and recipes with others. I hope that I can create a delicious meal for you and your loved ones soon!
Overview
Hired 17 times
Serves Petersburg, VA
Background checked
1 employee
2 years in business
Business hours
Sun12:00 am - 11:59 pmMonClosed
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Check, Credit card, PayPal, Square cash app, Venmo, and Zelle.
Customers rated this pro highly for responsiveness, work quality, and professionalism.
Exceptional 5.0
11 reviews
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Read reviews that mention:
Terrence M.
Sep 6, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
Absolutely incredible experience! The chef did an amazing job from start to finish. Every dish was fresh, flavorful, beautifully presented, and cooked perfectly. You can tell there’s real passion and attention to detail behind the food. The chef was also professional, personable, and made the entire experience enjoyable. I’d definitely recommend them to anyone looking for great food and quality service.
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 3 - 5 guests • Dinner • Premium (high end ingredients) • American - casual • American - formal • Southern • Barbecue • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Xenia D.
Apr 5, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
Chef Mark Burns was amazing! He was on time, very professional, he was very pleasant and interacted with us while we waited for the food to be cooked. We had a vegetarian meal and it was delicious, blew my guests away with how flavorful everything was. I enjoyed the way Chef Burns checked in with me while he cooked to make sure the food was cooked to my preference, we loved everything. After everything was done the kitchen was left spotless. It was so great! Thank you so much again for making a memorable experience.
Details: Regular meal • 3 - 5 guests • Dinner • Dessert • Premium (high end ingredients) • Dessert • American - casual • Italian • Southern • Dairy intolerant • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Crystal H.
May 14, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
Mark's company is veteran-owned, and my event is veteran-focused. He is polite, knowledgeable, honest, and punctual. His prices are reasonable. His food is creative, impressive, and tastes amazing. He has incredible ideas to help with your event.
Update: Unfortunately, I'm updating my review to fair as things didn't work out between us. His food was amazing at the May 2nd event; however, there was a shortage of food, despite prepaid funds, and guests let me know. I tried to reach out to him several times to resolve this issue professionally, but received no response. A learning experience to keep in mind if you have more than 20 guests.
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 36 - 50 guests • Cocktail hour / hors d'oeuvres • Dessert • Standard (basic ingredients) • Dessert • Southern • Vegetarian or vegan • Gluten free or celiac • Nut allergies • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Rachel H.
Jun 15, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Mark has been my hero during my internship in Richmond. I don’t know how I would’ve survived without his culinary skills and passion for what he does for clients. I began a stressful internship at the same time as a restrictive diet, and Mark has combined both my preferences and his skill set to create a suitable weekly menu.
Details: Regular meal • 1 guest • Lunch • Dinner • I'm flexible • American - casual • Italian • Dairy intolerant • I'm flexible • Weekly • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Mark L. Burns Personal Chef's reply
Thank you so much! I enjoy cooking for you! 😊
Personal Chef
Joe W.
May 18, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Absolutely phenomenal experience! Mark was outstanding from start to finish. He worked closely with us to curate the perfect menu for our family of 15 during our OBX weekend. Not only did he drive 3 hours from Petersburg, VA to be there, but he also spent over 7 hours single-handedly preparing an incredible meal—all while being warm, professional, and a fantastic conversationalist. The food was delicious, beautifully presented, and made our evening unforgettable. Our entire family loved him, and we’re already planning to book him again next year. Highly recommend—Mark is worth every penny and more!
Details: Brunch / dinner party • 11 - 20 guests • Dinner • Standard (basic ingredients) • Dessert • Barbecue • Southern • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Mark L. Burns Personal Chef's reply
It was an honor serving you and your family! I enjoyed the entire experience and conversations. I’m definitely looking forward to the next gathering!
Personal Chef
Credentials
Background Check
Mark Burns
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My initial pricing starts with the cost per guest and what kind of menu (basic or high end). After the consultation, I would have to factor in the cost of groceries and equipment needed (warming trays, utensils, napkins, etc.). Other fees include delivery (0.50 per mile).
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
There will be a consultation so that we can discuss the menu for the event, expectations, concerns (allergies, dietary restrictions, etc.), pricing and all matters related to the event and my services.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have an associate’s degree in culinary arts from The Escoffier School of Culinary Arts and over 20 years experience with cooking for groups of people.
