✦ Chef Jojo 30A · Internal Team Guide ✦
Market Coordinator &
Guest Relations
Role Guide, Training Manual & Daily Workflow
Le Cordon Bleu · 22+ Years · 6,000+ Guests Served
Guest Relations
🍽️ Chef Jojo 30A
🍯 HoneyBook
🟡 Monday.com
🎨 Canva
📊 Google Sheets
✦ Who We Are ✦
The Mary Kay of Private Chefs.
Building the most recognized private chef brand in the country — one unforgettable experience at a time.
Our Mission
To be the most sought-after private chef and concierge dining company in the United States — known not just for extraordinary food, but for the feeling we create around every table. We don't just cook. We transform ordinary moments into memories people will talk about for the rest of their lives.
Our Vision
Chef Jojo 30A is becoming a nationally recognized name — a brand synonymous with luxury private dining, bachelorette experiences, and world-class concierge chef services. We are growing fast, building bold, and we are just getting started. Every booking, every BEO, every email you send is a brick in something that is going to be huge.
How We Feel About What We Do
We believe food is love made visible. We believe every guest deserves to feel like the most important person in the room. We believe in showing up fully — in uniform, on time, with heart. The work we do is not just catering. It is hospitality at its highest level, and we treat it that way every single day.
"
I built this company from scratch — working multiple jobs, believing in something bigger than what I could see at the time. I want every person on this team to understand that you are not just filling a role. You are part of a movement. We are building the Mary Kay of private chefs, and I need people around me who believe in that vision as much as I do.
— Chef Joanna Mercado, Founder · Chef Jojo 30A
✦ What We Stand For ✦
🌸WarmthEvery client feels seen, heard, and cared for — always
⭐ExcellenceWe don't settle for good. We reach for extraordinary, every time
🤝IntegrityWe say what we mean, do what we say, and never cut corners
🚀GrowthWe are always learning, always improving, always reaching higher
🎯OwnershipTake initiative. Solve problems. Own your role completely
✨MagicWe create moments that people can't stop talking about
You joined a company that is on its way to the top. Chef Jojo has served 6,000+ guests, built a following of 22,000+ on Instagram, and earned a reputation along the Emerald Coast that money can't buy. Now we are taking it national. Your work matters. Your attention to detail matters. Your energy matters. Welcome to the team — let's build something legendary.
Section 01
About Your Role
Welcome to Chef Jojo 30A! You are the Market Coordinator and Guest Relations Representative — the voice of the brand after the initial client contact is made by Chef Jojo. Your role keeps every event running smoothly behind the scenes.
Your title
Market Coordinator & Guest Relations Representative
Reports to
Chef Joanna Mercado (Chef Jojo) via Monday.com
Primary tools
HoneyBook · Monday.com · Canva · Google Sheets · Email
Client contact
You own all client communication after the first invoice is sent
Email
chefjojo@chefjojo30a.com
Your core responsibilities
What you own every day
- Create and manage BEOs (Banquet Event Orders) for every booked event
- Correspond with clients via email — answer all incoming emails promptly
- Keep HoneyBook organized: contracts, questionnaires, follow-ups, payments
- Track all tasks and communicate with Chef Jojo through Monday.com only
- Check all 3rd-party platforms daily for incoming inquiries
- Complete business tasks on slow days: Canva menus, spreadsheets, PDFs, marketing
- Submit your end-of-day checklist report every shift
- Work with the Collective accountant to keep HoneyBook organized for financials
Responsibilities
Chef Jojo vs. You
| Chef Jojo Handles | Market Coordinator (You) Handles |
|---|---|
| Answers the initial lead inquiry | All follow-up emails after first contact |
| Sends the first invoice | Sends contracts, questionnaires & reminders |
| Makes client calls (for now) | Creates BEOs for each event |
| Final menu & pricing decisions | Confirms 3-day-out event details with client |
| Assigns chefs via ConnectTeam | Updates internal event tracker spreadsheets |
| Reviews BEOs you create | Checks 3rd-party platforms for new leads |
| Strategic business decisions | Canva menus, PDFs, and marketing tasks |
Section 02
Daily Workflow Routine
Follow this routine every shift. Consistency is everything — clients feel the difference when communication is timely and organized.
Tip: Always check Monday.com at the start and end of every shift. This is how Chef Jojo communicates with you — don't rely on texts or calls for business tasks.
| Time | Task | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Start of day | 📬 Check email & platforms | Open inbox — reply to all client emails. Check Yelp, Google, Instagram DMs, and any wedding/event booking platforms for new inquiries. |
| Morning | 📋 Log leads into HoneyBook | For any new inquiries: create a contact, add event details (type, date, guest count, contact info). Tag Chef Jojo on Monday.com if any need her attention. |
| Mid-morning | 📄 Create or update BEOs | Check which events are coming up. Build or update BEOs for anything in the next 7 days. Submit to Chef Jojo via Monday.com for review. |
| Midday | 🍯 HoneyBook follow-ups | Check for unsigned contracts, unanswered questionnaires, or unpaid invoices. Send polite reminders. Flag anything past-due to Chef Jojo. |
| Afternoon | 📞 3-day confirmations | Email any clients whose event is 3 days out. Confirm rental address, arrival window, parking, dietary changes, and any add-ons. |
| Afternoon | 🎨 Slow day tasks | Canva menus, update vendor/chef spreadsheets, create marketing PDFs, or complete any task assigned by Chef Jojo in Monday.com. |
| End of day | ✅ Submit EOD checklist | Complete your end-of-day report on the admin portal. Note wins, flag anything Chef Jojo needs to know, and set tomorrow's priority. |
Section 03
Client FAQ Sheet
Use these answers when responding to clients. Always keep the tone warm, professional, and enthusiastic. You represent the Chef Jojo brand!
✦ About Chef Jojo & Services
Who is Chef Jojo? ▼
Chef Joanna Mercado is a Le Cordon Bleu-trained private chef with 22+ years of experience. She specializes in Mediterranean, Caribbean, Asian fusion, and healthy Southern cuisine. She and her team bring restaurant-quality dining directly to your rental, beach house, or event space along the Emerald Coast — including 30A, Destin, and Panama City Beach.
What kinds of events do you do? ▼
We do plated dinners (2–7 courses), buffet dinners, private brunch, seafood boils, beach bonfire buffets, cooking classes, Sip.Eat.Paint experiences, bachelorette packages, fishing/catch-your-own events, birthday parties, family reunions, business retreats, and more. If you have something unique in mind, just ask!
How far in advance do I need to book? ▼
We recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak season (spring and summer). Popular dates fill up quickly. That said, reach out and we'll do our best for any timeline.
Do you travel outside of 30A? ▼
Yes! Chef Jojo and her team serve 30A, Destin, Panama City Beach, and surrounding Emerald Coast areas. She is also available for travel-based events nationally — please inquire.
✦ Pricing & Booking
What does it cost? ▼
Pricing depends on the service and number of guests. Plated Dinners start at $95/guest + food cost ($35/pp) + taxes & gratuity. Brunch is $65/guest + $20/person grocery cost. Beach Bonfire experience is $75–$180/person. Cooking classes are $100/guest + $35 food cost. Sip.Eat.Paint is $75/guest + $35 food cost. A server is included for plated dinners with groups of 8+, with an additional $35/person for early start times like brunch. Custom menus carry a $100 service fee.
Do you include taxes and gratuity? ▼
Yes — 7% tax and 23% gratuity are added to your invoice on the service fee. They are not charged on the food cost itself.
Can I customize my menu? ▼
Absolutely! Chef Jojo loves creating custom menus. There is a $100 custom menu fee. For standard events, you can select from our curated menus on the website — mix and match is always welcome!
Does alcohol come with the experience? ▼
Alcohol is not included. Clients provide their own. We do offer mixer packages and can incorporate cocktail pairings into the experience. Mimosa, coffee, and Bloody Mary bars are available for brunch events.
✦ Day-of Details
What time will the chef arrive? ▼
Chef and team typically arrive 2.5–3 hours before your service start time, depending on the event type. If you need a specific start time, let us know and we will plan accordingly.
Do I need to provide anything? ▼
Just your kitchen and a great attitude! We bring all supplies, equipment, and ingredients. For beach bonfire events, a $300 beach permit applies if not using our approved location.
What about dietary restrictions? ▼
Absolutely — let us know any allergies, dietary restrictions, or preferences (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.) when you fill out your questionnaire. We accommodate as many needs as possible.
When do you confirm event details? ▼
We reach out approximately 3 days before your event to confirm your rental address, parking details, any last-minute dietary changes, and your arrival window.
Section 04
HoneyBook How-To Guide
HoneyBook is our client management system. You will use it to manage leads, send contracts and questionnaires, track invoices, and follow up with clients. Chef Jojo sends the first invoice — everything else is yours to manage.
✦ Training Resources
📚HoneyBook Help Centerhelp.honeybook.com — search any topic here first
→
🚀Getting Started GuideOverview of the full platform
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💸Creating & Sending InvoicesStep-by-step invoice creation
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📝Creating ContractsHow to set up and send contracts
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📋Questionnaires (Client Forms)Collecting event details from clients
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🤖AutomationsSetting up follow-up reminders
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📊Pipeline & Project StagesManaging your lead flow
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✦ Key Tasks You'll Handle
Creating a new project (lead) ▼
- Go to Projects → New Project
- Enter client name, event date, event type, and guest count
- Add their contact info and any notes from the initial inquiry
- Set the project stage to 'Inquiry' or 'Lead'
- Tag it so Chef Jojo can see new leads at a glance
Sending a contract ▼
- Open the project, go to the Files tab
- Select 'Contract' → choose the appropriate template
- Review and personalize for the specific event
- Click 'Send to Client' — they sign digitally
Chef Jojo sends the first invoice. After that, you send contracts and questionnaires.
Sending a questionnaire ▼
- From the project, click 'Files' → 'Questionnaire'
- Select the event-type questionnaire (dinner, brunch, bachelorette, etc.)
- Send to the client to collect: rental address, dietary needs, preferred menu, arrival window
- Once returned, use it to build the BEO
Invoice line item rules — for the accountant ▼
- Never use lump sums — every charge needs its own line item
- Lines: Service Fee · Food Cost · Server Fee (if applicable) · Gratuity (23%) · Tax (7%)
- Tag every project by event type, service, and month
- Use consistent naming: DATE_ClientLastName_EventType
- Close all invoices for completed events — no open invoices for past events
Why this matters: Our Collective accountant needs to pull clean reports at any time. Messy invoices = messy books. This is one of the most important things you do.
Section 05
Monday.com Guide
Monday.com is how you communicate with Chef Jojo about tasks, questions, and project work. Do not use text messages or calls for business tasks — everything goes through Monday.
📚Monday.com Help Centersupport.monday.com
→
🚀Getting StartedFirst steps for new users
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✅Creating TasksHow to add items to a board
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✦ How to Use Monday in This Role
Sending a task to Chef Jojo ▼
- Open the relevant board (Events, Client Tasks, Business Projects)
- Create a new item with a clear title: e.g. REVIEW: BEO — Smith Party June 14
- In Updates, write your message and @mention Chef Jojo
- Attach any files (BEO PDF, Canva link, spreadsheet) directly to the task
- Set the status: 'Waiting on Chef Jojo' until she responds
Tracking your own work ▼
- Every task assigned to you should live in Monday.com
- Update the status daily: In Progress · Done · Stuck · Waiting on Chef Jojo
- Don't let tasks sit at 'In Progress' for more than 2 days without an update
- Mark tasks Done the same day you complete them
Slow day tasks (Chef Jojo assigns these) ▼
- Canva: Create or update branded menus, flyers, or marketing materials
- Spreadsheets: Update vendor list, chef roster, or event tracker
- PDFs: Format, update, or organize business documents
- Research: Check 3rd-party platforms, update listings, respond to reviews
If you have downtime and no task has been assigned, message Chef Jojo in Monday.com: "I have bandwidth — anything you'd like me to work on today?"
Section 06
How to Create a BEO
A BEO is the master document for every event. It is your Bible. If it's not on the BEO, it doesn't exist. Create one for every booked event and submit to Chef Jojo for review via Monday.com.
| Field | What to Include |
|---|---|
| Client Name | Full legal name and preferred name |
| Event Date & Time | Date, service start time, and chef arrival time (2.5–3 hrs before) |
| Event Type | Plated dinner, buffet, brunch, bonfire, cooking class, etc. |
| Guest Count | Confirmed number of guests |
| Rental Address | Full address including unit number |
| Parking & Access | Where to park, gate codes, access notes |
| Menu Selection | Every dish selected — appetizers, courses, dessert |
| Dietary Restrictions | All allergies, preferences, and restrictions listed clearly |
| Add-Ons | Bonfire, photography, grocery concierge, charm bar, etc. |
| Server Notes | Is a server included? Any special service notes? |
| Payment Status | Deposit paid, balance due, invoice number |
| Chef Assigned | Leave blank — Chef Jojo fills this in |
| Special Notes | Anything unusual, client requests, surprise elements |
✦ BEO Process
- Build the BEO once the client questionnaire is returned via HoneyBook
- Use the BEO creator tool on the admin portal to build it cleanly
- Submit it to Chef Jojo via Monday.com task for review — attach PDF directly
- Update the BEO if the client makes any changes before the event
- Each chef and server receives their unique access code to view their BEO
When in doubt, add more detail. Chef Jojo and the team arrive at events ready to execute — the BEO is their only guide.
Section 07
3rd-Party Platforms
New business may come through any of these channels. Check every platform at the start of each shift and log any new inquiry into HoneyBook immediately.
🔍Google Business ProfileCheck for new reviews and messages
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⭐Yelp for BusinessMonitor reviews and inbox
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📸Instagram DMsCheck @chefjojo30a for event inquiries
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📘FacebookCheck messages and comments
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💍The Knot / Wedding WireCheck for event inquiries if listed
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🏠Airbnb ExperiencesMonitor booking requests if active
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When responding to 3rd-party platform messages, be warm and brief. Get their name, event date, guest count, and email — then move the conversation to email and into HoneyBook.
Section 08
Communication Standards
✦ Email Response Rules
- Respond to all client emails within the same business day
- Nothing should sit unanswered longer than 24 hours
- Always use a warm, professional, and excited tone — you are selling an experience
- Sign off as: [Your Name] | Guest Relations | Chef Jojo 30A
- CC or BCC Chef Jojo only when she specifically asks to be looped in
✦ When to Escalate to Chef Jojo
- A client has a complaint or is unhappy with any aspect of the service
- A pricing question that goes beyond the standard menu rates
- A request for a service or menu option you're unsure about
- A payment dispute or invoice error
- Any media, press, or brand partnership inquiries
- A booking that involves 50+ guests or unusual logistics
Escalate via Monday.com — create a task, tag Chef Jojo, and write a clear summary. Never promise the client anything before Chef Jojo confirms.
You've got this.
Chef Jojo 30A has served 6,000+ guests and counting.
Your job is to make every client feel like the most important event on the calendar.
Welcome to the team.
✦ Welcome to the team ✦
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