Hire a Private Chef in 30A for Elegant Beachside Dining

Skip the reservations. Let Chef Jojo bring a custom culinary experience right to your rental, beach house, or Airbnb.

Moments Made with Chef Jojo

Meet Chef Jojo

Joanna Mercado, lovingly known as Chef Jojo, discovered her love for cooking as a child, inspired by her father and grandmothers in the kitchen. That spark has since grown into over 22 years of professional culinary experience, including time at acclaimed 30A restaurants like Pescado and The Surfing Deer.

Today, Chef Jojo brings that same passion and artistry to every client she serves. She infuses her menus with Mediterranean and Caribbean influences, adds a healthy twist to beloved Southern classics, and crafts unforgettable sushi spreads from scratch.

Whether preparing an intimate dinner for two or catering a 500-guest celebration, no occasion is too small or too grand. Every dish reflects Chef Jojo’s commitment to excellence and her joy in creating meaningful moments around the table.

30A Private Chef Services

From plated dinners to bonfire buffets, Chef Jojo offers handcrafted culinary experiences for every occasion in 30A.

Plated Dining Experience

An elegant dining experience in your home. Enjoy a multi-course meal with Chef Jojo and team, complete with menus, linens, fresh flowers, and cleanup.

  • Let Chef Jojo create an unforgettable dining experience tailored to your vibe. From casual comfort to full-service elegance — the choice is yours.

    What to Expect:

    • Chef Arrival: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (based on event time)

    • Server Arrival: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM

    • Dinner Start: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

    • Dining Experience: Up to 2 hours

    • Cleanup: Included with every package

    Private Dining Packages

    Platinum Plated Dining Experience $140 per person

    The full experience — luxury on a plate.
    • 4 Courses
    • Traditional Plates
    • Linen Napkins
    • Fresh Flowers
    • Custom Printed Menu

    Gold Plated Dining Experience$95 per person

    Refined, thoughtful dining with style.
    • 4 Courses
    • Traditional Plates
    • Linen Napkins

    Family Reunion$75 per person

    Fun, fabulous, and flavor-forward.
    • 3 Courses
    • Traditional Plates
    • Linen Napkins

    Sweet & Simple$65 per person

    Effortless and easy, perfect for relaxed gatherings.
    • 3 Courses
    • Disposable Plates

    One Plate Wonder$55 per person

    Just the essentials — simple, satisfying, and seamless.
    • Salad + Entrée + 2 Sides
    • Traditional Plates
    • Linen Napkins

Sushi Night Buffet

Bring the flavor and fun of a sushi bar to your stay. This buffet-style menu includes Chef Jojo's famous Shaka rolls, potstickers, vegan dips, and desserts.

  • Shaka Sushi Rolls Buffet – $130 per guest

    A flavor-packed sushi night curated by Chef Jojo, perfect for food lovers and adventurous eaters.

    Your Menu Includes:

    • Ginger Salad with Chef Jojo 30A Olive Oil & Co

    • Avocado Tofu Dip with vegan ceviche & wonton chips

    • Chicken Potstickers with sweet soy glaze

    • Shaka Sushi Rolls Buffet

    • Dessert Duo: Tiramisu & Key Lime Pie

    A perfect blend of fresh, bold, and indulgent—crafted and served in the comfort of your home.

Brunch & Breakfast

Wake up to a chef-curated breakfast in your kitchen. From mimosa bars to gourmet spreads, Chef Jojo makes mornings in 30A effortlessly delicious.

  • Wake Up to a Chef-Prepared Breakfast – $65 per guest + $15 groceries

    Let our team handle everything while you sleep in. Enjoy a curated breakfast, freshly prepared in your kitchen—no cooking, no cleanup.

    Start your morning right with a Mimosa Bar, Coffee Station, or Bloody Mary Bar, perfect after a fun night out in 30A.

    Once booked, we’ll work with you to customize your ideal breakfast menu.

    (View sample menus below)

Taco Fiesta Buffet

Spice up your evening with a bold taco buffet. Featuring three taco varieties, signature salads, and a selection of margarita mixers.

  • Taco Night Experience – $100 per guest

    A vibrant, chef-prepared taco night featuring bold flavors and fresh ingredients:

    What’s Included:

    • Appetizers: Guacamole, chips & salsa

    • Salad: Strawberry avocado salad with roasted corn, candied pecans, and white balsamic dressing

    • Tacos: Grouper birria, al pastor chicken, and grilled shrimp

    • Sides: Pineapple coleslaw, rice & beans

    • Dessert: Strawberry tres leches

    • Drinks: Spicy watermelon, peach, mango, strawberry, or traditional margarita mixers (client provides alcohol)

    Perfect for celebrations, beach nights, or casual get-togethers. Everything prepared fresh in your kitchen by our team.

Bonfire & Dining Experience at Home

Enjoy a warm bonfire night paired with a private chef dinner in your backyard or rental. Includes a full plated or casual dinner before or after your bonfire.

  • Bonfire + Private Chef Dining Experience – $135 per guest

    Let us take care of everything—dinner, setup, and the perfect beachside ending.

    Enjoy a personalized dining experience at your rental before or after your bonfire, then gather around the fire for an unforgettable evening under the stars.

    What’s Included:

    • 2-hour beach bonfire

    • Custom message in the sand

    • Dedicated fire attendant

    • 6 tiki torches for ambiance

    • Cornhole game for fun

    • Bluetooth speaker for your playlist

    • S’mores kit to end the night sweetly

    Dining Options:

    • Choose plated or casual dining before or after your bonfire

    • Latest dinner start time: 8:30 PM

    • Prefer to pair this with brunch the next morning? We can do that too!

    Booking Info:

    • $135 per guest (minimum group of 8)

    • $300 minimum required for bonfire reservations

    • Beach server required for groups of 6+ – $125 per 15 guests

    • $150 non-refundable permit if using a beach near your rental

    • 100% refundable bonfire when booking through our approved location via It’s Lit PCB Bonfire Company

    Whether it’s a romantic evening or a celebration with friends, this is your beach night—done right.

Cooking Classes

Learn to roll sushi, hand-make gnocchi, or cook like a pro with Chef Jojo. Includes a full hands-on class and three-course meal.

  • Learn to roll sushi, shape gnocchi, or recreate your favorite dish—right in your own kitchen.

    This hands-on class includes an appetizer, salad, and entrée you’ll prepare with Chef Jojo, plus a delicious dessert to end the night.

    What to Expect:

    • Chef arrival: 3:30 – 4:30 PM

    • Class begins: 6:30 PM

    • Dinner served: 7:45 – 8:00 PM

    • Service ends: 9:30 PM

    Details:

    • $130 per guest

    • Groups of 6 or more include a server to assist with class and cleanup ($125)

    Perfect for birthdays, bachelorette nights, or just a memorable evening with friends.

Bonfire & Buffet ON THE BEACH

Go big with a full buffet experience right on the beach. Choose from themed menus like seafood boil, sushi night, or taco fiesta while dining by firelight.

  • Go Big with a Bonfire & Buffet ON THE BEACH – $160 per guest

    Host an unforgettable dinner right on the beach—complete with a sunset bonfire, tiki torches, and chef-prepared buffet service for your group.

    What's Included:

    • Bonfire Start Time: 7:00 PM

    • 2-Hour Bonfire Setup with:

      • 6 tiki torches

      • 1 cornhole game

      • S’mores kit

    • Trays for easy beachside dining

    • Choose from 5 Chef-Curated Menus Below

    Your Menu Options:

    1. Low Country Seafood Boil

    Shrimp, crab, sausage, corn, mushrooms, citrus & aromatics. Served with Caesar salad & key lime pie.

    2. Fiesta on the Beach

    Strawberry avocado salad, birria shrimp tacos, al pastor chicken tacos, pineapple coleslaw, rice & beans, strawberry tres leches, and margarita mixers (client provides alcohol).

    3. Caribbean Luau

    Jerked chicken, honey tajin shrimp, coconut rice, black beans, truffle roasted asparagus, cilantro lime Caesar salad & strawberry tres leches.

    4. Sushi on the Beach

    Shaka sushi rolls buffet, ginger salad, snow crab rangoon with sweet Thai chili, chicken potstickers, tiramisu & key lime pie.

    5. American BBQ

    BBQ chicken, shrimp, smoked brisket, mac & cheese, baked beans, collards, slaw, summer strawberry avocado salad & s’more cups.

    Want Something Custom?

    Tailored menus available for a $100 service fee.

    Additional Notes:

    • $300 non-refundable beach permit fee applies if not using our refundable approved location near 30A.

    • Alcohol not included. Client provides if using mixers.

Catch & Cook

Let Chef Jojo turn your fresh catch into a gourmet meal. After a day on the water, return home to a buffet or plated dinner featuring your own catch.

  • Turn your fresh catch into a chef-prepared feast with your choice of Plated or Buffet-style service.

    After a great day fishing or boating, come home and let our chefs handle the rest—right in your kitchen.

    What’s Included:

    • Your fresh catch prepared pan-seared, fried, or baked

    • Chef-prepared sides:
      Coleslaw, tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, fresh seasonal salad & vegetables, Hawaiian rolls, honey cornbread, and key lime pie

    • Table setting and water service included

    Pricing:

    • $85 per adult

    • $35 per child (ages 4–12)

    • Service helper required for groups of 8+ — $150

    Timing:

    • Chef arrival: 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM

    • Dinner served: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

    Taxes and gratuity will be included on your invoice.

Bachelorette Services

Celebrate your girls’ getaway with unforgettable moments by Chef Jojo — from dreamy brunches to bonfires and Cook, Paint, & Karaoke nights in 30A.

  • With so many options and so little time, make your celebration unforgettable with Chef Jojo. Whether it’s a vibrant brunch at the house, a plated dinner with the girls, or an unforgettable night of Cook, Paint, & Karaoke, we’ve got your vibe covered. Want to go all out? End the evening with a bonfire under the stars and a custom dinner experience just for your crew.

    Let’s make it the bachelorette weekend they’ll talk about forever.

Need immediate help? Text us at (321) 877-8781

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Need immediate help? Text us at (321) 877-8781 📱

Signature Menus

Chef Jojo offers a thoughtfully curated range of menus to suit every occasion — from peaceful beach mornings to elegant dinners and lively sunset bonfires. Each menu is handcrafted using the freshest local ingredients, delivered with unmatched hospitality and flavor.

Specializing in Organic, Caribbean, Asian Fusion, Seafood, and Vegetarian cuisine, Chef Jojo brings creativity, culture, and balance to every plate. Whether you’re craving bold flavors or clean, wholesome meals, there's a menu crafted just for you.

Brunch & Breakfast

Build Your Own Brunch *B*Y*O*B*
Start your day with a chef-made brunch, cooked fresh in your kitchen and tailored to your taste.

  • Blueberry Pancakes

    Cinnamon French Toast with Berries

    Chicken & Waffles

    Banana Foster Crepes

    Traditional Eggs Benedict

    Jumbo Lump Blue Crab Benedict - Classic Béarnaise Sauce, Poached Eggs topped on a Fried Green Tomatoes with Sundried Tomato Aioli

    Avocado Toast - Soft Boiled Egg, Pickled Red Onion, Cilantro, Tajin, Fresh Jalapenos, Pineapple Buerre Blanc

    Vegetarian Eggs Benedict - Poached Eggs, Heirloom Tomatoes, Caramelized Onions, Garlic Sautéed Spinach, Cheddar Cheese, with Carrot Glaze on Sourdough Muffin

  • Applewood Smoked Bacon

    Turkey Bacon

    Maple Sausage Link

    Chicken Sausage Links

    Pork Sausage Patty

  • Skillet Potatoes

    Roasted Reds

    Hash Browns

  • Scrambled Eggs

    Eggs to Order

    Scrambled with Cheese

    Omelets to Order

    Quiche Lorraine

    Vegetarian Frittata - Sundried Tomatoes, Chevre Goat Cheese, Mushrooms, Onions, & Cauliflower

  • Florida Fresh Fruit Platter

    Exotic Fruit Platter

    Parfait Platter

    Avocado Caprese Platter

  • Pastry Platter

    Fresh Squeezed Juice Bar & Berries

    Coffee Station

    Mimosa Bar

    Bloody Mary Station

    (can add additional bars, just ask!)

  • $65 per person + gratuity & taxes

    Groups of 10 or more require a server for an additional $125 per 10 guests .

Plated Dinners

Explore chef-crafted menus inspired by 30A’s top spots — or mix and match your favorites. Wherever you're staying, we've got your perfect meal.

  • Crafted by Chef Joanna Mercado, this year’s menus celebrate the best of 30A with fresh, local ingredients sourced from trusted partners like Market 30A, The Vale Mushroom, Sweet Henrietta’s, Publix, Fresh Market, Shaka Sushi, and 30A Olive Oil Co.

    Together, we create more than meals — we create moments that make the Florida Gulf Coast a top destination for families, friends, and retreats alike.

    Choose any menu that speaks to you — no matter where you’re staying!
    Menu names are simply for inspiration and easier selection. Want to mix and match? Just let us know — we’re happy to customize.

Bonfires & Buffets

  • Shrimp, snow crab, andouille sausage, corn, mushrooms, broccoli, citrus & aromatics (medium heat)
    Sides: Caesar salad & key lime pie

  • Strawberry avocado salad with roasted corn, candied pecans & red onions
    Tacos: Birria shrimp, al pastor chicken street tacos
    Sides: Pineapple coleslaw, rice & beans
    Dessert: Strawberry tres leches
    Drinks: Margarita mixers (client provides alcohol)

  • Cilantro lime Caesar salad, jerked chicken, honey tajin shrimp
    Sides: Coconut rice, black beans, truffle roasted asparagus
    Dessert: Strawberry tres leches

  • Shaka sushi rolls buffet, ginger salad
    Hot Bites: Snow crab rangoon with sweet Thai chili, chicken potstickers with sweet soy
    Dessert: Tiramisu & key lime pie

  • BBQ chicken, BBQ shrimp, smoked brisket
    Sides: Mac & cheese, baked beans, coleslaw, collards, summer strawberry avocado salad
    Dessert: S’more cups

  • Prefer a custom menu? We offer 30 minutes of planning and a 30-minute consultation call with the chef.
    + $100 service fee

Choose from one of our chef-designed menus — all cooked fresh on-site and served with signature sides and desserts.

Start Your Booking

Start Your Booking

Tell us a bit about your event and we’ll take care of the rest. Whether it's an intimate dinner or a full-service bonfire buffet, we’ll craft something unforgettable for you.

 

Need immediate help? Text us at (321) 877-8781

📱

Need immediate help? Text us at (321) 877-8781 📱

What Our Guests Are Saying

Hosting something special on 30A?

Hire Chef Jojo for a private, in-home dining experience you’ll never forget.