✦ Chef Jojo 30A · Staff Portal ✦
Welcome to the Team
Staff Onboarding · Chef Jojo 30A
🍽️ Private Chef Events
🥂 Luxury Service
🌟 Emerald Coast
✦ Who We Are ✦
The Mary Kay of Private Chefs.
Building the most recognized private chef brand in the country — one unforgettable event at a time.
"
I built this company from scratch — working multiple jobs, believing in something bigger than what I could see at the time. Every person who joins this team becomes part of that story. We are not just cooking food. We are creating moments people will talk about for the rest of their lives. I need people around me who believe in that vision as much as I do — and I am so glad you are here.
— Chef Joanna Mercado, Founder · Le Cordon Bleu · 22+ Years · 6,000+ Guests
🌸WarmthEvery guest feels seen and cared for
⭐ExcellenceWe reach for extraordinary, every time
🤝IntegrityWe say what we mean and never cut corners
🚀GrowthAlways learning, always improving
🎯OwnershipTake initiative. Own your role fully
✨MagicWe create moments no one forgets
✦ Let's get started ✦
What is your role on the team?
👨🍳
Private Chef
You lead the kitchen, execute the menu, and make the magic happen
🥂
Server
You are the face of the experience — delivering hospitality at its finest
🍹
Bartender
You craft the drinks and set the tone for the entire evening
Section 01
Our Events
Chef Jojo 30A offers a range of experiences along Florida's Emerald Coast and beyond. Every event is different — here is what you need to know about each one.
🍽️Plated Dinner
2–7 course sit-down dinner. Most formal experience. Chef cooks from scratch, server runs courses, full cleanup included. Most common event type.
🥘Buffet Dinner
Chef prepares all dishes family style. Guests serve themselves. Less formal, great for larger groups. Still full service setup and cleanup.
🥂Private Brunch
Morning or midday service. Mimosa bars, eggs, proteins, pastries. Server included for 8+ guests. Earlier arrival times required.
🦞Seafood Boil
Casual, fun, high-energy. Shrimp, crab, corn, sausage. Setup and cleanup included. Usually outdoors or at a large table.
🔥Beach Bonfire Buffet
Outdoor beach experience. Permit required. Chef and team set up full buffet at the beach. Beautiful setup, high energy, unforgettable.
👩🍳Cooking Class
Guests cook alongside Chef Jojo. Interactive, educational, fun. Server assists. Sushi, pasta, international cuisines are popular choices.
🎨Sip, Eat & Paint
Dinner plus a guided painting experience. Chef cooks, server runs, painting instructor leads. Bachelorette favorite.
👰Bachelorette Package
Our most popular category. Can include any of the above plus add-ons: charm bars, bonfire, mimosa stations, painting, custom menus.
Section 02
How to Manage Your Event Day
This is the standard flow for a Chef Jojo event. Every event has a BEO — your Bible for the night. Read it before you arrive. Know it cold.
📋
Before you leave homeRead your BEO
Access it on the staff portal with your personal code. Know the menu, guest count, address, dietary restrictions, and any special notes. If something is unclear — contact Chef Jojo via the question box, not a text.
🚗
Arrival — 2.5 to 3 hours before serviceArrive on time, in uniform, ready to work
Park where the BEO specifies. Bring all your equipment. Greet the client warmly and professionally. Do a quick kitchen walkthrough — check oven, fridge space, counter space, and available equipment.
🧹
Setup — first 30 minutesOrganize your kitchen station
Unpack and organize. Mise en place everything before you start cooking. Check all ingredients against your shopping list. If anything is missing, contact Chef Jojo immediately — not 10 minutes before service.
🍳
Prep — bulk of pre-service timeExecute your mise en place
Cook methodically. Taste everything. Every dish that leaves your station represents Chef Jojo 30A. If you're unsure about a technique or a dish — stop and reach out. Never guess on a guest's plate.
🍽️
ServiceExecute each course with intention
Coordinate with your server on timing. Plate beautifully — presentation matters as much as taste. Communicate clearly: "First course in 3 minutes" gives the server time to be ready. Never rush a plate out if it doesn't look right.
🧽
After serviceLeave it better than you found it
Full kitchen cleanup — counters, stove, sink, all equipment. Package any client leftovers neatly. Pack all Chef Jojo equipment. Take photos of your dishes if you haven't already. Say goodbye to the client warmly before you leave.
📱
Same night or by 10am next morningSubmit your event debrief
Use the Chef Event Report on the staff portal. Ratings, notes, tip report, dish photos. Chef Jojo reads every single one — this is how we grow together.
Golden rule: If something goes wrong — a dish doesn't work, a guest has an allergy you didn't know about, anything unexpected — stay calm, fix what you can, and communicate with Chef Jojo through the question box immediately. Never pretend everything is fine if it isn't.
Section 03
How to Access Your BEO
Every event has a BEO — Banquet Event Order. It contains every detail you need for the night. You access it with your personal staff code. This is private — do not share your code.
1
Go to the Staff BEO Directory
Visit chefjojo30a.com and navigate to the Staff Portal page. This page is not in the public navigation — you access it via your direct link.
2
Enter your personal staff code
Your unique code is assigned when you join the team. It was sent to you by Chef Jojo or the admin. If you have not received it yet — use the question box below to request it.
3
View your assigned events
You will see only the events you are assigned to. Each BEO shows full event details — client, address, menu, timing, dietary notes, add-ons, and any special instructions.
4
Read it before every event
Know your BEO cold before you leave the house. If anything has changed or looks wrong — reach out through the question box immediately. BEOs can be updated by the admin up to the day before an event.
5
If you don't see your event
Contact the admin via the question box below — not a text. They will verify your assignment and update access if needed.
Section 04
Dress Code
You are a walking extension of the Chef Jojo 30A brand. How you show up matters. No exceptions.
✅ Always wear
👨🍳Chefs: Clean white chef coat or Chef Jojo branded coat, black chef pants, non-slip shoes
🥂Servers/Bartenders: Solid black top (no logos), black pants or skirt, black non-slip shoes
💆Hair fully secured — chefs: under a hat or net. Servers: pulled back neatly
✨Clean, pressed, wrinkle-free. You are arriving at someone's luxury vacation rental
💅Minimal jewelry — studs only for earrings. No dangling jewelry near food
🌸Light, neutral fragrance or none — never heavy perfume near food
🚫 Never wear
❌Graphic tees, logos, or branded clothing that is not Chef Jojo
❌Jeans, leggings, or casual pants
❌Open-toed shoes in the kitchen — ever
❌Hair down or loose near food
❌Wrinkled, stained, or worn-looking clothing
❌Heavy perfume or cologne
❌Visible undergarments or anything too casual
If you are unsure — overdress. Arriving looking too polished is never a problem. Arriving underdressed reflects on the entire team.
Section 05
Your Profile & 1099 Information
This creates your profile in our system and gives us everything we need for tax filing at the end of the year. All information is kept confidential and used only for payroll and IRS reporting purposes.
✦ Personal & Contact Info
✦ Tax Information (1099)
⚠️ Why we collect this: As an independent contractor, you will receive a 1099-NEC from Chef Jojo 30A if you earn $600 or more in a calendar year. We are required by the IRS to have your tax ID on file. See Section 07 for important links regarding your tax obligations as a 1099 contractor.
✦ About You
✦ Profile Photo — at least 1 required
Upload your profile photo
A clear headshot or professional photo · JPG or PNG · Required
✦ Work Photos (optional — portfolio / food photos)
Add any work or food photos
Dish photos, event photos, plating shots — anything you're proud of
Section 06
Independent Contractor & Insurance
Working with Chef Jojo 30A means you are operating as an independent contractor, not an employee. It is important that you understand what this means — both financially and legally. We are not able to provide legal or tax advice. The links below connect you directly to official IRS and government resources.
Important: Chef Jojo 30A does not withhold taxes from your pay. As a 1099 contractor, you are responsible for tracking your own income, paying self-employment tax, and filing your own returns. Please consult a licensed tax professional for personal advice.
✦ What It Means to Be a 1099 Contractor
- You are self-employed — you set your own schedule and work with multiple clients
- Chef Jojo 30A will issue you a 1099-NEC if you earn $600 or more in a calendar year
- You are responsible for paying self-employment tax (Social Security + Medicare) on your earnings
- You may need to make quarterly estimated tax payments to the IRS — check with a tax professional
- You may be able to deduct business expenses — knives, uniforms, mileage, professional development
- You are not eligible for employee benefits — no health insurance, PTO, or unemployment through Chef Jojo 30A
✦ Insurance Requirement
All chefs working with Chef Jojo 30A are required to carry their own general liability insurance. This protects you personally in the event of an incident at a client's property. Servers and bartenders are strongly encouraged to do the same. This is standard practice for independent culinary contractors and is non-negotiable for chef roles.
- Recommended minimum: $1,000,000 general liability coverage per occurrence
- You may also want to explore professional liability (errors & omissions) insurance
- Many affordable options are available through culinary associations and small business insurers
- Proof of insurance may be requested before your first event
✦ Official IRS Resources — for your reference only
🏛️IRS Self-Employed Individuals Tax Centerirs.gov — self-employed tax overview
→
📄About Form 1099-NECirs.gov — what a 1099-NEC is and when you receive one
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📅Estimated Quarterly Tax Paymentsirs.gov — how and when to pay estimated taxes
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💰Self-Employment Tax (Social Security & Medicare)irs.gov — understanding SE tax
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🛡️SBA Guide to Business Insurancesba.gov — types of business insurance explained
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Section 07
Background Check
Chef Jojo 30A requires all staff members to complete a background check before their first event. This protects our clients, our team, and our brand. The check is run through Checkr, a trusted industry-standard platform used by leading hospitality companies nationwide.
- The background check is run through Checkr.com — a secure, FCRA-compliant platform
- It typically covers: criminal history, sex offender registry, and identity verification
- Results are usually returned within 24–72 hours
- The fee is paid by the applicant — typically $29–$35 depending on the package
- You will receive an email from Checkr directly to complete the process
- Chef Jojo 30A receives a pass/fail summary — individual report details are handled by Checkr per FCRA guidelines
🔍 Background Check via Checkr
Click below to begin your background check. You will be redirected to Checkr's secure platform.
Have your government-issued ID ready. The process takes about 5–10 minutes.
Begin Background Check →
Have your government-issued ID ready. The process takes about 5–10 minutes.
By clicking above you will leave the Chef Jojo 30A staff portal and be directed to Checkr's secure platform.
Your personal information is handled directly by Checkr under their privacy policy.
Your personal information is handled directly by Checkr under their privacy policy.
Section 08
Ask Chef Jojo a Question
Have a question? Use this box — not a text message. Every question submitted here is documented, timestamped, and reviewed by Chef Jojo or the admin. This keeps communication organized and ensures nothing falls through the cracks.
💬
Question for Chef Jojo or Admin
Documented · Timestamped · Always answered
Your profile, 1099 info, and any questions are sent securely to chefjojo@chefjojo30a.com 🌸
Welcome to the team!
Your onboarding profile has been received by Chef Jojo.
You'll hear from us soon with your BEO access code and next steps. ✨
You'll hear from us soon with your BEO access code and next steps. ✨