Mark Gellert wanted to open a Chefs for Seniors franchise in Chester County as a way to help his 84-year-old mother.
“Seeing her struggle with nutrition prompted me to look further into the Chefs For Seniors franchising,” he said.
Chefs For Seniors is a friendly in-home national cooking service that’s tailored to the clients’ tastes and dietary needs.
A trained, licensed chef comes to your home and prepares a week’s worth of customized meals in two hours. That’s four different meals providing 10 to 15 servings.
The same chef comes for each visit. They do the shopping, cook the meals with their own equipment, and clean up afterwards.
Gellert is no stranger to the kitchen. He’s been to culinary school and worked as a chef himself for many years, eventually becoming a food service manager in senior care communities.
“Twenty years later, and the care of seniors has become my area of focus. Helping seniors to maintain quality of life as they age is important to me,” he said.
He had seen the ads for Chefs for Seniors and was attracted to the idea of owning a franchise.
It provides a better work-life balance while helping seniors like his mother.
There are many reasons people struggle with nutrition, Gellert said. Some have declining abilities. Some have never cooked, while others aren’t sure what the right food choices are.
“Chefs For Seniors comes to their homes and meets them where their needs are,” he said.
That could mean a low-sodium menu, or meals that are diabetic friendly, or high-protein.
“We can guide them to the right meal options,” he said.
If the client has an allergy, a dietary requirement, or just doesn’t like a particular ingredient, the chef can adjust the recipe.
There’s a standard meal plan or a custom-made plan for specific dietary needs.
“Some people love garlic, and some people don’t. It’s easily altered to meet their request.”
There’s also the social aspect of this service, Gellert said. It’s a chance for the clients to interact with someone.
“Many seniors don’t leave the house much. Our visits can provide more than just food,” he said. “We want to make their life easier and more enjoyable.
