Chef Bear
Chef Bear Cooking - A Culinary Journey
I’m a proud Columbus, Ohio native (Go Bucks!) and a graduate of the renowned Greenbrier Resort apprenticeship program. Over my career, I’ve earned CEC and CPC certifications through the American Culinary Federation and remained active with the National Restaurant Association, the World Academy of Chefs, and the James Beard Foundation. I’ve also been nominated for Best Chef and invited to cook at the historic James Beard House in New York.
My work blends culinary skill with business strategy—I’ve consulted for major companies, revitalized turnkey restaurant operations, and turned them into profitable ventures. My journey has taken me through respected kitchens across the country, including The Greenbrier, Pinehurst, Chateau Elan, Stonebridge Golf & Country Club, and Copious—formerly Columbus’s #1 farm-to-table restaurant.
I’ve represented American talent on global stages such as the World Pastry Cup and the Bocuse d’Or, and I continue to mentor and give back to the culinary community. Outside the kitchen, I’m a devoted father, a passionate fisherman, and a classic car enthusiast—bringing creativity, precision, and heart to everything I do.
Chef Bear Cooking
Pricing Structure
2026 Pricing Structure
(Service fee only — food reimbursed at actual cost with receipts.)
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Buffet-Style Service
$55 – $85 per person
Pricing based on guest count, menu selection, and complexity. Ideal for Lowcountry boils, BBQs, oyster roasts, brunches, and casual gatherings.
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Plated 3–5 Course Dinners
$85 – $125 per person
Restaurant-quality meals finished and plated in your home.
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Chef’s Tasting Menu (6–7 Courses)
Starting at $145 per person
Seasonal, elevated, chef-driven tasting experience.
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Small Group Minimum
$850 minimum service fee
(For groups under 10 guests.)
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Assistant / Staff Fee
For groups over 10 guests, an assistant is strongly recommended.
Assistant Fee: $200
Assistants help with prep, setup, service flow, plating, and cleanup.
Gratuity Note
Gratuity for assistants must be given directly to them.
I cannot transfer gratuity on behalf of clients.
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Food Cost Transparency
I do not mark up food.
You only reimburse the actual grocery cost with full receipt transparency.
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Payment Methods & Fees
Accepted Payments:
• Cash
• Check — payable to Curtis Hillard
• Credit/debit cards via Square
A dedicated ChefBearCooking, LLC business account is being established.
Square Card Fees:
• 3% processing fee
• 6–7% SC sales tax
Cash or check avoids additional fees.
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Deposit & Booking
Deposit: $300 non-refundable
Secures your date and applies toward the total.
Final Payment:
Due 48 hours before your event to cover shopping and preparation.
Events above 25 guests typically require full catering infrastructure. While my primary focus is on intimate dinners and smaller gatherings, I work closely with several trusted chefs and catering teams that I can recommend upon request. In some cases, I also collaborate with fellow professionals to accommodate larger groups.
If you have a bigger event in mind, just ask — I’ll always do my best to help or point you in the right direction.
Service Area
(No Travel Fee Zone)
Based in Myrtle Beach, SC, I serve clients with no travel fee from:
North Myrtle Beach • Myrtle Beach • Socastee • Surfside • Garden City • Murrells Inlet • Pawleys Island • Georgetown
Events outside this area may include a small travel fee based on distance.
What Chef Bear Cooking is all about!
