We recently connected with Matthew Mccomb and have shared our conversation below.

Matthew, appreciate you joining us today. What do you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry?

Personal chefs form a truly unique bond with their clients by diving deep into their lifestyles, tastes, and values. It’s similar to the relationship you might build with a trusted professional like a doctor or dentist—only here, the connection revolves around food, comfort, and well-being. You’re not just hiring someone to cook; you’re inviting someone into your life who cares about how you feel at the end of each meal.

Cooking as a personal chef goes well beyond following recipes; it’s about creating dishes that resonate with each client’s preferences and aspirations. If a client thrives on lighter fare, for instance, I might design a menu of Mediterranean-inspired dishes that feel fresh and energizing. For someone who loves classic American flavors, I’ll bring the comfort of home with dishes like a richly seasoned meatloaf alongside colorful, wholesome vegetables. These tailored details make each meal feel like it was crafted just for that person, building a dining experience with true meaning.

As we work together, trust naturally grows. Clients come to see that my role is about more than providing food—it’s about cooking with intention, care, and an understanding of what makes them feel at their best. This personal approach to my work is what sets a personal chef apart from larger, one-size-fits-all services. It’s about treating food as a deeply personal part of life—a bit of soul nourishment crafted just for you.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Matthew McComb, the owner and operator of Chef Matt’s Culinary Creations LLC. My culinary journey started early—I went from being an eager line cook to an executive chef and even tried my hand at real estate sales before realizing that my true calling was as a personal chef. Along the way, I’ve grown from those first days in the kitchen to building a business devoted to exceptional, personalized dining experiences. Chef Matt’s Culinary Creations is rooted in the belief that food is more than just sustenance; it’s an experience, a connection, and a form of expression. This philosophy shapes everything I do, from individual plates to entire menus designed around my clients’ tastes and needs.

Having celiac disease myself, I understand firsthand the importance of creating delicious, gluten-free options. My clients appreciate this personal insight, knowing that I genuinely care about and understand dietary restrictions. Chef Matt’s Culinary Creations offers a range of services, from intimate, customized dinners in clients’ homes to high-end event catering, specializing in gluten-free and Mediterranean-inspired dishes that focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. I’m proud to surprise and delight my clients with gluten-free treats, like my signature chocolate chip cookies—soft, indulgent, and proof that gluten-free desserts can be every bit as satisfying as traditional ones. This kind of tailored approach is what makes personal chef services like mine stand out; each meal is a meaningful experience crafted uniquely for you.

My business is centered on building lasting relationships with my clients. I don’t just create menus; I get to know the people I’m cooking for, discovering what brings them joy at the table. This personal connection allows me to evolve my offerings continually, from weekly fresh pasta to seasonal, locally inspired menus that reflect my clients’ tastes and desires. I’m currently planning Chef Matt’s Fish & Chips, a concept dedicated to crafting an exceptional fish and chips experience. The focus is on high-quality, Alaska-sourced cod that’s also gluten-free, paired with double-fried, crispy chips, and served alongside my gourmet gluten-free chocolate chip cookies.

What I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me, many of whom I’ve had the privilege to cook for over the years. I’m honored to be part of their milestone celebrations, family gatherings, or even a cozy weeknight meal. Chef Matt’s Culinary Creations is dedicated to quality, creativity, and a personal touch that only a small, committed business can provide. Each meal is more than food on a plate—it’s a shared experience crafted with care, meant to bring people together and make every occasion memorable.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the idea that success in the culinary world only comes from following traditional paths, like moving up the ranks in established restaurants or adhering strictly to classical techniques. Early in my career, I believed that climbing to the top meant staying on the restaurant track, pushing for roles like executive chef in high-profile kitchens. I spent years working toward that goal and even took on roles that didn’t align with my passions because I thought that was the only route to credibility and success.

The turning point came when I realized that working in someone else’s kitchen wasn’t fulfilling my creativity or my vision for connecting with people through food. I wanted more freedom to bring personal touches to the table, experiment with gluten-free baking, or make lighter, Mediterranean-inspired dishes that resonated with clients on a deeper level. Eventually, I took a leap into real estate sales as a break, hoping to get a fresh perspective. The time away from the kitchen helped me realize that I didn’t need to fit into any traditional mold to be successful—I could define my own path.

Starting Chef Matt’s Culinary Creations felt like breaking a rule I’d held onto for too long: that success meant following a structured, predictable trajectory. Unlearning that notion allowed me to focus on what I love—crafting meals tailored to each client, creating meaningful connections, and using food as a way to bring people together in their own homes. Now, instead of worrying about titles or traditional benchmarks, I focus on the impact I’m able to make directly with my clients.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

One story that has deeply influenced my approach to management and entrepreneurship is Marco Pierre White’s decision to give back his three Michelin stars. For him, it was about reclaiming his creative freedom and the right to cook on his own terms, free from the pressures and expectations that the stars imposed. That move resonated with me because it highlights a powerful truth: sometimes, the highest achievements in a conventional sense can actually limit your ability to create something personal and meaningful.

This story reinforced my belief that true success is about defining your own vision rather than meeting external standards. Like Marco, I realized that I didn’t want my career to be about titles, awards, or following a rigid path. I wanted my work to reflect my personal connection with clients, crafting menus that speak directly to their tastes and needs. It’s a more freeing, client-focused approach that allows me to make each meal unique, focusing on quality, creativity, and relationship-building rather than chasing accolades.

Marco’s story serves as a reminder that sometimes, stepping away from traditional markers of success isn’t a loss—it’s a gain in authenticity and passion. This philosophy is now at the heart of Chef Matt’s Culinary Creations, where I prioritize a genuine, client-centered approach over the conventions of the industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.chefmattmccomb.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefmattsculinarycreations/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551843732520
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-mccomb-b87b40316/
• Twitter: https://x.com/ChefMattMcComb
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/chef-matts-culinary-creations-williamstown-3

Image Credits

Nutriamed Metabolic & Lifestyle Center