Privacy Policy

Last updated: March 27, 2026

1. Introduction

Chef Next Door (“we,” “our,” or “us”) operates a mobile marketplace application that connects consumers with local home chefs, bakers, baristas, food producers, and other food makers. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application and website (collectively, the “Services”).

By using our Services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not use our Services.

2. Information We Collect

Personal Information: When you create an account, we collect your name, email address, phone number, and profile photo. If you register as a seller, we also collect your physical address, MEHKO permit information, and tax identification details.

Payment Information: Payment processing is handled by Stripe. We do not store your full credit card number, CVV, or bank account details on our servers. Stripe may collect and store this information in accordance with their own privacy policy.

Location Data: With your permission, we collect your device's location to show nearby food makers and calculate distances. You can disable location services at any time through your device settings.

Usage Data: We automatically collect information about how you use our Services, including pages viewed, features used, search queries, items browsed, orders placed, and interaction patterns.

Device Information: We collect device type, operating system, unique device identifiers, browser type, IP address, and mobile network information.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

  • Provide, maintain, and improve our Services
  • Process orders and facilitate transactions between buyers and sellers
  • Send order confirmations, updates, and notifications
  • Show you relevant food makers and products near your location
  • Verify seller MEHKO certification status and compliance
  • Process payments and issue payouts to sellers
  • Provide customer support and respond to inquiries
  • Send marketing communications (with your consent)
  • Detect, prevent, and address fraud, abuse, and security issues
  • Comply with legal obligations
  • Analyze usage patterns to improve our platform

4. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information with:

  • Other Users: When you place an order, your name and pickup information are shared with the seller. Sellers' names, locations, ratings, and menu items are visible to consumers.
  • Service Providers: We work with third-party companies that help us operate our Services, including payment processors (Stripe), cloud hosting providers, analytics services, and communication platforms.
  • Legal Requirements: We may disclose your information if required by law, regulation, legal process, or governmental request.
  • Business Transfers: In connection with any merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

We do not sell your personal information to third parties for their marketing purposes.

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to collect usage data, remember your preferences, and improve your experience. You can control cookie settings through your browser. Our mobile app may use similar technologies for analytics and performance monitoring.

6. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information, including encryption in transit (TLS/SSL), encryption at rest, secure authentication, and access controls. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide you with our Services. We may also retain certain information as necessary to comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, enforce agreements, and for legitimate business purposes. Order history and transaction records are retained for a minimum of seven years for tax and regulatory compliance.

8. Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access the personal information we hold about you
  • Request correction of inaccurate information
  • Request deletion of your account and personal information
  • Opt out of marketing communications at any time
  • Withdraw consent for location tracking
  • Request a copy of your data in a portable format

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at info@chefnextdoor.app.

9. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including the right to know what personal information we collect, the right to request deletion, the right to opt out of the sale of personal information, and the right to non-discrimination for exercising your rights.

We do not sell personal information. To make a request under the CCPA, contact us at info@chefnextdoor.app.

10. Children's Privacy

Our Services are not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately and we will take steps to delete such information.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by posting a notice in the app or sending you an email. Your continued use of our Services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:

Chef Next Door
Email: info@chefnextdoor.app
Location: Los Angeles, CA