MARION — Personal chef George Cheney’s smile may be familiar to regulars at the Marion Golf Club where he works as a front desk assistant. But he also “serves smiles” for a living as a personal chef around Marion and the East Coast. 

Cheney said that his inspiration behind cooking for others stems from fond memories surrounding meals.

“Eating is a great excuse to get everyone together,” he said. “I like the feelings and memories that [eating] can evoke.”

With over 10 years of experience in the restaurant industry, including working for local staples such as Ella's Wood Burning Oven, Cheney was inspired to start his own company after speaking with other personal chefs.

“I love curating meals and making memories for people,” he said. “Let me see if I can translate that out of the restaurant and into people's homes.”

He started his personal chef company, East Coast Chefs, in 2021 and has served gatherings around the Northeast. Cheney said he hopes to expand his network to reach the entirety of the East Coast.

“I would love to … travel up and down the East Coast,” he said. “But for now I just love the personal connection that comes with being welcomed into people’s homes.”

From recreating wedding menus for clients’ anniversaries to potato themed parties, Cheney has curated menus to meet a variety of tastes and occasions.

“Knowing that I gave somebody a new flavor that they’ve never experienced before is exciting for me,” he said. 

Cheney said that his favorite dishes to cook are Asian and Southeast Asian cuisine but likes to keep himself on his toes by trying out new menus.

“I try not to be stagnant or complacent,” he said. “I definitely am always trying new things.”