The best kept secret in Waco is a must-try for Baylor students, Waco residents and any visitors looking for an easy, fresh and delicious meal. As the name implies, the “Secret Chef of Waco” is a catering service that has flown under the radar for over 10 years.
Billy Garrett, a born and bred Wacoan, started Secret Chef of Waco after the catering services from the bed and breakfast he previously owned became requested more.
Currently, Garrett and his small battalion of chefs prepare, package and present fresh and fast meals for Waco residents.
“The owner [Garrett] is a super nice guy and everyone who shops here knows they’re getting A+ product. He opened Secret Chef to provide good, quality food in easy-to-use packaging for people who want a healthy pre-made meal,” Gaye Carlton, a Secret Chef employee, said.
Carlton has been working with Secret Chef for over five years, and said the company is growing more popular by the day.
“A lot of fitness trainers send their customers here, because we have a fit meal line that offers a ton of healthy options,” Carlton said.
Carlton also shared some insight on the menu, especially praising the chicken pot pie, which she said is her favorite, and the gooey brownies, which is one of their most popular items. The Secret Chef is fast and easy, with a storefront in downtown Waco where customers can shop for pre-made meals on the spot. Their call-ahead ordering makes larger requests more feasible.
“We really don’t have a limit on catering services.” Carlton said.
Secret Chef offers four different categories of meals: pre-made, fit, small meals and desserts. The variety ranges from hearty pork dinners to paleo banana walnut muffins with options for individual shoppers as well as for large parties. During Welcome Week, Owner Garrett, who is a Baylor alum himself, was busy serving meals to incoming Baylor freshmen and their families.
The customer service at Secret Chef is well-reputed by both word-of-mouth and online reviews.
“I love Secret Chef! When we had our last baby, people brought us their meals multiple times and everything was quick, clean and delicious. Definitely recommend,” said Ashley Shaffer, one of many google reviewers who praised Secret Chef.
Another reviewer, Eddie Walker, kept it sweet and to the point.
“Great, freshly prepared food at decent prices,” Walker said.
Secret Chef is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.. To place an order, call 254-772-2433 or email secretchefofwaco@gmail.com.
