Way Cool Cooking School

A Seriously Fun Cooking School Specializing in Custom Cooking Events

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FAQs

Dinner Party/ Private Event FAQ

How much does it cost per person? 
Our private events start at $125.00 per person for a 2.5 hour event. There is an 18% gratuity applied for your chef hosts, 10% event planning & coordination fee and a 2% credit convenience fee for all card transactions.

Do you require a minimum number of people? 
No, but we do have a dollar minimum of $900.00. So if your per person cost doesn’t add up to $900, you would pay the base price of $900.00.

What kind of menus and theme do you have to choose from? 
We have a variety of Cooking Challenges to choose from where you work on teams and make anything you want based on the challenge theme chosen! We also have a variety of Chef Led Dinner Party menus to choose from that you are sure to love; Italian, Mexican, French, and Tapas, we can customize a menu for you too.

How far in advance do I need to reserve a date? 
We prefer to have a reservation 2 or more weeks prior to the date of your event to ensure staffing needs.

Is there a deposit required to book an event? 
Yes, all of our private events are booked with a $500 deposit that is applied to your event. The remaining balance will be due at the end of your event.

Do you make accomodations for food allergies/dietary restrictions?

Yes, we will work with you to make accomodations. Our cooking challenges are a great way to accomodate as teams will be choosing their own recipes. Custom menu options can be provided for our chef-led dinner parties for an additional per person cost. Please call to discuss a custom quote for your event.

Do you have to bring your own stemware? 
Stemware is provided.

How long is the event? 
Two and a half hours.

What kinds of events do you? 
Couples dinner parties, bachelorette parties, wedding showers, adult birthday celebrations, girl’s night outs, bridal showers, holiday parties, cookie bakes, and more!

Can I talk to someone about the details of my event? 

Yes! You can always call us at 952-949-6799 to plan your party. Additionally, after you book your event a Way Cool Party Planner will call you discuss the details of the event and to meet you!

What is your cancellation policy?

  • Rescheduling event 14 or more days prior to scheduled date ~ Deposit will transfer to your rescheduled date, no additional charges.
  • Rescheduling event within 14 days of scheduled date ~ Deposit is retained to cover event costs, full balance due at rescheduled date.
  • Cancelling event 14 days or more prior to scheduled date ~ Full refund of deposit.
  • Cancelling event within 14 days of scheduled date ~ Deposit is retained to cover event costs. If cancelling within 7 days of event, an additional $200 cancellation fee will apply.

*This policy applies to all Way Cool Cooking School Inc. rescheduled and canceled events due to illness, weather, unplanned circumstances, etc. that result in the inability to attend at scheduled event time.

Team Building FAQ

How much does it cost? 

Our private team building events start at $125.00 per person for a 2.5 hour event. There is an 18% gratuity applied for your chef hosts, 10% event planning & coordination fee and a 2% credit convenience fee for all card transactions.

Is there a minimum amount of people? 
No, but we do have a dollar minimum of $900.00. So if your per person cost doesn’t add up to $900, you would pay the base price of $900.00.

Is there a deposit required to book an event? 
Yes, all of our private events are booked with a $500 deposit that is applied to your event. The remaining balance will be due at the end of your event.

How many people can you accommodate? 
We can accommodate up to 50.

Are there appetizers and beverages available? 
Yes, our chefs will prepare appetizers and serve sodas and water for your group for an additional $15.00 per person.

Do we need to bring in stemware or flatware? 
No all stemware, flatware, linens, and flowers are provided.

Do you get to eat what we make? 
Of course!  That’s the best part.

What are the menu options? 
Our most popular event is a Chopped Competition, but we also offer Food Truck Wars, Cupcake Wars, Workplace Wellness, Chopped Appetizers and more…see the team building page for details.

Can I talk to someone about the details of my event? 

Yes! You can always call us at 952-949-6799 to plan your party. Additionally, after you book your event a Way Cool Party Planner will call you discuss the details of the event and to meet you!

When do you need to confirm by? 
We ask for a final confirmation 72 hours prior to the event and this is the number your group is charged for.

What do we do during the competition? 
Brainstorm ideas collaborate, delegate, cook, learn, laugh, communicate, eat and enjoy yourself while creating memories with your team.

Is there a bartending service?
We are happy to make arrangements for your group, please call us to discuss this option.

Is there a gratuity?
A standard 18% gratuity is suggested and greatly appreciated for the awesome chefs hosting your event.

What is your cancellation policy?

  • Rescheduling event 14 or more days prior to scheduled date ~ Deposit will transfer to your rescheduled date, no additional charges.
  • Rescheduling event within 14 days of scheduled date ~ Deposit is retained to cover event costs, full balance due at rescheduled date.
  • Cancelling event 14 days or more prior to scheduled date ~ Full refund of deposit.
  • Cancelling event within 14 days of scheduled date ~ Deposit is retained to cover event costs. If cancelling within 7 days of event, an additional $200 cancellation fee will apply.

*This policy applies to all Way Cool Cooking School Inc. rescheduled and canceled events due to illness, weather, unplanned circumstances, etc. that result in the inability to attend at scheduled event time.

Do you make accomodations for food allergies/dietary restrictions?

Yes, we will work with you to make accomodations. Our cooking challenges are a great way to accomodate as teams will be choosing their own recipes. Custom menu options can be provided for our chef-led dinner parties for an additional per person cost. Please call to discuss a custom quote for your event.

Birthday Party FAQ

How much does a party cost?
$400.00 is the basic price for up to 10 guests, additional guests are $40.00 each.

Our 2 Hour Teen Parties are $500.00 for up to 10 guests, additional guests are $45.00 each.

How many guests can you accommodate? 
We can accommodate up to 20 kids for a birthday party.

Is the cake included? 
Yes, each party comes with a two-layer, 8 inch round cake, with your choice of chocolate or vanilla frosting, sprinkles, and candles.

What kind of cake is it? 
Vanilla cake with a choice of chocolate or vanilla frosting.

Do you have decorations? 
All birthday parties come with decorations, themed paper ware, and tablecloths.

Do you provide balloons?
No, but you can certainly bring in your own balloons.

How far in advance do we need to book? 
One month or more is recommended to get your preferred date and time.

Do you provide beverages? 
We provide lemonade and water for guests.

What are the times of your birthday parties?

Friday (Day Time Available by Phone) ~ 6:00-7:30 PM

Saturday ~ 10:00-11:30, 12:00-1:30, 2:00-3:30, and 4:00-5:30

Sunday ~ 11:00-12:30, 1:00-2:30, and 3:00-4:30

Can you modify or customize a menu? 
Yes, but projects need to be approved to ensure it works within the time limits of the event. A completely customized menu/party theme will be $500.00 instead of the $400.00 basic package.

Do the kids do the cooking? 
Yes, all cooking projects are either prepped to be individual or group projects.

Do the kids get to eat what they make?
Of course!  That’s the best part!

Is there a time and place to open gifts? 
This really depends on the participants. If we do not have time during the party for you to open gifts, you can use the area outside of the school to open presents with guests.

How do you handle food allergies? 
We work with food allergies every day and can make modifications when given advance notice. We are nut free for birthday parties and can provide gluten free options for an additional $10.00 per guest.

Can kids under 3 attend a party? 
We find it is too difficult for kids under 3 to participate, but they are welcome to be at the party without participating in the cooking.

When do I confirm everything for my party?
72 hours prior to the day of your event.

What is your cancellation policy? 

  • Rescheduling event 14 or more days prior to scheduled date ~ Deposit will transfer to your rescheduled date, no additional charges.
  • Rescheduling event within 14 days of scheduled date ~ Deposit is retained to cover event costs, full balance due at rescheduled date.
  • Cancelling event 14 days or more prior to scheduled date ~ Full refund of deposit.
  • Cancelling event within 14 days of scheduled date ~ Deposit is retained to cover event costs. If cancelling within 7 days of event, an additional $200 cancellation fee will apply.

*This policy applies to all Way Cool Cooking School Inc. rescheduled and canceled events due to illness, weather, unplanned circumstances, etc. that result in the inability to attend at scheduled event time.

What are your payment options? 
All Major Credit Cards (There is a 2% credit convenience fee added to all credit card transactions.)

Do you require a deposit? 
There is a $100.00 deposit plus a 2% credit card processing fee at the time of booking unless approved by management.
We reserve the date/time for your party with a credit card number but nothing is charged until the day of the party and you can use a different form of payment that day if you wish.

Do parents stay or leave during the party? 
We encourage the family of the birthday child to stay and enjoy the party, take photos, etc. The parents of the guests can be dropped off and picked up. We are also located in a strip mall with Caribou, Patina, Kowalski’s Market, etc. if the parents of the guests would like to take a little parent vacation during the party!

Are there party favors available? 
Yes, we have Cooking Favors containing a Baking mix, Measuring Cups and a Recipe Card for $6.00 each. We also have White Aprons available for $6.00 each and Paper Chef Hats are available for $2.00 each.

What are the release forms for? 
To make us are aware of any food allergies and contact information for parent/guardians in case of an emergency.

How many staff will be working with the kids? 
We have two Way Cool Chefs on for parties up to 18, groups larger than 18 have three Way Cool Chefs.

Is gratuity included/recommended?

Gratuity is optional but much appreciated by the awesome chefs who host your party! For parties of 18+ guests, there will be an automatic 18% gratuity included for the chefs hosting the party. For parties of 17 or fewer guests, gratuity is optional but much appreciated.

What is your COVID-19 protocol currently?

We are following the most up to date guidelines provided to us by the CDC and Minnesota Government for all of our events, classes and camps. You can see our current guidelines for joining us in the kitchen below. Please call us at 952-949-6799 with any questions you may have.

Way Cool COVID-19 Protocol

Class FAQ

How many people are in a class?
Our class size varies but is usually no more than 20 participants for our adult and family classes. Kids class sizes vary from 10-35.

Do you provide aprons?
Yes, they are available to our guests.

Do we get to eat what we make?
Yes, that’s the best part!

What is your class cancellation policy?

*This policy applies to all Way Cool Cooking School Inc. rescheduled and canceled events due to illness, weather, unplanned circumstances, etc. that result in the inability to attend at scheduled event time.

  • More than 7 Days from your cooking class: 
    • Full refund for the class or credit to apply to future classes. If rescheduling to a new class, your payment will transfer to the new class.
  • 4-7 Days from your cooking class:
    • Class credit issued to apply to a future classes. No refund available.
  • Within 4 days of your cooking class:
    • No refund available. We can open your registration for re-sale and contact our wait list. If your spot is filled by our wait list or sold, we will issue a class credit to apply to future class dates. There is no guarantee that your ticket will re-sell. If you have someone that would like to attend in your place, that is an option if we do not have a wait list for your class.

Are your cooking classes hands-on or demonstration based?
Our classes are hands-on with some demonstration as well.

Can I bring in a beverage?
Yes, we have glassware for you to use.

Do you offer private lessons?
Yes, if you are looking to learn something specific, want to learn one-on-one from a chef, or looking for a private couple class.
We can work with you to create your own class too!

What is your COVID-19 protocol currently?

We are following the most up to date guidelines provided to us by the CDC and Minnesota Government for all of our events, classes and camps. You can see our current guidelines for joining us in the kitchen below. Please call us at 952-949-6799 with any questions you may have.

Way Cool COVID-19 Protocol

Summer Camp FAQ

How long is your camp program?
It runs Monday-Thursday from the first week of June through the last week of August.  Each week a different 4-day camp is offered in the morning and in the afternoon.

What are the hours of your AM camps?
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

What are the hours of your PM camps?
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

How many chefs are on staff?
We have one Way Cool Chef for every 10 kids, plus an onsite office manager and assistant.

Do the kids eat what they make?
Yes! Campers will eat what they make the last 30 minutes of the camp.

What days of the week are your summer camps offered?
Camps are Monday through Thursday unless otherwise noted.

Are there all-day options?
Kids can sign up for both the AM and PM camp session that week and will be supervised during the hour break between camps.

Do I need to pick up my child in between camps if they are participating in the AM and PM camp?
No, you do not. If your child is attending both AM & PM camp they will be supervised over the lunch break. Children are encouraged to bring books and games to use over the break, but we have some here for them to use as well.

Do you have before and after care options?
Not at this time. Our Way Cool chefs will be in the kitchen 30 minutes prior to and 30 minutes after camp, so if necessary you may drop off your child between 8:30-9:00 AM and pick up your child by 4:30 PM at the latest. If any additional care is available we will notify you.

Is there a daily fee for late pickup?
Yes, there is a $10.00 fee for every 30 minutes you are late.

Is Summer Camp happening due to COVID-19? If so, what are you doing to take precautions?

We will be going forward with our Summer Camp Program. We will be following the most up to date guidelines provided to us by the CDC and Minnesota Government. If there will be any additional precautions such as masks, temp checks, etc. we will notify all campers closer to the summer once we can evaluate what the situation is at that point.

See Our full Summer Camp Covid-19 Plan Here

What is your Cancellation Policy for Summer Camp?

Cancellations must be made 90 days prior to your scheduled camp to receive a full refund. No refunds will be issued due to illness, covid-19 exposures or missed classes.

The Way Cool Cooking School, Inc. reserves the right to cancel a class due to lack of participants and full refunds will be offered.  At the Way Cool Cooking School, we will make every effort to accommodate our customers.

Virtual Events FAQ

How does it work?
You and your group choose the virtual class/event you would like to participate in and book the date and time that works for you. After booking a Way Cool event coordinator will assist in answering event questions, setting you up with your Zoom meeting, and send you the customized event information.

What will be included in my Virtual Class?
You will receive a link to your group’s live, online class. The class will be delivered via Zoom and feature a live, Way Cool chef instructor who will walk you through the lesson you have chosen. Depending on the package you choose, you will either receive a grocery list in advance to purchase your own groceries or you will pick up a kit with the ingredients you need for the class.

Are the ingredients included?
Shelf stable ingredients are only included for virtual classes if you choose the pricing package that includes an ingredient kit. If you choose not to order the ingredient kit, the Way Cool Chefs will put together a grocery, supplies, and equipment list custom to your event after you have booked.

Will I need anything from home to do the virtual class?
You will need reliable Internet connection, a Zoom account, as well as a computer or device with which you can access your virtual class. We recommend you arrive to class 5-10 minutes early to ensure you’re able to set up your device and connection. Our Way Cool chefs will log in early to answer last minute questions too. You will also need the ingredients from the grocery list sent to you in advance if you choose the package without an ingredient kit.

Am I able to ask questions and interact with my group while the class is happening?
Yes, and encouraged! This event is just for your group so you will be able to interact and chat throughout the session with the instructor and others. We just ask while you are not talking to press the mute button. A kitchen can get a little noisy sometimes. For large groups we recommend splitting into multiple class times or having all microphones muted while the Way Cool Chef is teaching.

What if we want more time?
Our classes are 1 hour long, but if you would like additional time, that can be arranged with your Way Cool event coordinator.

How many guests should I invite?
We recommend 6-15 guests per class. If you are looking to host an event with more than 15, please give us a call to customize your large group options. We can accommodate groups up t0 300 virtually.

How does the pricing work?
There are two Way Cool Virtual event packages to choose from. Package #1 is the All-Inclusive Ingredient Kit & Virtual Lesson for $115 per guest with a $600 group minimum. Package #2 is the Grocery List & Virtual Lesson for $40 per guest with a $400 group minimum. Final guest count is needed 48 hours prior to your event. Payment is due the day of and prior to your event start time.

16544 W. 78th Street
Eden Prairie, MN 55346
(952) 949-6799

Office Hours: M-F 9-5
Events Offered 7 Days a Week!

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