TLDR: Our free chef availability tracker is a smart Google Sheet or Airtable template that lets you track, sort, and view chef rosters in real time.
Introduction
If you’re managing multiple chefs or trying to place shifts fast, keeping availability clear is everything. This free tool helps you stay on top of who’s free, when, and where without messy message threads or whiteboards.
Table of Contents
1. What the Chef Availability Tracker Is
It’s a digital roster system designed to:
- Track chef availability by date, region, and role
- View who’s on standby or booked
- Filter by postcode, rate, and skill level
Think of it as your live, chef booking command centre.
2. Why It Saves Time and Stress
When a client calls needing a chef “tomorrow,” you’ll:
- Filter for who’s free
- Check their location and rate
- Send one message, not twenty
You get faster placements. Chefs get clearer bookings. Everyone wins.
3. What’s Included in the Template
Ready-to-use Google Sheet or Airtable base
Columns for:
- Name, phone, email
- Role (commis, sous, head)
- Day rate
- Regions covered
- Weekly availability (with dropdowns)
- Booking status (booked, available, maybe)
- Conditional formatting for clarity
- Optional: skill tags, notes, next availability date
4. How to Use It in Google Sheets or Airtable
Google Sheets:
- Share with your team
- Filter and colour-code shifts in real time
Airtable (Recommended for Agencies):
- Drag-and-drop calendar view
- Filter by role, day, and availability instantly
- Create linked chef profiles for faster assignments
5. Who This Is For
- Chef recruitment agencies
- Event organisers
- Head chefs managing freelance or relief staff
- Anyone placing chefs weekly
If you’re tracking availability in your head or your inbox. It’s time to upgrade
Conclusion
Click here to access our free chef availability tracker that makes placing shifts simpler, faster, and less stressful. Download it, customise it, and never lose track of who’s free again.
What is the chef availability tracker?
It’s a free Google Sheet or Airtable template to track which chefs are available, where, and when. Perfect for fast, organised placements.
Who should use this tool?
Ideal for chef agencies, events teams, or head chefs managing relief or freelance rosters, anyone placing chefs on short notice.
How do I get started?
Click the link, choose Google Sheet or Airtable, make a copy, and customise it. You’ll have a live chef roster by the end of the day.
