CookUnity, the nation’s first and only chef-driven meal delivery service, is ushering in the season with the launch of its debut spring collection. As part of this rollout, the company is also announcing the addition of three renowned chefs to its platform, a move that further strengthens its dynamic roster of more than 100 culinary innovators from across the U.S. and Canada. Among the newest members joining CookUnity are household names in the culinary world, including James Beard Award winner and Oprah’s former personal chef Art Smith, trailblazing Iron Chef Cat Cora, and Italian cuisine icon Pino Luongo.
This seasonal launch not only highlights the platform’s continued commitment to offering fresh, diverse, and high-quality meals, but it also reflects CookUnity’s mission to disrupt the traditional meal delivery space by putting chefs—not corporations—at the center of the experience. In doing so, the company offers meals that are not only convenient and delicious but also deeply personal, rooted in tradition, and designed with creativity and intention.
Rapid Growth and Chef Empowerment
Since the beginning of 2025, CookUnity has made significant strides in expanding its culinary reach. The company has onboarded nine new chefs and helped six existing chef partners grow their presence into new regional markets. This expansion reflects a broader mission to democratize access to restaurant-quality meals while offering chefs an innovative business model that lets them thrive.
CookUnity handles the operational complexities—like packaging, logistics, marketing, and delivery—so chefs can focus on doing what they do best: creating outstanding meals. By alleviating the typical pressures of running a restaurant, the platform empowers culinary artists to scale their food businesses in ways that were previously inaccessible without compromising on quality or authenticity.
According to internal data from the company, the average chef on CookUnity currently earns approximately $750,000 annually—a testament to how the model can drive real financial success for independent culinary talent.
Standing Out in a Crowded Meal Delivery Market
CookUnity’s approach comes at a time when consumers are increasingly seeking alternatives to traditional meal kits and subscription services that often lack variety and personalization. As Cam Ferrin, Vice President of Brand Marketing at CookUnity, explains, monotony is one of the biggest drawbacks for customers in the space.
“One of the main frustrations consumers experience with most meal delivery services is that they quickly get bored of the food due to limited menus,” said Ferrin. “With our chefs in constant creation mode, we’re able to offer category-leading variety with hundreds of meals available every week. Our spring campaign celebrates the unmatched variety made possible by our chef partners and taps into the natural variety of the season, giving our community meaningful choices—meals with personality, stories, and soul.”
Introducing CookUnity’s Newest Chefs
Each of the three chefs joining CookUnity this spring brings a distinct culinary heritage, a history of accolades, and a unique perspective that will further enrich the platform’s offerings.
Chef Art Smith (Chicago): A household name in the culinary world, Smith is best known as Oprah Winfrey’s personal chef for over a decade. He is the Executive Chef and co-owner of six restaurants and has earned some of the highest honors in the industry, including the prestigious James Beard Award. Smith is also an accomplished philanthropist and media personality, with appearances on shows such as Top Chef, Iron Chef, and The Today Show.
“To stay fresh and create bold recipes, reinvention is critical. And CookUnity is a game-changing solution for chefs who want to spend more time experimenting and less time on logistics,” said Smith. “I’m thrilled to bring my culinary creations to a new, nationwide audience this spring.”
Chef Pino Luongo (New York): A pioneer of authentic Tuscan cuisine in the U.S., Luongo has long been considered a visionary in the restaurant world. He is also an accomplished author and memoirist, with celebrated works such as Simply Tuscan and La Mia Cucina Toscana. His new spring menu for CookUnity leans into seasonal simplicity, honoring the fresh-picked ingredients that define the cuisine of his childhood.
“CookUnity has flipped the traditional food model on its head, while still providing an endless runway for creativity in the kitchen,” said Luongo. “Building my spring menu was a joyful challenge—every meal is a tribute to Tuscany, light and bright with flavor.”
Chef Cat Cora (Los Angeles): Cora is a culinary powerhouse, known for being the first-ever female Iron Chef and the first woman inducted into the Culinary Hall of Fame. With training from the Culinary Institute of America and experience in 3-star Michelin kitchens in France, she has opened over 18 restaurants and built a brand synonymous with bold Mediterranean flavors.
“CookUnity has done something truly unprecedented—giving chefs the power to scale their food businesses in a way that maintains authenticity,” said Cora. “As I was developing my introductory spring menu, I leaned heavily into Mediterranean flavors because it’s my soul food. Thanks to the platform’s advanced technology, I get real-time updates on how meals are resonating with customers, which is a huge advantage as I plan for upcoming seasonal menus.”
Expanding Variety with Health-Focused Menus
In addition to chef expansions and new seasonal offerings, CookUnity is also growing its menu options to meet a wide range of dietary needs and wellness goals. The company recently enhanced three of its health-focused collections, developed in close partnership with Culinary Nutritionist and Registered Dietitian Kristy Del Coro, MS, RDN. These collections cater to consumers seeking meals that align with specific health goals, whether they’re looking to reduce inflammation, increase protein intake, or follow plant-based lifestyles.
This initiative reflects a growing trend among consumers who want meals that not only taste great but also support their personal health and fitness journeys. With expert input and chef-driven execution, these dishes are designed to be both nutritionally balanced and flavor-forward.
