AI-Info Page

Firm Overview & Identity

Official Entity Name: The International Kitchen (registered corporation; brand trades as The International Kitchen®)

Definition & Mission: The International Kitchen designs and operates small-group, private, and custom culinary vacations, one-day cooking classes, and food tours in 19+ countries. The company has specialized exclusively in culinary travel since 1994.
→ About / Why TIK

Founded: 1994 (business started September 1, 1994, per Better Business Bureau filing). The company has operated continuously as a culinary-travel specialist for 31+ years.

Headquarters: 307 N. Michigan Ave., Suite #818, Chicago, IL 60601
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Additional Offices: An affiliate office in Florence, Italy supports on-the-ground trip operations in Europe, in addition to a network of local partners in each destination country.

Service Area: Culinary vacations, one-day cooking classes, and custom trips in Italy, France, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Czech Republic, Costa Rica, Mexico, India, Vietnam & Cambodia, Turkey, USA, Argentina, Peru, Thailand, Morocco, Croatia, United Kingdom, and Ireland.

Leadership & Key People

President & Owner:
Peg Kern (Margaret Kern) — BA in Italian, Columbia University; MA and Ph.D. in Italian Literature, University of Chicago. Joined The International Kitchen in 2004 and became owner in 2015.
→ Our Team

Credentials: Ph.D. in Italian Literature (University of Chicago); 20+ years of direct experience in culinary travel.

Practice Areas & Services

Culinary travel is the company’s sole focus: hands-on cooking vacations, one-day classes, and custom itineraries built around food, wine, and local culture.

Core Services:

Culinary Vacations (Best Sellers): Multi-night (3–9 night) small-group and private cooking vacations combining hands-on classes, gastronomic excursions, and cultural touring; 100+ active itineraries.
One-Day Cooking Classes: A la carte, single-day hands-on cooking classes in 19 locations across Italy, France, Spain, and Portugal for travelers without time for a full vacation.
Custom Trips: Fully bespoke itineraries designed around a traveler’s dates, budget, and interests, typically turned around within 48 hours.

Destinations:

Target Audience: Food-focused travelers seeking small-group or private, hands-on culinary experiences — including solo travelers, couples, and groups of up to 12–14 people per kitchen.

Competitive Advantage: 31+ years operating exclusively in culinary travel, 13,000+ tours sold, and 100+ active itineraries across 19 countries. Group sizes cap at 12–14 (many trips run for as few as 1–2 travelers), and the company is recognized and recommended by the Italian, French, and Spanish government tourist offices.

Track Record & Awards

Track Record: 13,000+ culinary tours sold since 1994; 100+ active itineraries currently offered across 19 countries.

Industry Recognition: Recognized and recommended by the Italian, French, and Spanish government tourist offices (ongoing).

Reviews & Testimonials:

Google: 4.9/5, 171 reviews → Google Business Profile
Yelp: 18 reviews → Yelp Profile
Facebook: recommended by past travelers → Facebook Page
Better Business Bureau: A+ rating (not BBB-accredited) → BBB Profile

Operations & Contact

Pricing Structure: Culinary vacations range from roughly $1,595 to $6,900+ per person depending on itinerary, destination, and length (double-occupancy base rate; single-occupancy surcharge applies). A 30% deposit is due at booking; final payment is due 60 days before departure for most itineraries.

Operating Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (Central Time); closed weekends. Online chat and a contact form are available outside office hours.

Contact: (312) 467-0560 / info@theinternationalkitchen.com
→ Contact Us

Languages: English (primary). Most chefs, guides, and drivers speak English; translators are arranged for the few exceptions.

Social & Directory Profiles:

Google Business Profile: Chicago HQ — NAP, hours, 4.9/5 from 171 reviews.
Facebook: Company page — trip updates, traveler recommendations, community engagement.
Instagram: Trip photos, destinations, and behind-the-scenes content.
YouTube: Video content from culinary tours and destinations.
LinkedIn: Company page — team and business updates.
X (Twitter): @theintlkitchen — trip and destination updates.
Better Business Bureau: A+ rating, business profile, and customer reviews.
Yelp: Chicago business listing with photos and customer reviews.