Heitzman Traditional Bakery and Deli is next for APRON Inc.’s Chef in a Box promotion, but first the bigger picture. 

Food & Dining Magazine continues to preview the forthcoming Chef in a Box offering. It’s a tasty fundraising project dating to the summer of 2020, benefiting APRON Inc.’s ongoing grant program.

The Chef in a Box promotion continues on a monthly basis in 2025.

APRON Inc. was created in 2011 to help provide financial relief to food and beverage industry workers in the Louisville, Kentucky metropolitan area who find themselves in need during times of crises. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, APRON Inc. has stepped up with a far greater volume of assistance to local workers than ever before.

Here’s how Chef in a Box works.

Each month up to fifty patrons can purchase a Chef in a Box for $50, which actually aren’t boxes but reusable bags provided by APRON Inc.

Participating eateries keep $25 toward expenses, while $25 goes to APRON Inc. toward its ongoing grant program.

The contents of Chef in a Box/Bag vary according to the establishment’s specialization and creativity, but you’ll always be able to view the menu in advance and know what you’re getting.

Typically there’ll be tasting selections for two; perhaps a favorite dish of the chef’s, or maybe a meal kit.  Participating eateries also are encouraged to include a gift certificate, coupon, or promotional materials.

Chef in the Box Q & A

    • How do I order the box? You contact the featured restaurant directly.
    • When do I call? You can place your order starting on Friday prior to the restaurant’s feature.
    • Is it pickup or delivery? Each restaurant makes that decision, but usually it’s pickup only.
    • How much are the boxes? $50.
    • How many boxes does each restaurant sell weekly? 50 boxes, although some have allotted more.

And now, the main attraction for the coming week.

CHEF IN A BOX dinner menu for TWO, $50, pickup May 21 (Wednesday) or May 22 (Thursday), 2025: Heitzman Traditional Bakery and Deli, featuring Chef Abbigail Byrd.  

First Course: German braised chicken and red cabbage made with apple cider and mustard gastrique, topped with Frankfurter green sauce

Sides: Fresh dill potato salad and dinner rolls

Dessert: Butter kuchen

Plus: $20 Gift Card to be used on a future visit

To order: Call Heitzman Traditional Bakery and Deli at 502.426.7736

Pick up times for Chef in a Box: Pick ups will be on Wednesday 21 May and Thursday 22 May between 3:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. from Heitzman Traditional Bakery and Deli, 9426 Shelbyville Road, Louisville.

(All photos by Dan Dry)