Lisa Murray prepares salmon with sauteed veggies and mouthwatering quiche provide tantalizing taste options for a local couple.

 When 71-year-old Shelley Thompson could no longer stand long enough to cook, she feared her days of enjoying home-cooked meals were over. Then she and her husband found a service that turned mealtime back into something to savor.

That service was Chefs for Seniors, a company that brings professional chefs into older adults’ homes to prepare healthy, customized meals. The Colorado Springs franchise is owned by personal chef Lisa Murray, 57.

Chefs for Seniors operates more than 100 franchises nationwide, each run by local chefs who prepare meals right in their clients’ kitchens—and then clean up afterward. Working with dietitians, they design affordable menus that cater to dietary needs and preferences, from low-sodium or diabetic-friendly options to allergy-conscious dishes and comfort foods. With more than 200 menu items, variety is always on the table.

PERSONALIZED MEALS, PERSONAL TOUCHES

Thompson used to love cooking until a degenerative disorder limited her mobility. When she and husband Neil, 64, discovered Chefs for Seniors, they didn’t know what to expect—but Neil described the service as “a godsend.” 

“When Shelley is bedridden, Lisa makes up a plate and serves it to her in the bedroom, which really adds a nice personal touch,” he said. 

The Thompsons look forward to her visits every two weeks. Their favorite meal is chicken enchiladas topped with salsa verde and cheddar cheese—presented as beautifully as they taste.

 Hugh and Mary Burns, both 79, are also regular clients.

“It’s a wonderful day when Lisa arrives with her pots and pans,” Mary said. 

While too many cooks might spoil the broth, for chefs Melissa McCourt-Schmilovich, left, and Lisa Murray, right, two is just right.

 Like Thompson, she has mobility issues that make cooking difficult.

“Lisa’s service is pretty remarkable,” added Hugh. “We can provide our own ingredients, or she can bring them for us.”

When Hugh tested positive for COVID after requesting a meal, Murray refused payment and donated the food to another senior.

During one visit, the couple’s granddaughter from Texas, an avid cook herself, was there to lend a hand and watch Murray work. 

“It was such a sweet moment watching Lisa with her,” Mary said.

Mary loves Murray’s Mexican and Italian dishes, while Hugh swears by her quiches, packed with spinach, mushrooms, butternut squash or salmon.

“I’m an early riser and like to get my day started off on the right foot,” he said.

Pat Johnson has enjoyed Murray’s services for almost two years.

“Chefs for Seniors means so much to me, as I no longer enjoy cooking or shopping,” she said. “[Murray’s] service is economical and timesaving, and I get eight appetizing, nutritious meals every two weeks,” she said.

 SEASONED WITH STORIES

Murray’s clients tell her that having someone cook in their home helps them stay independent longer. Some even offer to help wash dishes, while others are happy to let her handle the cleanup after decades of doing it themselves.

Murray loves the stories that fill the kitchen as she cooks—tales of growing up, grandchildren and travels. 

Her passion for helping seniors began years ago, when she cared for her grandfather.

“I was just concerned that my grandpa wasn’t getting the meals he wanted and needed,” she said.

Before joining Chefs for Seniors, Murray spent more than 20 years in the restaurant industry, working her way up to executive chef. Today, her clients influence her cooking just as much as her restaurant years did. For example, she’s noticed that many traditional recipes use more salt than necessary, so she’s learned to rely on herbs and spices to keep meals flavorful and heart-healthy.

Murray’s skills extend far beyond the home kitchen. At the grand opening of the new Colorado Springs Senior Center last year, she prepared appetizers for 1,300 guests.

“It was really fun to be part of the opening,” Murray said. “We thought there were only going to be about 500 people, but we planned for extra just to be safe.”

Murray offers a complimentary meet-and-greet for new clients to learn about their individual dietary preferences. This visit gives them a chance to meet the chefs, ask questions and choose their meals.

Most of Murray’s clients are in Colorado Springs, Monument and Peyton, but her team of chefs also go to Pueblo on select days, along with other communities across the Pikes Peak region.

Pricing includes the meal service plus the cost of groceries. A standard service lets clients choose four menu items, which the chef prepares into 12-14 servings. This typically provides a week or more of ready-to-eat meals.

Clients control the cost of the service by choosing how often they want a chef to visit. Frequency usually depends on the types of meals they want prepared—whether that’s breakfast, lunch and dinner, or dinner only. 

If cooking has become a burden, maybe it’s time to let someone else stir the pot. Chefs for Seniors can put something wholesome and delicious back on your plate. 

Hungry for help in the kitchen? Contact Chefs for Seniors.
ChefsForSeniors.com
 719-480-8878

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