Chef Tj Holzapfel

Chef At Home in Fort Myers Beach
Chef Tj Holzapfel

Get to know me better

I’m a laid-back but highly experienced private chef who brings restaurant-quality food and a genuine, personable vibe into your home.

Hi, I’m TJ — an experienced and passionate culinary professional with 30+ years in the restaurant and food service industry. Food has always been at the center of my life, from my early days in the kitchen to becoming the proud owner and Executive Chef of The Rude Shrimp Co., a beloved Fort Myers Beach dining destination I ran from 2018 to 2025.

Throughout my career, I’ve specialized in crafting fresh, innovative menus that bring people together. I love blending global flavors with local ingredients, creating meals that feel both comforting and unexpected. Beyond the food itself, my focus has always been on delivering an unforgettable experience — from the first bite to the last.

Whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner, planning a celebration, or simply looking to bring more fresh, flavorful, meals into your home,

I’d love to create something special for you here in Fort Myers Beach

and the surrounding areas.

Let’s share great food, great company, and unforgettable moments — one bite at a time!

Photo from chef Tj Holzapfel

More about me

For me, cooking is...

For me, cooking is everything. It started as a kid asking my mom “what’s for sup?” and has never stopped being the highlight of my day!

I learned to cook at...

I learned to cook at 5 years old after a failed attempt at mac and cheese (and a burnt hand) turned into a lifelong passion.

A cooking secret...

My secret in the kitchen is…a few things I’ll never share, and a whole lot of love in everything I make.

My menus

Book your experience with Chef Tj

Specify the details of your requests and the chef will send you a custom menu just for you.

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