For customers new to the “meal assembly kitchen” or “make and take” concept or even seasoned veterans, we want your experience to be easy and fun. From placing your order online to taking home the meals you’ve prepared in our store, we’ve compiled the most frequently asked or anticipated questions you might have.
To make your search easier, our FAQs are broken down into a few categories:
General Information
What is it?
Dinner Zen is a “make and take” or “meal assembly kitchen.” We offer a fresh new way to help you enjoy delicious home cooked meals and simplify your life. We help minimize time spent planning, shopping, preparing and cleaning. We offer Traditional Zen sessions- which are typical in store assembly sessions as well as Zen to Go. Zen to Go allows you to pre-order a customized package of meals and we do the assembly work for you. We also offer a changing supply of fresh ready to cook and frozen (thaw before cooking) entrees you can walk in and pick up at any time. Pre-ordering meals ensures we have what you want when you want it, and is less expensive than our other service options. For more details about how sessions work visit our How It Works page. [back]
What does it cost?
Costs vary based upon how many meals you order, whether you assemble yourself or we assemble the meals for you and how many servings you order. You can expect to pay $3 - $4.50 per person. Your least expensive option is ordering our 12 meal Traditional Zen package which you come into the store to assemble yourself. For more details about our current charges you can preview a chart on our Pricing page. [back]
Do I have to come into the store to make meals?
Absolutely not. We understand that sometimes sparing even two hours is tough. You can select a Zen to Go pick up time from our calendar and pre-order a package of meals. We’ll do the work for you. Pre-ordering meals ensures we have what you want when you want it and you can count on them being ready when you stop by. Cost for pre-assembly is $3 per dinner. We also offer a changing supply of fresh ready to cook and frozen (thaw before cooking) entrees you can walk in and pick up on your way home from work or anytime during our regular business hours. [back]
I don’t really know how to cook, will I be able to do this?
Yes! One of the benefits of Traditional Zen sessions is to help boost your confidence in the kitchen. In addition to all the preparation, we provide simple step-by-step instructions. If you can scoop and stir you can do this. Still not convinced, we have staff available during your session if you have trouble figuring out the difference between a zester and a whisk. At home, you’ll find the simple cooking instructions we provide a breeze to follow. [back]
Why are Dinner Zen meals so affordable?
Because of our buying power, Dinner Zen can substantially cut your food budget, while still saving you time and energy. Our meals are very reasonably priced at around $3-4 per serving. That’s less than you would pay for a child’s meal at a fast food restaurant. The average person reports spending just over $5 when doing the shopping and preparation themselves. And when you factor in the extensiveness of your grocery list for all the ingredients of 12 main course meals, the waste of unused ingredients, and the time to shop, chop and clean up, there is no doubt what a savings and convenience this really is. [back]
Will this really save me time?
The average drive to the grocery store is fifteen minutes each way…the average person reports spending just over 5 hours per month in the grocery store…add another 30 minutes to put away the groceries. The average time for food preparation is 45 minutes…the average clean-up time is 15 minutes.
Dinner Zen meals eliminate or minimize shopping, prep time and cooking effort. You can come into our store and prepare 12 meals in about 2 hours. Dinner Zen packaging is disposable which minimizes dishes and utensil clean-up. Many Dinner Zen meals cook in 30 minutes or less, can go from the oven to the table or are crock pot dishes. We help make the whole process more efficient.
Need two more hours? Use our Zen to Go service, pre-order your package of meals and we’ll put them together for you for a small additional fee. [back]
How are you different than the other stores in the area?
The Washington metro area has some of the finest meal assembly kitchen options in the country—both independent and chain stores. Your choice about which store is right for you will usually come down to a few factors: how good the food is, how close they are and the in store experience.
- Dinner Zen food is second to none. From fresh cuts of meat and homemade spice blends to perfectly ripened, just sliced vegetables, you’ll notice the quality every step of the way. Our philosophy is simple: maximum flavor, healthier choices and no preservatives.
- For most meals we’ll provide 2 of the 3 parts you need for a complete dinner and offer you a selection of freshly made side items you can use to round out dinner.
- As Reston’s first meal assembly kitchen, we’re right around the corner—from either work or home.
- The biggest difference you’ll notice is the in store experience. You’ll enjoy relaxing in our comfortable “living room” and creating meals in our custom kitchen as much as you’ll enjoy serving your dinner time masterpieces. We provide a two hour escape from the chaos of daily life. Just like dinner, your trip to our store should be an experience that’s as fun as it is efficient.
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Do you offer meals with less than 4 to 6 servings?
We offer a variety of options for our customers. You can buy from four to more than 12 meals each time you visit the store. Your least expensive option is ordering our 12 meal Traditional Zen package which you come into the store to assemble yourself. During your session you can split most meals into 2 servings. So you can turn 12 meals into 24. You can also choose to split your meal with a friend. Because space is a premium, we ask that you stay together at each recipe station or only have one person attend and do the actual assembling. If you split meals with a friend only one of you needs to order and pay for the menu selections.
We also offer a popular smaller serving package of 2-3 servings available in larger package sizes (8 or more meals) which provides just the right amount of food. This is a great option for smaller families, elderly parents, for children living on their own, or for college kids in need of a home-cooked meal. [back]
How can I request a donation for my local charity or school?
As a family owned company with a conscience, our mission is to be recognized as a valuable community partner. Giving back to people and organizations in need is as important to us as helping put a great meal on the table. We take pride in supporting local schools, churches, hospitals and other non profit organizations.
We encourage non profit and educational institutions to sign up for our Community Inspirations program. As part of this program, Dinner Zen will give back 6% on select sales from referrals made by your organization. To learn the full set of details view our Fundraising page.
We receive numerous requests for donations and gift certificates. We have a limited number of gift certificates we provide each year. You’re encouraged to contact us as far in advance from your event as possible. We’ll consider all requests and respond if possible. Please send your request to fundraising@dinnerzen.com. [back]
Is Dinner Zen a chain?
No. Dinner Zen is an independent business designed and delivered to Virginians by owners who have lived here all their lives. As members of the International Association of Meal Prep Businesses (IAMPB) we’ve worked with store owners across the country in the design and development of our store and offerings. Taking the best and most innovative ideas and offerings and making them right for our area. [back]
About The Food
What do you do in the store to assure food safety?
Our store meets or exceeds all county health department and FDA food regulations. You will be trained in basic food safety during your first session, gloves are made available to all customers, food consumed by others is never touched by the customer, and all cooking instructions comply with the food safety guidelines. [back]
How many meals can I make in a session?
Four or more full size meals that have 4 to 6 servings. Or, 8 or more small meals that have 2 to 3 servings. Each entrée takes 5 to 10 minutes to make, and the sessions are usually no more than two hours. So, you should plan to make around 12 meals. If you’d like to make substantially more than 12 meals, please contact us to make sure you can stay longer if necessary to finish making your meals. [back]
How many people does each entrée serve?
We find that portion quantities in the US are a very personal choice. Our recipes meet the guideline for the USDA Pyramid for serving 6 people. Based on experience we have found that our dinners will serve 4 to 6 adults with healthy appetites or 2 to 3 adults and 2-4 small children. Casseroles generally feed 6 adults with healthy appetites. We recommend that you look at how much protein your family normally consumes and judge based on this. You always have the option of splitting a dinner, as long as it can be split, at no extra charge. [back]
What kind of food do you offer?
Menus change monthly but typical offerings include poultry, pasta, beef, pork, seafood/fish, and a vegetarian option. We try to offer a variety of cuisines from around the world as well as some more traditional fares. Dinners are prepared by baking in the oven, on the stovetop, or grilling. Our food is designed to be family-friendly, simple to prepare, and perfect for an "everyday" dinner. Every month we include some dishes that are just a tad bit nicer so you can proudly serve it to your guests or enjoy with your family. [back]
Will my kids like the food?
Our dinners are aimed at satisfying a wide variety of tastes. The beauty of custom creating your own meals is that you can create each meal any way you like. Kids don't like onions, leave them out, prefer extra sauce, take extra... you assemble it the way your family likes it! We also try to offer a selection of Personal Zen entrees- meals designed to be customizable down to the serving e.g. Calzones. [back]
Can I customize my meals the way I like them?
Absolutely. That’s one of the great things about Dinner Zen. Kids don’t like onions, leave them out, prefer extra sauce, take extra. [back]
Do I actually cook the meals in your store?
No. All of our meals are assembled or put together in our store, but you do the cooking at home. [back]
Do you provide nutritional information?
Yes. You can view nutritional information by clicking on the items on our Menu. [back]
We have food allergies in our family, can I still come in?
One of the great things about Dinner Zen is that you can customize meals the way you like them. Most people with allergies will have no problem in our store. Please tell us about your allergy concerns and we will help guide you to the best menu choices for your family. If somebody you will be serving food to is allergic to an ingredient, please choose another dish from the menu since we cannot be held responsible for allergic reactions. [back]
How do I thaw and cook my food at home?
Once frozen, the typical full size entree will require approximately 24-48 hours in your refrigerator to thaw completely. Never thaw your meals on the kitchen counter, they will be highly susceptible to bacterial growth. We also discourage thawing your meals in the microwave. If you thaw food in the microwave, cook it right away. Unlike food thawed in a refrigerator, microwave-thawed foods reach temperatures that encourage bacterial growth. [back]
How often does the menu change?
Our menus will typically change monthly. Depending upon seasonality, we may have some menus that last more than a month. We may also have a few customer favorites which may be repeated as often as every few months, you will have the opportunity to try new things. If you really liked one of the meals and want us to repeat it, just let us know and we’ll do the best we can. As importantly, if you didn’t like on of the meals, let us know that too! [back]
Can I return an entrée?
Due to health regulations we are unable to accept any returned items. We love our food and think you will too. If you are dissatisfied with the quality of your meal, please let us know within 30 days of your purchase and we will replace your entrée with a different selection of equal value from our current month’s menu. [back]
The Order Process
How do I reserve a spot in a session?
The easiest and fastest way to reserve a spot in a session is to use our website. Click on Book a Session above and follow the prompts on the screen.
First time users will create a profile when they login, however we don't require you to login until you are ready to pay for and reserve your session. Our online process will walk you through choosing entrees, service selections, and payment options you will log in along the way.
If you have problems placing your order online, feel free to email us at info@dinnerzen.com for help or call the store to place your order. [back]
How do I pay for my session?
You pay online at the time of your registration with Visa, MasterCard, American Express or a Dinner Zen gift certificate. When you pay by credit card on our website, we do not save your credit card information after processing. [back]
Do I have to sign up online?
No. If you have problems placing your order online or would prefer to speak with someone to assist in placing your order, you can either call or stop in and we’ll help you place your order. [back]
How come you stop taking reservations a couple days before the session?
We place food orders several days prior to our schedule session—ordering just what you need to make the meals you order. We require at least 3 days advance notice for cancellations and leave our sessions open until 48 hours prior, therefore you might find a session available online three days before the session.
You are welcome to call our store if a session says it is closed out to find out if we can accommodate your order or had a cancellation. [back]
How come there are limits on some entrees?
From time to time we offer limits on some meals that are a special offering. These are so special we ask that you limit it to usually two per order. [back]
What is Zen to Go?
We understand that sometimes sparing even two hours is tough. You can select a Zen to Go pick up time from our calendar and pre-order a package of meals. We’ll do the work for you. Pre-ordering meals ensures we have what you want when you want it and you can count on them being ready when you stop by. Cost for pre-assembly is $3 per dinner. We also offer a changing supply of fresh ready to cook and frozen (thaw before cooking) entrees you can walk in and pick up on your way home from work or anytime during our regular business hours. [back]
Can I order meals to go—that I want you to make for me-- online?
Yes. This is called Zen to Go. [back]
What if I need to reschedule or make a change to my order?
Because we place food orders several days prior to the session, we require at least 3 days advance notification to reschedule your session and apply a credit towards a future session. If you must cancel within 72 hours prior to your session, we will be happy to assemble your meals for you for a small additional fee. If you do not make the necessary arrangements or notify us in advance of your session, you will be charged in full. To cancel a session, please contact the store by telephone.
We will make every effort to accommodate last minute ingredient and entrée changes. However, priority for meals and ingredients will be given to those individuals who have requested modifications more than 3 days in advance. [back]
Can I split my order with someone?
Dinner Zen is happy to let two persons share a session. Because space is at a premium, we only ask that if we have a full session you stay together at each recipe station or only have one person attend and do the actual assembling. There is no additional fee for split sessions. If you’re splitting meals with a friend only one of you needs to order the menu selections. [back]
How can I save money?
Costs vary based upon how many meals you order, whether you assemble yourself or we assemble the meals for you and how many servings you order. You can expect to pay $3 - $4.50 per person. Your least expensive option is ordering our 12 meal full size (4 to 6 serving) Traditional Zen package which you come into the store to assemble yourself. If 12 full size meals are too much you can consider splitting the meal package with a friend. If 4 to 6 servings are too large, you can split most meals into two smaller portions. For more details about our current charges you can preview a chart on our Cost page. [back]
In Store Assembly Session
Can I bring someone with me?
Dinner Zen is happy to let two persons share a session. Because space is at a premium, we only ask that if we have a full session you stay together at each recipe station or only have one person attend and do the actual assembling. There is no additional fee for split sessions. If you’re splitting meals with a friend only one of you needs to order the menu selections. [back]
Can I bring my child with me?
Cooking with your child is a great way to spend some quality time together, and they might even learn a thing or two in the process. Because we are a commercial kitchen, children under 12 can not participate. Because space is a premium, we only ask that if we have a full session you stay together at each recipe station. [back]
What should I wear?
Comfort is key. You’ll spend most of the two hour session moving from station to station and preparing your meals. We’ll provide aprons to cover up your clothes to help minimize mess, but wearing comfortable shoes and clothes are encouraged. [back]
What should I bring?
You will need to bring a large cooler in which to transport your food home. Wheeled coolers are a great option. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as you will be moving around preparing your meals. We provide everything else! This includes aprons, plastic gloves and the food packaging needs for your meals. [back]
How long will it take?
It usually takes 5 to 10 minutes to make a full size entrée. Typical 8 or 12 meal sessions last 1 ½ - 2 hours. This will depend upon the number of items your making and the speed at which you work. You don’t need to rush—enjoy your time with us. You’ll be surprised at how quickly your meals go together. [back]
Can I split my meals into smaller portions?
Absolutely! Each entrée serves 4-6 adults, depending on their appetites. If this is too much food for your family, feel free to split entrees into two meals serving 2-3. Note that some entrees, for instance crock pot meals, can’t be split into two meals. [back]
How many people will be in the session?
Our unique store layout allows us to accommodate up to 24 people in a session. Most sessions will have around 16 paid customers. [back]
Can I get more meals during my session than I ordered?
We usually prepare the ingredients for slightly more meals than ordered in case of last minute sign ups or you decide you just have to have something once you’ve seen someone make it. If you see an entrée that you didn’t order or decide you’d like more than the number you ordered of an individual entrée, ask our staff about making extra. If we’ve got the ingredients you need, we’ll be happy to add it to your order. If we don’t have the ingredients, we may have one of the entrees in our carryout freezer. [back]
Once You’re Home
What do I actually take home and how is it packaged?
You will take home your meals in either plastic bags or aluminum foil pans. Each package is labeled with the cooking instructions. Inside each large plastic bag are some number of other plastic bags or deli containers which contain components of your recipe (i.e. sauces, pastas). [back]
What happens when I get home?
After a session, you will take home your meals ready to be frozen. Then all you have to do is safely thaw the food and cook using the east directions provide. You might decide to keep a couple of entrees in the refrigerator to eat instead of freezing. To ensure freshness, be sure not to leave your meals in the refrigerator for more than 2 days. [back]
Will it all fit in my freezer?
Take a few minutes to clean out your freezer before your session. If you can’t remember when you bought it or tell what it is, it’s probably a good idea to toss it. 12 full-size entrees will fit in a standard refrigerator/freezer with room left over for your basic necessities. It's a tight fit but worth the reward! [back]
What’s the best way to manage all my meals?
Use your freezer checklist provided at your session to plan which ones you want to cook and keep track of the meals you’ve eaten. You can place 1-2 meals in your refrigerator when you get home to eat in the next two days. Freeze the rest. Remove 2-3 meals on Saturday or Sunday and allow them to thaw for 24-48 hours in the refrigerator. Note, you should not thaw entrees on the countertop as it increases the risk of food borne illness. As you use one, replace it with one from the freezer. Your meals will be in the refrigerator and ready to cook at a moment’s notice.
If you can not eat your meal within 3-4 days after removing from the freezer do not refreeze. Cook the meal and return to the refrigerator to be eaten in the next two days. [back]
What if I lose cooking instructions or the label falls off my bag or pan?
If the labels have fallen off, just go to the web page titled Cooking Instructions and you'll find the instructions for each month's menu and some helpful tips for preparing your food! [back]
Private Parties
What is a private party?
Everything’s more fun with friends. Dinner Zen is no exception. Dinner Zen hosts a wide variety of private functions. We love to see Bunko groups, baby/bridal showers, girl’s night out, corporate team building events, couple nights or just about any gathering.
We will be happy to reserve a session for you and your friends. Private sessions for groups of 12 or more are just the way to make the most out of a gathering with friends. And take advantage of our outstanding host incentives. [back]
How do I set up a private party?
Hosting a Party is Easy:
- Pick a date and session time
- Sign up and pay for your meals
- Send invites through our Party Manager
- Fill the session with friends and family
- Earn rewards & eat great
- Repeat monthly
To get started, view the Private Party guidelines on our website and then contact us to reserve your private party time. [back]
I don’t see a date and time on your calendar that is available, can you help?
You can schedule a private party at almost any time you desire, as long as it does not interfere with an existing session on the calendar we are open, and you give us enough notice (usually 3 days at the least). We do not have specific times for private parties already listed on the Calendar as we wanted to create a totally flexible time table for our customer parties. [back]
How do I send out details about my party to my guests?
Please see full details on our Party page. We have an online Party Manager that allows you manage the party process. Once you have contacted us to set up a time and date for your party, you can then log in to the Party Manager and create an email list of your party guests and send out your invitation to the event. You also use the Party Manager to see who has accepted the invitation and who hasn't. You can send reminder emails to those who haven't signed up yet. [back]
Do I have to pay for all my guests when I select my party date?
No. You only pay for your own session. Everyone else will sign up and register on their own by selecting your party session from the calendar and using the party password you provide them. If you are interested in a team building, corporate or other type of session where you would like to pay for the meals for all your guests, please contact us to make arrangements. [back]
I don’t have my party password, how can I sign up?
If you are the Party Manager, please contact us and we will look up your password. If you are a guest trying to attend a party, please contact the Party Manager for the information. Our staff is not able to provide passwords to party guests. [back]
What happens if I don’t have enough people respond?
If your party does not have at least 12 people signed up prior to your party date we will open your party to the public to fill the remaining spots. For parties booked more than 6 weeks in advance, you will have three weeks to issue your invitations and have your guests sign up and pay for their meals. For parties booked less than 6 weeks in advance, your session will be opened to the public 10 days prior to the session. Individuals not signed up through your Party Manager listing do not get counted towards your earned credit. And, alcohol will unfortunately not be allowed. [back]
What’s the maximum number of people who can attend my party?
Our store layout is designed to accommodate up to 24 people (more if necessary). [back]
Gift Certificates
Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes! The gift of time is precious, and our gift certificates are perfect for every occasion- holidays, showers, birthdays and more. Our gift certificates can be redeemed for any of our products or sessions. To purchase a gift certificate visit our Gift Certificate webpage. [back]
How do I purchase a gift certificate?
You can purchase a gift certificate online and have it sent via email immediately. You can also send the gift certificate to yourself (via email) and hand deliver if you’d prefer. No waiting or visit to our store is required. Though, we’re happy to help you in person as well if you’d prefer to come to the store to purchase. [back]
How do I redeem a gift certificate?
To redeem a gift certificate, follow the same steps you would for any of our sessions or Zen to Go. After choosing a session date, and the meals you'd like to order, on the “Check Out” page you will enter the code from your gift certificate in the field at the bottom. You can also walk in and redeem your gift certificate to buy pre-made Zen to Go entrees. [back]
Zen to Go
Do I have to come into the store to make meals?
Absolutely not. We understand that sometimes sparing even two hours is tough. You can select a Zen to Go pick up time from our calendar and pre-order a package of meals. We’ll do the work for you. Pre-ordering meals ensures we have what you want when you want it and you can count on them being ready when you stop by. Cost for pre-assembly is $3 per dinner. We also offer a changing supply of fresh ready to cook and frozen (thaw before cooking) entrees you can walk in and pick up on your way home from work or anytime during our regular business hours. [back]
Do I have to place an order in advance for meals to go?
We offer a changing supply of fresh ready to cook and frozen (thaw before cooking) entrees you can walk in and pick up on your way home from work or anytime during our regular business hours. Pre-ordering meals from our Zen to Go pick up times ensures we have what you want when you come to pick them up at the scheduled time. [back]
Do I have to buy a whole package of meals for carryout?
If you would like to place an order in advance to ensure the meals you want are ready when you come by, you must buy 4 or more meals. We offer a changing supply of fresh ready to cook and frozen (thaw before cooking) entrees you can walk in and pick up on your way home from work or anytime during our regular business hours. [back]
Do you offer meals I can cook tonight?
Yes. We offer a changing supply of fresh ready to cook meals you can walk in and pick up on your way home from work or anytime during our regular business hours. [back]
I have a party to cook for, can I order a large number of meals to go?
Dinner Zen is the perfect solution when you need an extra hand to pull together the family reunion, shower or dinner party. We can help you save time and money by letting us take care of some of the details.
For smaller events, our standard order process which allows you to either assemble yourself or pre-order for carryout might be just what you’re looking for. Each of our standard entrees contains 4 to 6 average sized servings. Pre-order from our full menu to enjoy quantity discounts and assure the meals you want are ready when you come in. Add our side items and a dessert to round out a deliciously perfect party.
When ordering through out standard online process, many of our entrees have quantity, or you may have a special request, such as a pick up date and time or special side items you are interested in. If that’s the case, we suggest you contact us and we’ll get in touch with you to talk about how we can help make your event a success. [back]
Do you provide cooked or ready to eat meals?
No. All of our meals require cooking prior to eating. [back]
Mailing Lists and Technical Details
How do you protect my credit card information?
We never save your credit card information on our servers. Once you have entered your credit card information in our system, we simply pass this information along to our merchant bank who then charges your card. Our staff is not able to retrieve credit card information from the system because we do not store the information. [back]
How do I stop receiving emails from you?
If you would like to stop receiving the Dinner Zen email newsletter and announcements in your email simply open one of the newsletters that was sent to you and click the unsubscribe link at the bottom of the page. Or just give us a call and we will remove your email address from our distribution list for you. [back]
How do I retrieve my password?
Choose the Forget Password link on the Signup or Login page to have a temporary password emailed to you. [back]
How do I change my contact information?
If your contact information (address, phone, etc.) changes, please contact us at info@dinnerzen.com or by phone and we can change this for you. [back]
What is your privacy policy?
We respect your privacy and will not ever sell, rent or misuse your personal information. We do not store credit card information on our website. All personal information is for our business use only. You may request to be removed from our contact list at any time. [back]
What are your terms of use?
Please click here to view our Terms of Service. [back]
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