Catering Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to ease your mind and create the perfect, worry free event!
How much will it cost?
Prices are printed below each menu based on group size. Per person prices are based on 100 guests or more. Please call if you have special budget needs.
What is the minimum for full service Catering?
Full catering is available for a minimum of 50 guests. See prices listed below menus for groups of 50-99.
What if I have fewer than 50 Guests?
For smaller groups we have two options: Parties To Go – for the same great food with simpler, drop off style service. Or if you would like full service with our staff and equipment, see the minimum price for each menu, but we can offer an extra item or service if you have fewer guests – or we will leave you food for the difference in guest count.
How large a group can you handle?
We have catered for groups of up to 5,000. Please call for special pricing on groups of 500 or more.
Are there any other fees?
An 18% equipment and labor charge is added for Full Service Catering. Also, Sales Tax is required by the State of California to be added to the entire total.
What does the 18% Equipment and Labor Charge include?
Everything needed to cater your full service event: Buffet Tables, Buffet Linens in your choice of colors, Disposable Plates, Silverware, Napkins, Chaffing Stands, Baskets, Decorations to fit your theme, Vehicles, Canopy to cover serving area if needed, Uniformed Staff, all Set up, Buffet Service, Carvers, Bussing of Tables, Clean up, even Trash Removal! (upgrades such as China Service or Guest Tables and Chairs are available : see Wedding and Banquet Services)
What type of events do you cater?
We can do any type of event: We are the best Company Picnic People, we do Office Luncheons of any size, we are Wedding Experts – backyard and outdoor Weddings are a Specialty, Country Style Ranch Events at any location, Memorial or Funeral Services, Birthday Festivities, Cocktail Parties, Theme Parties such as 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, Aloha Hawaiian Luaus, Western BBQ's – the best – Bar None! We can treat you to a Delicious German Oktoberfest, Cupid's Valentine Catering, Irish Pub Theme St. Patrick's Day Party, Christmas or Hanukkah Holiday Parties, and Affordable Affairs of any style. We specialize in Elegant Buffets with Gourmet Rotisserie meats smoked in our custom BBQ Pit Smoker. Be sure to check out our New California Cuisine Special menus for your next Anniversary Party or Graduation or Retirement! Military or Veterans groups will enjoy our buffets for promotions and retirements. Having a Football Party for a San Diego Charger's Game? How about a Padre's Baseball Game - at Petco Park or in front of your TV? We can cater full service Tailgate parties for hundreds or thousands, or a Slab of Ribs for your family!
How far will you Travel?
Almost anywhere! All of San Diego County is our local area. Riverside County, Orange County, Los Angeles, Mountain Areas and Desert Areas are available for larger groups. (Distance charges may apply for more than 30 minutes from San Diego, or for difficult access, such as flights of stairs, or no accessible loading areas.) Please call for quote if distance or access is an issue.
Do you have a location?
We rent our facility in La Mesa for $100 at times other than our restaurant hours. (Anytime other than Tues-Sun 4-8pm) We can accommodate 50 guests inside and 50 guests on our outdoor patio. We can set up buffet service inside or outside.
Where can you cater?
We can cater at any location that allows caterers. This includes public or private locations, parks, beaches, recreation centers, churches, etc.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes, we are fully licensed by the San Diego County Dept. of Health, and we hold business licenses in all local San Diego area cities, such as La Mesa, Santee, El Cajon and Coronado. We are fully insured and can provide additional insured statements as needed. Copies of all permits are available at client's request.
Do you have references?
Yes, we have many returning clients for over 50 years! Please see Testimonials, and call for phone numbers or email addresses.
What are your portion sizes?
Ample, unlimited portions are our trademark. Guests are welcome to have as much as they like – while on premises and during serving time. (We do not allow guests to pack food to take home unless prior arrangements are made.)
What about the leftovers?
If the guest count is below the guarantee, we will pack food for the hosts to cover missing guests (if safe storage is available). If the guest count is correct, we will determine at the end of event if there is food available to leave with the client, and we bring containers to do so.
What if I have extra guests?
We plan to bring at least 10% over your guaranteed count. If the count of guests is over your guarantee, the same per person charge will apply.
When do you need to know the number of guests?
Our plans are always made based on your best estimate of the number at the time of booking. The actual minimum guarantee is due 1 week before the event. Additional guests may be added up to 24 hours before the event.
How about kids prices?
Children ages 3-10 are given 25% discount. Children under 3 are free. Ages 11 and up are counted as adults. Detailed breakdown is only needed at time of final count, 1 week before event.
Do you grill on site?
Yes! We have large charcoal grills that may be set up at any appropriate site. A $75 Grill charge covers grill and supplies, extra time and extra staff for onsite grilling. The aromas will drive you wild!
How are the meats cooked and served?
We are famous for our tender BBQ meats! We have an authentic BBQ Pit Smoker (see our video) in our restaurant where all of our Beef, Chicken, Pork and Ribs are smoked. Meats are slow, rotisserie smoked over oak logs for up to 14 hours. You might notice a special pink tint to the meats which is only achieved by cooking in this true Texas BBQ style. We bring the Roast Beef, Tri Tip, or Prime Rib fresh from our pit to carve on site for your guests. Chicken and Ribs may be brought hot and served to your guests from chaffing stands; or brought smoked from our pit, then grilled on our custom Charbroilers at your site to fill your senses with aromas and tastes you will not forget.
Can I substitute items or change the menus?
Yes! All of our menus are suggested popular combinations, but only a place to start. We are very flexible and can vary menus to suit your needs. Any combinations are possible – just ask!
Are there vegetarian options?
Yes, we have many options for vegetarians or vegans on any of our menus. Please let us know how many guests require a vegetarian option, and we will include it at no charge.
Is gratuity included?
No, we don't automatically charge a gratuity. We suggest an optional 10-15% gratuity for the servers, based on the size and type of event.
How many servers will come?
It varies, based on your group size, menu choices, location, services needed, etc. Average is 3-4 servers per event.
How long is serving time?
Included in price is 1 1/2 hours for less than 100 guests, 2 hours for 100 guests or more. Additional time may be added at approximately $100 per hour, depending on staff required.
How long does it take at the buffet?
We set up double sided buffets and serve very quickly – usually 15 minutes or less for most groups.
Can you serve outdoors?
Yes, indoors or outdoors! We have the proper equipment to handle any event!
How long does it take to set up? And clean up?
Depending on the complexity of the event and menu, 1-2 hours for set up, 1/2-1 hour for clean up. This time is included in the full service labor charge above. We are generally on site for about 4-5 hours total.
Are beverages available?
Yes, beverages and bartenders are available : see Beverages Menu
Are desserts available?
Yes, many desserts are available. We bake homemade Cobblers, Pies, Cheesecakes, and much more! See Desserts Menu
Can I just pick up the food?
Most menus are also available for Pick up or Delivery, packaged for easy client self service, for a minimum of 15 or 25 guests. See Parties To Go Menus for details.
Can you arrange rentals?
Yes, we can arrange tables, chairs, linens, etc. See Rentals
Do you have Clowns? Games? Jumps?
Yes, we can arrange all of your entertainment requests with our professional entertainers of every type. See Entertainment Ideas
Are samples of food available?
Yes – we would love to have you taste our delicious food! Please call for an appointment to come in to our restaurant for mouthwatering, complimentary samples. We can plan your entire event while you dine!
Do you require a deposit?
Yes, 50% deposit is generally requested by 2 months before event if possible. For last minute bookings, we will work out an arrangement to suit the situation.
How far ahead do I need to book the event?
As soon as you know – let us know! Planning ahead is great, but we will always accommodate your last minute needs to the best of our ability!
How can I book my event?
We can discuss details on the phone, in person at our restaurant, or online – whichever is easiest for you!
More Questions???
For free answers, please call or email us! Catering Office : 619-462-3663.