FAQ’s
Please peruse our FAQs for the most asked questions about LaLa Taco Catering.
Q: Can I reach out anytime to ask questions about my event? How long does it take to get a response?
A: Of course! The best way to get in touch with us is by sending an email to aron@lalatacos.com. We will make sure to respond to your message as soon as possible. Please note that if you leave a voicemail or text message, it may take us longer to get back to you. So, we kindly suggest you email us for a faster response. We are always happy to help you. :)
Q: How many hours will you service?
A: Typically, we arrive one hour before the serving time. This one hour is reserved for preparation purposes, and we allocate a 1.5-hour window for serving events with more than 50 attendees. If the number of guests is 49 or fewer, we allot one hour for preparation, and there is a one-hour window for serving.
Q: How many tacos per person?
A: We all know that our tacos are amazing; we offer 5-6 tacos per guest. We have an unlimited option for those who love tacos as much as we do.
Q: Do your taco guys wear serving gloves?
A: Our LaLa Taco crew uses their serving gloves and wears face masks upon request. All LaLa Tacos staff have been vaccinated.
Q: Do you provide plates, napkins, and forks?
A: Yes, we do provide the utensils such as plates, napkins, forks, and cups. We also sell bamboo forks, leaves, and kraft napkins; ask us.
Q: Do all of your cooks speak English & Spanish?
A: We ensure that all our staff members can speak English fluently, and we also have servers who are proficient in Spanish to serve our customers better.
Q: How much space do you need to set up?
A: We need room to set up our taco cart and a table.
Our custom-made taco carts are about 6 feet long, and depending on your package, we usually bring a 6—or 8-foot table.
Q: Can your Taco Carts roll anywhere?
A: We need to be mindful of accessibility regarding our taco carts. Our carts cannot be rolled over thick gravel, steppers with indentations, thick bumpy grass, or uneven pathways, more than three steps. Most of the time, accessibility is not an issue, but occasionally it can be. When this happens, we will cook in a more suitable location for our carts.
Q: What is the minimum for On-Site Catering?
A. Our onsite catering service requires a minimum purchase of $1,000 on Saturdays and $800 on Sundays-Fridays to have a taco chef and a taco cart set up at your place. This minimum includes tacos and add-ons, but it does not include churros. You can use our Instant Quote Calculator to create and price your on-site catering menu now.
Our POPULAR DELIVERY DROP-OFF offers four menu choices. You can view our menus here. Use our Instant Quote Calculator to build and price your delivery menu now.
Q: What is the minimum for a Delivery
A. $150
Q: Delivery - Do you set up or deliver and Drop-Off?
A: Thank you for considering our services. We offer two types of services - a simple drop-off service and a delivery service that includes set-up. Please let us know which option you prefer. If you choose the delivery service, please note that we do not provide bowls for displaying toppings such as salsas, onions, and chips.
Q: You said you were available and now you are NOT?
A: We receive a considerable number of inquiries every day. It is not unusual for us to inform you via email that we are available. However, there are times when you decide to book and unfortunately, we are no longer available. We regret this situation, but please note that we tend to book up quickly, especially on Saturdays.
Q: Is there a minimum for on-site Churro Catering?
A: Send an email to aron@lalatacos.com for more Churro information.
Q: Churros- What happens if it’s raining? Can you still cook churros?
A: The impact of rain and wind on our cooking process is significant. We use frying oil to cook the churros, so it is vital that water does not come in contact with the oil. If the intensity of the weather reaches a level where we need to reduce our service, we will refund up to 50% of cost of the chuurros, not travel or service fees.
Q: What areas does LALA Tacos cover?
A: We cover Temecula, Riverside, Orange County, San Diego, Murrieta, Menifee, Fallbrook, and Riverside County Hemet. We also serve Palms Springs, Los Angeles. All onsite catering has a travel fee.
Q: Does your crew wear uniforms?
A: Yes, everyone wears Chef shirts.
Q: Can I reserve a date without the final guest count?
A: Absolutely, we are very flexible, and you can make changes to your event up to 7 days prior.
Q: Can I change my service time and Appetizer Service time?
A: The service time for your order can be found on your order/invoice. Please note that we are unable to accept any requests for changing the service time and appetizer start time within 7 days of your event date. If you need to make any changes to your order, please let us know as soon as possible and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
Q: What is the last date I can change my order?
A: You can reduce your guest count and order up to 7 days before your event.You can add to your order up to one day before.
Q: Do you charge for delivery?
A: For on-site cooking, traveling fees apply and are location-dependent. For drop-off, there is a delivery fee based on your location.
Q: Is there a sales tax?
A: Yes, the 8.75% sales tax rate in Temecula
Q: Do you carry Insurance?
A: Yes, we are fully insured. We can provide proof of insurance upon request.
Q: Do you have a license with the Health Department?
A: Our catering business is licensed by the Riverside County Health Department and has an A rating. If you need a copy of the license, please let us know and we will provide it.
Q: Complimentary Tastings. Do you offer them?
A: We provide free tastings for 100 or more guests. The tasting includes our three most popular proteins - Asada, Chicken, and Carnitas, along with salsas, chips, and toppings. If you follow a vegan diet, kindly inform us in advance, so that we can ensure you get to try some of our Vegan options.
Q: What's up with the LEFTOVERS? Do I get them?
A: Of course, we leave you your leftovers. If you would like us to leave some tortillas as well, let us know. You never know who's going to get the late-night munchies.
Q: Propane at your Venue. Is it allowed?
A: Please inform your venue that our onsite catering service includes tacos served from our cart to your guests. Please note that some venues may have their regulations regarding the proximity of the cart and propane tank to their building. In case of any issue, we offer a white glove buffet service as an alternative to the on-site taco cart. If you choose this option, we will provide you with the additional cost for this service. Please let us know if you would like to consider this option.
Q: Is there an added gratuity charge?
A: No, there isn't. However, if you choose to leave a gratuity, it will be split equally among all hard-working employees from your event. Suppose you decide to give your taco chef and helpers an extra tip. For bookkeeping's sake, if you want to provide them with a tip electronically, ask them directly for their Zelle or Venmo information.
Q: Cancellations.
A: Events canceled within 24 hours of the event are charged 100% of the total amount. Cancellations received 48 hours before the event are charged 50%.
Events canceled before 48 hours are not subject to a cancellation fee.
Deposits are non-refundable.
Q: Confirmations & Deposits.
A: Thank you for choosing our event services. Please note that your event will be officially booked and secured only after we receive your deposit. You are required to pay the deposit within 48 hours of booking your event. If we don't receive your deposit within the given timeframe, your requested date may be at risk of being booked by another client, given our hectic schedule..
Q: Do you require a deposit?
A: Yes, 25% of the total amount is required within 48 hours of booking to lock in your date.
Q: Do your prices ever change?
A: We always strive to offer our clients competitive pricing. However, please note that prices may change if there are fluctuations in our wholesale costs. If you have received a quote from us but have not yet placed an order, please be aware that the final price of your order may differ from the quoted price.
Q: Are deposits refundable?
A: Deposits are nonrefundable since our service is in high demand, and we turn away clients for your reservation.
Q: Form of payment.
A: We accept Zelle, Cash, Checks, and all major credit cards.
You will be charged a 3% transaction fee when using a credit card.
Q: Can you guys stay longer at my event?
A: If you want us to stay up to an extra hour, there will be a charge of $40.00 for every 30 minutes per employee. That's assuming that you have leftovers.
Q: Do you work with non-profits?
A: Yes, we do.
Q: Do you work with companies and net 10-90 days for payment?
A: Yes, we do.
Q: Is there an added service fee?
A: There is a service fee of 18% to 20%. The majority is distributed among our employees as a bonus for their hard work preparing your order at our kitchen and serving you at the event site.
Is Changing your order
A: If you need to modify your order, kindly email us at aron@lalatacos.com or celina@lalatacos.com. Once you request a change, we will send you a confirmation email, which you should receive shortly. If you don't receive a confirmation email, please try again. If you don't receive any confirmation, it may indicate that we haven't received your request, and your order may not be updated.
Q: Communication - which is best?
A: The most effective way to communicate with us is through email. You can drop us an email anytime at aron@lalatacos.com. We are often occupied with work and may be unable to promptly answer the phone or listen to voicemails. We prefer email communication, as it helps us keep track of all requests and our responses in one place, making them easily accessible to everyone. Once you place an order, we will send you a confirmation email. If you need to make any changes to your order, please do so via email, as it ensures that we update your order exactly as per your requirements.
Q: Complementary Chafers for deliveries?
A: We provide up to three complimentary chafers for 25 guests or more for deliveries and pick-up orders, subject to minimums. Each chafer comes with a rack and tin foil holders. However, the fuel packs (stereos) are charged at $1.50 each. We do not offer hot water for the chafers or fill them up unless requested.
Q: Late Deliveries
A. We always strive to deliver your order within the one-hour window you have chosen. However, we cannot be held responsible for heavy traffic, catastrophic accidents, or road closures, as these situations are beyond our control.