FAQ’s
Got questions? You’re not alone.
Below are answers to the most common questions we get about LaLa Taco Catering.
Q: Can I reach out anytime with questions about my event? How long does it take to get a response?
A, Absolutely. The best way to reach us is by email at aron@lalatacos.com. Email allows us to respond quickly and accurately, and it’s where we’re most responsive.
While you’re always welcome to leave a voicemail or send a text, those can take a bit longer for us to return. For the fastest response, we recommend email.
We’re always happy to help and make sure everything comes together smoothly.
Q: How many hours will you service?
A: Typically, our team arrives one hour before serving time to handle setup and preparation.
For events with more than 50 guests, we provide a 1.5-hour serving window.
For events with 40 guests or fewer, service is one hour.
This structure allows us to keep service efficient and ensure guests are served smoothly.
Q: How many tacos per person?
A: We serve up to five tacos per guest, which experience has shown is more than enough for most events. This approach keeps service moving smoothly and ensures every guest is served promptly.
Q: Do your staff wear serving gloves?
A: Yes. Our service staff uses food-safe serving gloves. Face masks are available upon request.
All LaLa Tacos team members follow proper food-handling and safety practices to ensure a clean and professional service experience.
Q: Do you provide plates, napkins, and forks?
A: Yes. We provide plates, napkins, forks, and cups with all catering orders.
We also offer an upgrade option featuring bamboo plates, bamboo forks, and kraft napkins for a more elevated presentation.
Q: Do your staff speak English and Spanish?
A: Yes. All of our team members speak English fluently. When Spanish-speaking guests are expected, we assign a team member who speaks Spanish to ensure clear communication and a smooth experience.
Q: How much space do you need to set up?
A: We use custom-built taco carts that range from 4 to 10 feet in length, depending on the size of your event. All of our carts are designed to be mobile and fit comfortably at home or in most venues.
In addition to the cart, we typically bring a 6- or 8-foot service table, depending on your package. We’re happy to review your space in advance to ensure a smooth setup.
Q: Can your Taco Carts roll anywhere?
A: Our carts cannot be rolled:
Over steps or stairs
Through homes or interior spaces
Across thick gravel, steppers, bumpy grass, or uneven ground
If service is planned for a backyard, we require a minimum of 30 inches of clear, unobstructed access along the side of the home.
If cart access is not possible, we will set up and cook in the nearest suitable location. We are unable to carry carts or roll them through residences.
Q: What is the minimum for On-Site Catering?
A. Due to high demand, we have established minimums for our on-site catering services.
Our minimum for On-Site Catering is $900 Sunday through Friday and $1,000 on Saturdays. During especially busy Saturdays, minimums may be adjusted based on the remaining availability.
The minimum applies to tacos and add-ons, not churros.
You can build and price your on-site catering using our Instant Quote Calculator.
For a simpler option, our Popular Delivery Drop-Off service offers four curated menu choices. You can view our menus and price your delivery order using the Instant Quote Calculator.
Q: What is the minimum for a Delivery
A. $150
Q: Delivery – Do you offer drop-off or setup?
A: We offer two delivery options:
Drop-Off:
Food is delivered in sealed disposable containers, ready to serve. No setup is included.
Delivery with Setup (upon request):
Our team delivers your order and sets up a basic taco bar upon request, using disposable containers and chafing dishes.
Please note that serving bowls are not included with delivery orders. Decorative or premium serving bowls for items such as salsas, onions, or chips are available as an upgrade upon request.
If you ask our delivery team to assist with additional setup beyond standard placement, this does take extra time. While not required, gratuities are always appreciated and may be given directly to the driver if you wish.
Please let us know which delivery option you prefer when placing your order.
Q: You said you were available before—why are you no longer available?
A: We receive a high volume of inquiries each day, and availability can change quickly. An email confirming availability reflects the date at that moment, but dates are only secured once an order is placed.
Because we book on a first-come, first-served basis—especially for Saturdays—it’s possible for a date to fill between initial contact and a later decision to move forward.
Q: Is there a minimum for on-site Churro Catering?
A: Churro availability and minimums vary based on the event size and overall catering details. For more information, please email aron@lalatacos.com, and we’ll be happy to review your event and options.
Q: Churros- What happens if it’s raining? Can you still cook churros?
A: Light rain is usually not an issue, and we will make every reasonable effort to proceed. However, rain combined with wind can create unsafe conditions for churro service.
Churros are prepared using hot frying oil, and for safety reasons, we cannot operate if weather conditions create a risk of moisture contacting the oil. While we do bring tents, weather conditions can change quickly and cannot always be controlled.
If rain is in the forecast, we will contact you in advance to discuss conditions and determine the safest plan. If churro service must be modified or canceled due to weather, refunds are handled on a case-by-case basis, and we will always do our best to work out a fair solution with you.
Q: What areas does LALA Tacos cover?
A: We provide on-site catering throughout Riverside County, Orange County, San Diego County, and Los Angeles County.
Travel fees apply to all on-site catering and are based on distance and logistics. If you’re unsure whether your location is within our service area, feel free to reach out—we’re always happy to check.
Q: Does your crew wear uniforms?
A: Yes. Our team wears black LaLa Tacos–branded polo shirts and black pants, creating a clean, professional, and cohesive look at every event.
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 seven days before.
Q: Can I change my service time and Appetizer Service time?
A: Yes—service times and menu details can be adjusted up to 7 days before your event, provided the changes are communicated clearly and confirmed.
It’s very important that you and your coordinator are on the same page, as we take direction from the client of record. Conflicting instructions can delay or prevent changes.
All changes must be submitted by email to celina@lalatacos.com or aron@lalatacos.com. If you do not receive a response, please email again to confirm your request has been received.
Changes requested within 7 days of the event may not be possible, as staffing, logistics, and scheduling are already finalized.
Q: What is the last date I can change my order?
A: You may reduce your guest count or order details up to 7 days before your event. Additions to your order may be made up to two days prior, subject to availability.
Q: How late can I modify the final headcount?
A: If you're reducing the number, you must do so 7 days before your event, 3 days before your event if you're increasing the number.
Q: Do you charge for delivery?
A: Yes. Travel fees apply to all on-site catering and are based on location. Delivery fees apply to drop-off orders and also vary by distance.
Delivery and travel fees are not included in the food total shown in the Quote Calculator and are calculated separately based on your event 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 for all events and locations where we cater.
If a venue requires a Certificate of Insurance (COI), we’re happy to provide one. Just send us the legal name and legal address of the venue, and we’ll take care of it.
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: Yes, we offer complimentary tastings by invitation, once we’ve reviewed your event details.
Tastings typically include our three most popular proteins—asada, chicken, and carnitas—along with salsas, chips, and toppings. If you follow a vegan diet, please let us know in advance so we can include appropriate options.
Because tastings are complimentary, selections are limited and designed to showcase our core offerings rather than the full menu.
Q: Is there a charge to set up appetizers earlier than your expected arrival time?
A: For on-site catering, our team typically arrives one hour before the scheduled dinner service to begin setup.
If your event requires an earlier arrival—such as setting up or serving appetizers in advance, or coordinating around a ceremony—an early arrival fee applies to cover the additional time and staffing required.
Q: What's up with the LEFTOVERS? Do I get them?
A: Yes, any unused food may be left behind at the end of service, if you’d like. This includes hot proteins from the cart as well as items that remain sealed and stored in our coolers. Just let us know.
For food safety reasons, we’re unable to leave behind any items placed on the taco bar or handled by guests.
If you’d like extra tortillas included with your leftovers, we’re happy to do that upon request.
Q: Propane at your Venue. Is it allowed?
A: Our on-site catering includes tacos prepared and served from our cart, which operates using propane. It’s the client’s responsibility to confirm propane and cart placement requirements with the venue in advance.
Some venues allow propane with restrictions, such as requiring the cart to be positioned a certain distance from the building, while others may not allow propane at all.
If cart service is not permitted, we can offer a staffed buffet-style service as an alternative. Please note that this option requires additional staff, equipment, and chafing dishes to maintain food quality and temperature, and is not a lower-cost option. Any additional cost will be provided in advance for approval.
If you have questions about your venue’s requirements, let us know—we’re happy to help review them.
Q: Is there an added gratuity charge?
A: No. We do not add a gratuity charge. Our service fee funds bonuses for our team and helps cover operational costs.
Tipping is not required, but if you’d like to personally tip our team for exceptional service, you’re welcome to do so. To keep things simple and avoid additional bookkeeping, tips may be given directly to the team in cash, or electronically via Zelle or Venmo by asking a team member for their information.
Q: Cancellations.
A: Because we reserve staff, equipment, and begin purchasing supplies and preparing events several days in advance, all deposits are non-refundable.
Cancellation terms are as follows:
Within 24 hours of the event: 100% of the total order
Within 72 hours of the event: 50% of the total order
More than 72 hours before the event: Deposit is retained; no additional charges apply
We begin purchasing meats and supplies and staging events approximately 72 hours in advance, which is why cancellations within that window incur additional charges.
In certain situations, we may offer a credit toward a future event, at our discretion. Any credits or exceptions are handled case by case and are not guaranteed.
Q: Rain is in the forecast—can I cancel?
A: Weather forecasts alone do not qualify as a cancellation for a refund. We closely monitor conditions and will always communicate with you in advance if the weather may impact service.
If an event is canceled due to weather concerns, a credit toward a future event may be offered, at our discretion. Refunds are not provided for weather-related cancellations.
We make every effort to work with you when weather becomes a concern, while also accounting for staffing, preparation, and product already purchased.
Q: Confirmations & Deposits.
A: Your event is officially booked and secured once a deposit is received.
We ask that deposits be submitted promptly after booking and no later than two weeks before your event date. Until a deposit is received, your event remains unconfirmed and availability may change, as we continue to receive inquiries for the same dates.
Submitting your deposit allows us to finalize staffing, planning, and preparations for your event.
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: Yes. Pricing is locked in once an order is placed. If we create an order for you, your pricing is secured—even if your event is still pending a deposit.
Formal quotes that have not been converted into an order are subject to change. If menu items, service style (on-site vs. delivery), or quantities are adjusted later—or if wholesale costs change—pricing may be updated at the time the order is created or revised.
For this reason, we recommend placing an order when you’re ready to move forward to ensure your pricing is locked in.
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: Service times are scheduled in advance and based on staffing and event flow. If service is delayed due to speeches, program changes, or a late start, additional time may be required for our team to complete service.
When available, extended service time is billed at $40 per employee for every 30 minutes. We typically allow a short grace period when possible; however, extended time beyond that may result in additional charges.
Because staffing and schedules vary, any service extension is subject to availability and will be handled as smoothly as possible without interrupting your event.
Q: Do you work with non-profits?
A: Yes, we do.
Q: Do you work with companies net 10-90 days for payment?
A: Yes, we do.
Q: Is there an added service fee?
A: Yes. A service fee of 18%–20% is applied to all on-site catering events.
This fee supports fair wages, staffing, and the overall costs of delivering a professional, full-service catering experience. Tipping is not expected or required.
The service fee helps offset rising business expenses, including:
Competitive hourly wages and performance-based bonuses
Increased food and supply costs
Higher insurance premiums
Overtime and payroll-related expenses
Equipment maintenance and transportation
Tariffs and import-related costs for ingredients and supplies
Any additional gratuity offered by a client is always appreciated but entirely optional.
Changing your order
A: All order changes must be submitted in writing by email to aron@lalatacos.com or celina@lalatacos.com. We are unable to accept changes by phone call, voicemail, or text message.
Once a change request is received, we will reply with a written confirmation. If you do not receive a confirmation email, the change has not been processed.
If you do not receive confirmation, please email us again. Changes are only considered valid once confirmed in writing by LaLa Tacos.
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 answer the phone or listen to voicemails promptly. 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: Complimentary Items Offered.
A: From time to time, we may include complimentary items with an order as a business incentive, based on factors such as guest count, service type, or overall order details.
If an order is modified after a complimentary item is offered—including reductions to guest count, menu changes, or service changes—we reserve the right to adjust or remove the complimentary item accordingly.
Complimentary items are not guaranteed and are subject to change if the order no longer meets the original qualifying criteria.
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 make every effort to deliver your order within the one-hour delivery window selected. However, delivery times may be affected by factors beyond our control, including heavy traffic, accidents, road closures, or other unforeseen conditions.
LaLa Tacos cannot be held responsible for delays caused by these circumstances, but we will always communicate as clearly as possible if an unexpected delay occurs.