On-Site Taco Catering FAQs
On-site taco catering is more than dropping off food. Our team arrives with the equipment and service setup needed to prepare and serve tacos at your event while maintaining the taco bar throughout scheduled service.
These answers explain what on-site service includes, how much room the setup needs, how guests are served, how long service lasts, what happens with seconds and how the team handles setup and cleanup.
Frequently Asked Questions About On-Site Taco Catering
What’s the difference between On-Site, Delivery, and Pickup?
On-Site Catering means our team comes to your location with a taco cart and crew to set up and serve your guests.
Delivery means we prepare your food, deliver it to your event location, help set up the order, and then leave the service to you.
Pickup means your order is prepared for you to pick up from our Temecula location.
What is included with On-Site Catering?
On-Site Catering includes:
Everything included with your selected menu
Taco cart
Staff to prepare and serve the tacos
Taco bar
Buffet tables with black linens
Chafing dishes and warming equipment
Setup and breakdown of our food-service area
Is on-site catering served from a taco cart or tables?
For traditional On-Site Catering, we serve from one of our wheeled taco carts.
If you choose staffed buffet-style catering, we set up tables and our employees serve your guests from behind the buffet.
What if I don’t want a taco cart?
No problem. You can consider Delivery or a staffed taco bar/buffet setup instead.
How much room does the taco cart need?
It depends on your guest count and the cart selected for your event. Our taco carts range from approximately 4 feet to 12 feet long, allowing us to match the equipment to the size of the event and available space.
How deep is the taco cart setup?
In addition to the cart itself, we need enough room behind it for our employees to work safely and serve your guests. We also need space for supporting equipment such as coolers and supplies.
If space is limited, let us know in advance so we can help determine the best setup.
Can your taco carts fit through a standard doorway?
Yes. Our indoor taco carts were specifically designed to fit through standard doorways.
Can your taco carts fit inside an elevator?
It depends on the size of the elevator and the cart needed for your event. LaLa Tacos has more than 22 taco carts in different sizes, so we can often match the cart to the size of the party and available access.
Before planning to use an elevator, please confirm that the building allows the type of taco cart and cooking equipment required, especially if propane will be used.
If you are unsure, send us the elevator dimensions and any building restrictions in advance so we can determine the best option.
Can guests choose whichever proteins they want when they reach the taco bar?
Yes. Guests may choose from the proteins selected for your menu.
If we notice that one protein is being chosen much more heavily than the others, our team may encourage guests to try some of the other selections as well. This helps make sure all of your guests have the opportunity to enjoy every protein offered.
For tableside service, the protein selection is served as a set menu to help keep service moving efficiently.
How do you handle guests who come back for seconds while others are still waiting to be served?
Guests returning for seconds will be politely asked to wait until all guests have been served their first round. Once everyone has been served, we’re happy to serve seconds.
Can your staff serve guests from the taco bar, or is it self-service?
Our team serves the tacos. Guests do not serve their own tacos.
The condiment and topping portion of the taco bar is self-service, so guests can add the toppings and salsas they prefer.
How long do you serve?
Service time depends on what you order. For taco service only, we typically serve for 1 hour for fewer than 50 guests and 1.5 hours for 50 guests or more.
We do not rush your guests. If people are still eating and service is naturally wrapping up, our team will use reasonable judgment rather than abruptly shutting everything down at the exact minute.
Can I add extra service time?
Yes. You can request additional service time from the LaLa Tacos lead at your event.
Additional time is $50 per employee for each additional 30 minutes.
Please do not offer cash directly to our employees unless LaLa Tacos management has specifically authorized them to accept payment for the additional time.
Do your on-site team members speak both English and Spanish?
Yes. We have team members who speak both English and Spanish. If having a Spanish-speaking team member is important for your event, please let us know when booking so we can plan accordingly.
Does your staff wear professional uniforms?
Yes. Our catering staff wears black LaLa Tacos polo shirts and black pants.
Can you provide bussers to clear guests’ tables?
Yes. Bussing service can be requested for an additional charge.
Who is in charge if there is a problem during my event?
For routine or smaller issues during your event, ask who the LaLa Tacos lead is. That team member is in charge on-site and can handle most situations.
For larger or more serious issues, please call 310.435.1549.
Ready to Price Your Event?
Every venue requires a specific approach. Use our Instant Quote Calculator to build your exact menu and service style. Whether you need a full outdoor cart setup, a staffed buffet, or a propane-free indoor service, this tool lets you define your logistics and get real pricing in seconds.