LaLa Tacos Pre-Departure Checklist

Final Pre-Departure Quality Checks

Every LaLa Tacos Lead completes this Pre-Departure Checklist before leaving the kitchen. As soon as it is submitted, a copy is immediately sent to Aron and Celina for review. This allows management to monitor every event in real time, verify that important quality assurance and safety checks have been completed, and help prevent problems before they happen.

These final checks are designed to protect our customers, our employees, and the LaLa Tacos reputation. They help ensure your taco cart is presentation-ready, your equipment is working properly, your food and supplies have been verified, customer communication has been completed, and your team is fully prepared to deliver a professional catering experience.

We believe great catering starts long before the first taco is served. It starts with preparation, attention to detail, and making sure every event leaves the kitchen ready for success.

Taco Cart Appearance

Question:
Did you make sure your taco cart was clean, polished, and presentation-ready before leaving the kitchen?

Why:
When you roll your taco cart into an event, guests notice it immediately. Think of it like walking them through our kitchen. We want them to see a clean, beautiful taco cart that shows we take pride in our work. A spotless taco cart creates a great first impression before the first taco is ever served.

Grill Performance Check

Question:
Did you test your grill before leaving to verify it reached the proper operating temperature and was functioning correctly?

Why:
Making sure your grill reaches the proper operating temperature before leaving is especially important on cold or windy days. At LaLa Tacos, every scheduled service time matters. We need our planchas performing at their best so we can begin cooking immediately, serve hot, fresh tacos, and avoid unnecessary delays caused by equipment that wasn't tested before departure.

Fire Extinguisher

Question:
Did you verify that a fire extinguisher is packed and included with your event equipment?

Why:
Safety is everyone's responsibility. Verifying that your fire extinguisher is packed before leaving helps protect our team, our guests, and our equipment while ensuring you're prepared if an emergency ever occurs.

Protective Floor Mat

Question:
Did you verify that a protective floor mat is packed in your van?

Why:
Our protective floor mat helps protect our customer's driveway, patio, garage floor, or other surfaces while we cook and serve. If food, grease, or anything else is accidentally dropped, the mat helps protect their property and shows that we care about leaving every event location just as clean as we found it.

Emergency Box

Question:
Did you double-check that your Emergency Box is packed and fully stocked before leaving the kitchen?

Why:
Even with careful planning, something can occasionally be overlooked. Your Emergency Box contains backup supplies like plates, bowls, serving spoons, napkins, and other essentials that can save an event if something is accidentally left behind. We can never be too careful when it comes to making sure our customers have everything they need.

Professional Introduction

Question:
Upon arrival, will you introduce yourself to the host or coordinator as the Lead from LaLa Tacos before beginning setup?

Why:
A professional introduction builds confidence from the moment you arrive. It lets the host or coordinator know who is leading the event and gives them a clear point of contact if they have questions, special requests, or anything they would like you to know before service begins.

Quality Assurance Photo Reminder

Reminder:
Please do not forget to send photos of your completed taco cart and taco bar to Aron or Celina before serving your first guest.

Why:
We can't be at every event, so your real-time photos allow us to review your taco cart and taco bar before service begins. If we notice something that can make the presentation even better, we can let you know immediately. Many hosts appreciate knowing their caterer is working this hard for perfection, and this extra level of quality assurance helps us deliver a beautiful, professional presentation at every event.

Stay Focused Before Departure

Question:
Did you remain focused on preparing for your event and avoid unnecessary delays before leaving the kitchen?

Why:
At LaLa Tacos, we take our scheduled service times as seriously as an airline takes its departure times. Staying focused helps your team leave on schedule, reduces loading mistakes, and gives you the best opportunity to arrive, complete your setup, and begin service exactly when promised.

Hot Box Verification

Question:
Did you verify that the contents of your hot box match the paperwork?

Why:
Your hot box contains essential items like rice, beans, tortillas, and other hot foods that are critical to the event. Taking a few extra minutes to verify everything matches the paperwork helps prevent forgotten items, unnecessary trips back to the kitchen, and delays once service begins.

ETA Text

Question:
Did you make sure that someone on your team texted the customer or coordinator with your estimated arrival time (ETA)?

Why:
Keeping the host or coordinator informed helps them prepare for your arrival and gives them confidence that everything is running on schedule. Good communication before you arrive is part of providing professional customer service and creating a great first impression.

Battery Pack

Question:
Did you verify that your battery pack is fully charged before leaving the kitchen?

Why:
LaLa Tacos prefers using professional battery packs instead of running extension cords across a customer's property whenever possible. A fully charged battery pack provides reliable power, creates a cleaner and safer setup, reduces trip hazards, and helps maintain the professional appearance our customers expect.

Continue the Quality Assurance Process

Reminder:
Please remember to complete and submit your Upon Arrival Checklist as soon as your setup is complete.

Why:
The Upon Arrival Checklist is the second step in our Quality Assurance process. It confirms that your taco cart, taco bar, equipment, and overall presentation are ready before serving your first guest. It also allows Aron or Celina to review your setup in real time, provide feedback if needed, and help ensure every event meets LaLa Tacos' standards for quality, presentation, and professionalism.