Taco Catering Venue, Setup & Day-of FAQs
The venue can affect a taco catering setup just as much as the menu. Parking, unloading, stairs, gates, elevators, surface conditions, propane restrictions, weather and last-minute location changes can all affect how the team reaches and serves the event.
These answers explain the information we need before arrival and how LaLa Tacos handles common day-of situations so the host, venue and catering team can work from the same plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Venue Access, Setup & Day-of Service
What happens if the venue won’t let you in when you arrive?
Venue access should be arranged in advance. Because you are contracting directly with the venue, it is your responsibility to confirm that LaLa Tacos is permitted to enter, set up, and provide catering at the scheduled time.
We recommend confirming all venue access requirements before the event, including arrival times, loading instructions, parking, permits, and any catering restrictions.
This has not been an issue for us in the past, but confirming access ahead of time helps avoid delays on the day of your event.
What happens if the venue suddenly tells you propane isn’t allowed?
It is the host’s responsibility to confirm the venue’s catering requirements and restrictions in advance, including whether propane cooking equipment is permitted.
Most of the time this is not an issue. When propane restrictions do come up, it is often because the catering area is on an upper-level patio or in another area where the venue has special safety rules.
Please confirm these requirements with your venue before the event so there are no surprises when our team arrives. If propane is not permitted, let us know as early as possible so we can determine whether one of our propane-free taco carts can be used instead.
What happens if we discover stairs, a locked gate, or difficult access that I forgot to mention?
Our FAQs and Terms & Conditions specify that our team and equipment cannot be required to navigate more than three steps.
If your event has stairs or difficult access, please let us know in advance. We may ask you to email us photos or a video showing the entire route from where our team will park to where you would like the taco cart set up. After reviewing it, we may be able to approve the requested setup.
It is the host’s responsibility to make sure gates are unlocked and that our team has clear access when we arrive.
If an access route or requested setup location is not safe for our team or equipment, our lead team member will determine the safest suitable location for the taco cart.
What happens if there is nowhere for your vehicle to park or unload?
We ask that you provide a safe and reasonably close area for our team to park and unload.
Our team typically arrives about one hour before the scheduled service time to unload, set up, and prepare.
If we have to park or unload a significant distance from the setup area, the additional time required to carry equipment and supplies back and forth may reduce the amount of service time available for your event.
Please arrange appropriate parking and unloading access in advance whenever possible.
What happens if the venue changes the setup location after your team arrives?
If our team has already set up in the location agreed upon in advance and the host or venue later asks us to move, we will do our best to accommodate the change.
Because the team must break down, move, and set up the equipment a second time, the host will be charged for the additional time required.
If the new setup location creates different access, safety, or equipment requirements, our lead team member will determine whether the new location can be accommodated.
Can you set up on dirt, grass, or gravel, or do you need a hard surface?
We can set up on dirt, grass, gravel, or hard surfaces. We do need to avoid deep gravel and strongly prefer a level surface without a significant slope.
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 you cater on a rooftop or upper-floor terrace?
Yes. We can cater on rooftops and upper-floor terraces, but you must confirm in advance that the building allows the type of taco cart and cooking equipment required, especially if propane will be used.
If propane is not permitted, we may be able to use one of our propane-free taco carts instead.
Can you cater indoors if propane isn’t allowed?
Yes. We have propane-free indoor taco carts that can be used at venues where propane or live cooking is not permitted in the guest area.
Depending on the venue, some food preparation may take place in an approved kitchen or outdoor service area, while the indoor cart is used for serving.
What happens if it rains on the day of my outdoor event?
Rain does not automatically cancel your event. Our team will work with you to determine the best setup, including whether tents or other adjustments are needed.
LaLa Tacos also has specialized propane-free taco carts that can operate indoors at venues where traditional propane carts cannot be used. If the weather requires moving service indoors, we can review the venue requirements and determine the best available option.
Our goal is to work with you and keep your event running whenever conditions allow us to do so safely.
What happens if it starts raining after you have already set up?
If rain starts after we have already set up, our team will do everything reasonably possible to keep service going.
Depending on the situation, we may be able to reposition the cart under available cover, protect the equipment, or work with the host or venue on another safe solution.
Because our propane carts cannot be operated indoors, moving the existing setup inside may not be an option.
We will do our best to adapt to the conditions, but sudden weather can sometimes limit what is safely possible, and we cannot guarantee that service will continue exactly as originally planned.
What happens if it is extremely hot outside?
For outdoor events in extreme heat, we can bring pop-up tents for the taco cart and taco bar to help protect the food and service area from direct sun.
If the taco bar was originally planned for outdoors, you may also ask us to move it indoors if the venue allows.
We also use double-walled stainless steel bowls that can be filled with water and frozen in advance. This helps keep items such as salsa and shredded cheese cold and fresh during service, even on very hot days.
What happens if the power goes out at the venue?
A venue power outage does not prevent LaLa Tacos from operating. Our taco catering setup can operate without electrical power, so in most cases we can continue service as planned.
If the host or venue chooses to cancel or stop service because of a power outage after our team has arrived or service has begun, no refund or credit will be issued, since LaLa Tacos is still able to provide the contracted service.
What happens if my event starts late and your scheduled service time has already begun?
Our team provides a 30-minute grace period when an event is running behind schedule.
Please notify us as early as possible. If we receive only a few minutes’ notice, our team may have already prepared tortillas, food, or other items for the scheduled start time. In that situation, we cannot guarantee that everything already prepared can be replaced without affecting quantities or service.
For delays of more than 30 minutes, our team will contact management and advise the host or coordinator that additional time is $50 per employee for each additional 30 minutes.
Every situation is different, and any exception or adjustment to this policy is at management’s discretion.
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.
What happens if I cannot reach anyone at LaLa Tacos on the day of my event?
For an urgent day-of-event issue, first call 951.325.0011. If you do not reach anyone, call 310.435.1549.
If there is still no answer, call back immediately up to three times in a row. Repeated calls let us know the matter is urgent and needs immediate attention.
If you still cannot reach anyone by phone, email aron@lalatacos.com with your name, event location, and a brief description of the issue.
Ready to Plan Your Event
Now that you know exactly how we handle venue logistics, weather, and day-of-event setup, it is time to price your package. Use our Instant Quote Calculator to build your menu and get transparent pricing instantly.