San Diego Corporate Catering FAQ
All the questions you're already thinking — answered.
You shouldn't have to email us to find out the basics. Here's what corporate planners ask us most — pricing, invoicing, allergies, timing, and yes, the "what if it rains" question.
About how much should we expect to spend on corporate catering?
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Most Qfire corporate events land between $32 and $145 per guest depending on menu (drop-off vs. buffet vs. plated Steakhouse Experience), staffing, live-fire stations, bar service, and rentals. See the 'Average Cost for Catering' example above for a realistic 100-guest budget. Every proposal is itemized — no hidden fees, no surprise service charges, and clean invoicing your AP team will appreciate.
Can our menu be fully customized?
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Yes. Every Qfire corporate menu is built from scratch around your team, your dietary needs, your budget, and your brand. Chef Terry will design the proposal — hors d'oeuvres, entrées, sides, dessert, bar — and you can refine it right up until 15 days out.
Can we schedule a tasting?
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Absolutely. If your date is still available, you're welcome to schedule a tasting before booking. You'll sample 3 meats, 3 sides, and 2 appetizers for 5–7 guests ($200) — then decide if we're the right fit for your team.
How does the 35% Date Retainer work?
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Your date is reserved with a 35% Date Retainer that applies 100% to your final invoice. It locks in your date and our team — NOT your menu, guest count, or service style. Those all stay flexible as planning evolves.
Do you grill onsite at the office?
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Yes — live charcoal grilling is one of our signature corporate offerings. We roll in the wood-fired grill and cook ribeyes, picanha, brisket, salmon, and chicken right in your courtyard, rooftop, parking lot, or jobsite. The aroma, the visual, the freshness — it's the moment your team remembers.
Can we update our guest count later?
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Yes. The final guest count locks in 15 days before the event. Until then, you can scale up or down as RSVPs come in without any rebooking penalty.
What's the plan if it rains — or if it's 110° in July?
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We plan for weather from day one. Our live-fire grills operate under a canopy in rain, wind, and heat. For extreme conditions we can shift to a covered service area or interior space without changing your menu. Every proposal includes a weather contingency.
Do you accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions?
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Always. Every proposal includes vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. For peanut, tree-nut, shellfish, and other serious allergies we run a dedicated prep line and label every plate at the pass.
Do you offer bar packages for holiday parties and executive dinners?
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Yes. We offer beer & wine, full bar, and custom signature-cocktail packages with licensed, insured bartenders. Bar service can be built into your proposal or added à la carte — priced per guest or by consumption, whichever your finance team prefers.
What's the minimum lead time for December holiday parties?
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December books out fast — we recommend locking your date 8–12 weeks out for holiday parties. If you're inside that window, call us anyway; we hold a small number of December dates specifically for late-booking corporate clients.
Can you handle multiple corporate events for the same company throughout the year?
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Yes — we work with many companies on a recurring basis (quarterly team lunches, executive dinners, annual holiday party, summer picnic). Preferred-vendor clients get priority date holds, consistent pricing, and a single point of contact across every event.
What is the guest minimum for Corporate catering in San Diego County?
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In San Diego County, our Wood-Fired BBQ menus start at 50 guests and the Steakhouse Experience starts at 35 guests. Smaller San Diego corporate events are still possible — we just build them as a private chef service instead of a full buffet.
Do you travel throughout San Diego County for corporate events?
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Yes. We cater across San Diego County, including Sorrento Valley, La Jolla, Carlsbad, Del Mar and downtown San Diego. Travel is quoted as a separate line item on your proposal, so you always see exactly what it costs before you book.
How much does corporate catering cost in San Diego?
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Most San Diego County corporate events land between $37 and $150 per guest depending on drop-off, buffet or plated Steakhouse service, plus staffing, live-fire stations and bar service. Proposals are itemized for your AP team; final totals adjust for state tax and a 10% gratuity.
How far in advance should we book San Diego corporate catering?
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Popular San Diego dates book out months ahead, especially in peak season. Send us your date and we'll tell you within 4 hours whether it's still open. Your menu, guest count and service style stay flexible until about 15 days out.
