Common questions

A $50 deposit is optional — but this is our busiest season, and our very best chefs are assigned first to guests who've placed the deposit. Pay it to lock in a top chef and priority scheduling. You can pay the $50 deposit or the full balance by card (Stripe), Venmo, or Zelle. Balance due day-of.

We can usually set up on a covered patio, garage, or large indoor space with reasonable ventilation.

We're flexible — text us photos of your space and we'll advise on the safest setup option. If conditions are genuinely unsafe, we'll work with you to reschedule.

Weekends in peak season (May-October) fill up 2-3 weeks ahead. Weekdays often have same-week availability.

Always worth asking — we sometimes have last-minute slots from cancellations.

Our minimum is $550 total, which usually works out to about 10 adults at our Classic tier. Smaller groups can still book — you just pay the minimum total.

One chef serves up to 30 guests. We cater parties from 30 to 500 guests — the more guests, the more chefs and staff we bring, so every guest still gets our top-tier service.

Yes — gluten-friendly, halal, vegetarian, vegan, and nut-aware menus on request, no extra charge. Just note your restrictions when booking or text us before the event.

Standard hibachi service is about 90 minutes from when the chef starts cooking.

Setup takes 15-20 minutes before, teardown takes 15 minutes after. Total chef time on-site: about 2 hours.

• A flat outdoor area for the hibachi grill (about 5×5 feet)
• Tables, chairs, plates, and utensils for your guests
• Access to running water
• A power outlet for our LED lighting if it's after sundown

Kids under 12 are $30 per child. They get a smaller protein portion (usually chicken), fried rice, vegetables, and dessert. We can adjust spice levels and skip anything they don't like.

We bring the hibachi grill, food, and chef tools — guests provide their own tables, chairs, plates, and utensils.

Most clients use their existing patio furniture or rent folding tables from a local party store. If you need help finding a rental, we can recommend partners in Nationwide.

An optional $50 deposit locks in a top chef during our busy season. You can pay the $50 deposit or the full balance by card (Stripe), Venmo (@Yuncai-Chi), or Zelle (chiyuncai@gmail.com). Balance due day-of.

Day-of, the chef collects any remaining balance by cash, Zelle, Venmo, or credit card before leaving. Corporate clients can request invoice billing — see our Menu & Pricing page.

Tips are not required but very appreciated. We suggest 20–30% of the total — your chef will mention it casually at the end. Cash or any digital app works.

Our primary service area is the Northeast, Midwest, Southeast & West Coast.

Travel is a $50 flat fee for the first 50 miles (tolls included), then $1/mile beyond (51 mi = $51) — measured from your state's capital to your event address, auto-calculated when you book. Just ask us — we'll quote it.