Paso Catering Co.
Planning an event comes with many moving pieces, and our goal is to make the catering process feel seamless, organized, and enjoyable from start to finish.
Below are answers to our most commonly asked questions regarding menus, service styles, staffing, delivery, booking, and event logistics.
If you do not see your question here, we are always happy to assist you directly.
🍽️ About Paso Catering Co.
What types of events do you cater?
Paso Catering Co. provides chef-driven catering for:
• Weddings
• Winery Events
• Corporate Gatherings
• Private Celebrations
• Holiday Parties
• Celebration of Life Gatherings
• Private Chef Experiences
• Family & Social Events
We proudly serve Paso Robles, California’s Central Coast, and surrounding regions.
Do you offer customized menus?
Yes. Every event menu can be customized based on your guest count, event style, dietary needs, venue requirements, and overall vision.
We offer everything from plated dinners and buffet service to grazing tables, boxed meals, cocktail receptions, drop-off catering, and private chef experiences.
Do you offer vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergy-friendly options?
Yes. We regularly accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and other dietary preferences whenever possible.
Please note that all menu items are prepared in shared kitchen environments where allergens including nuts, dairy, gluten, soy, and shellfish may be present.
Do you provide tastings?
Yes. Tastings are typically scheduled after booking and are designed to help finalize menu selections and event details.
Availability and tasting structure may vary depending on event size and season.
🍷 Choosing Your Service Style
What service styles do you offer?
We offer several curated service styles designed to match the atmosphere, flow, and formality of your event.
Buffet Service
Our team prepares and presents all menu items in a professionally styled buffet setup. Staff manages the buffet line, guest flow, replenishment, and post-service cleanup.
Buffet service is ideal for relaxed gatherings, weddings, winery events, and larger guest counts.
Family-Style Service
Courses are presented on shared platters placed directly at each table, encouraging a warm and interactive dining experience.
Family-style dining works beautifully for winery events, rehearsal dinners, and communal-style celebrations.
Plated / Sit-Down Service
A more formal dining experience where each course is individually plated by our culinary team and served directly to guests by service staff.
Plated service is best suited for weddings, upscale celebrations, and refined private events.
Front-of-house staffing is often coordinated alongside your planner or event coordinator.
Cocktail-Style & Passed Appetizer Service
Perfect for cocktail hours, winery receptions, and social gatherings featuring passed appetizers, grazing displays, and small bites.
Drop-Off Catering & Boxed Meals
Chef-prepared meals packaged for easy delivery, setup, reheating, or self-service.
Ideal for casual gatherings, corporate lunches, holiday meals, and family events.
Interactive Stations
We also offer specialty experiences such as:
• Paella Service
• Taco Bars
• Charcuterie Displays
• Grazing Tables
• Seasonal Chef Stations
Which service style is best for my event?
Choosing the right service style depends on your guest count, venue, timeline, budget, and overall event atmosphere.
• Buffet service offers flexibility and efficient guest flow
• Family-style dining encourages connection and conversation
• Plated service creates a refined restaurant-style experience
• Cocktail-style receptions allow for a more social and interactive environment
If you are unsure, our team is happy to guide you based on your event goals and venue setup.
🥂 Beverage Service & Event Enhancements
Do you offer beverage service?
Yes. Our Non-Alcoholic Beverage Bar is available as an add-on to any catering package.
Includes:
• Fresh Lemonade
• Classic Iced Tea
• Infused Spa Water
• Freshly Brewed Coffee & Assorted Teas
• Creamers & Sweeteners
All beverages are served with dispensers, ice, and high-quality disposable cups for both hot and cold service.
Pricing:
$8 per guest
Do you provide disposable dinnerware?
Yes.
Disposable Dinnerware Package — $6 per guest
Includes:
• 10” Bamboo Dinner Plate
• 6” Side Plate
• Knife, Fork & Spoon
• Napkins
Premium biodegradable options and upgrades are available.
Do you offer cake cutting service?
Yes.
Cake Cutting Service — $125
Includes:
• Cutting
• Plating
• Service
• Cleanup
🚚 Delivery, Pickup & Setup
How does delivery work?
All hot food is delivered in commercial half and full-size catering pans with secure lids for safe transport and easy setup.
Our packaging is designed to work with standard chafing dish and sterno warming systems commonly available at Smart & Final, Costco, and restaurant supply stores.
What is the best delivery timing?
For optimal freshness and presentation, we recommend scheduling delivery at or just before your intended meal service time.
Do you offer pickup orders?
Yes. Pickup orders are packaged in the same commercial-grade pans and are ready for transport, reheating, or immediate service.
Do you provide setup or staffing for delivery orders?
Delivery orders are considered drop-off service unless additional staffing or setup assistance is requested.
We are always happy to guide clients on warming equipment and setup recommendations.
Is there a delivery fee?
Yes.
Delivery & Travel Fees
• Within 10 miles: $50 flat rate
• Over 10 miles: $5 per mile
• Pickup orders: No charge
How many chafing dishes or sternos will I need?
If you are unsure about setup needs, our team is happy to help determine the recommended number of chafing dishes and warming setups based on your guest count and menu selection.
👨🍳 Staffing & Event Fees
Do you provide staffing for events?
Yes. Staffing requirements vary depending on guest count, venue logistics, timeline, and service style.
Culinary Staffing Rates
• On-Site Chef: $50/hour (3-hour minimum)
• Kitchen Support Staff: $30/hour (3-hour minimum)
Hours may vary based on event needs.
Is there a fee for smaller events?
For events under 25 guests requiring staffing or setup coordination, a $250 small event fee may apply.
Do holiday weekend events include additional fees?
Yes. Due to increased operational and staffing demands during premium holiday weekends, the following fees may apply:
• 10–50 Guests: $350 Flat Fee
• 51–100 Guests: $500 Flat Fee
• 100+ Guests: $1,000 Flat Fee
Holiday fees apply to select nationally recognized holiday weekends and peak seasonal dates.
🍾 Private Chef Experiences
Are private chef experiences available year-round?
Private chef experiences are available on select weekdays and limited weekends throughout the year based on our event calendar and seasonal availability.
We encourage early inquiries for weekend reservations and peak event seasons.
💰 Pricing, Booking & Planning
How is pricing determined?
Pricing is based on several factors including:
• Guest count
• Menu selections
• Service style
• Staffing needs
• Rentals
• Travel distance
• Venue logistics
• Overall event complexity
Each proposal is customized specifically for your event.
Do you require a deposit?
Yes. A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your event date.
Additional payment terms and scheduling details are outlined within your proposal and catering agreement.
When are final guest counts due?
Final guest counts, menu selections, and event details are typically finalized approximately 30 days prior to the event date.
⚠️ Important Policies & Notes
Proposal Disclaimer
All proposals are estimates based on the current event details provided and are subject to adjustment.
Final pricing may vary based on:
• Guest count changes
• Staffing requirements
• Rentals
• Travel
• Venue logistics
• Seasonal market conditions
Final pricing is confirmed prior to the event.
Allergy Notice
While we take care in preparing and handling food, all menu items are produced in shared kitchen environments where allergens may be present, including nuts, dairy, gluten, soy, and shellfish.
We cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment. Guests with severe allergies should take this into consideration. We are happy to discuss dietary accommodations whenever possible.
Still Have Questions?
We are happy to help guide you through the planning process and answer any additional questions about menus, service styles, logistics, or event coordination.
📧 [email protected]
📞 (805) 225-4430
Event Inquiries
Chef / Owner