MICHIGAN IS OUR HOME, BUT GOOD BBQ KNOWS NO BOUNDARIES
Planning your wedding, tailgate party or corporate event can be complicated and time-consuming. Hiring a great catering service shouldn't be as difficult. At Hickory BBQ & Grill, we understand you need a professional staff to serve your guests, but also guidance on food choice, menu planning and event coordination. Know that we're here to help, and will always provide service with a friendly attitude.
Can't find an answer to your question here? Feel free to contact us.
- In short, why should we choose Hickory BBQ & Grill over another caterer?
- What is the deposit for reserving an event?
- To which address should I mail my payment?
- What happens to any left over food?
- Why do some events cost more?
- How much time do you need for set up?
- How long will you be here?
- Do you charge a gratuity fee?
- How much space do you need for your smoker/grill and equipment?
- How far in advance can I book my special day?
- Why does that meat look undercooked?
- What about bad weather?
- Where can we have our party?
- Can I change my menu or guest count?
- Speaking of guest count, what happens if my event draws fewer guests than planned?
- Can I change my date?
- What is the maximum distance Hickory BBQ will travel?
- What is the charge to cater an event?
- Do you do more than grill?
- Do I need to have a set budget before calling to book a catered event?
- How far in advance should I book my event to lock in my date?
- Are you licensed and insured?
- Is there a cancellation fee once we have reserved a date and signed a contract?
- I just want an informal BBQ, not a fully catered event. Can you do that?
- What if I need just meat or just side dishes for my party?
- Do you provide alcoholic beverage service?
- Where is your restaurant located?
In short, why should we choose Hickory BBQ & Grill over another caterer?
- Best catered food in the Metro Detroit Area.
- Our meat is always fresh, not frozen.
- Helpful, highly professional staff.
- An excellent reputation built on repeat clients and word of mouth testimonials.
- Hickory BBQ & Grill is a privately owned husband and wife operation.
- We provide onsite mobile catering, meaning we bring our 21 foot grill/smoker to your party.
- We have a diverse menu for you to choose from.
- We have gained a reputation for consistently serving the highest quality food, which is served to you right from our grill/smoker.
- We work with local suppliers to ensure that all ingredients are fresh at the time of your event.
What is the deposit for reserving an event?
Once your menu is decided, we require 50% deposit and a signed contract.
To which address should I mail my payment?
10995 Newman Rd. Brighton, MI 48114. Checks made payable to Hickory BBQ & Grill. We accept all major credit cards
What happens to any left over food?
All food provided for your function will be left for you in disposable tin containers.
Why do some events cost more?
The size of your party, the menu selected, the location of your party, and any special requests will determine the price. Unlike our competitors, we do offer on-site BBQ service for smaller events with a custom menu. Our clients will find that our prices are comparable to what others offer, and our food, service, and attention to detail is unsurpassed.
How much time do you need for set up?
We arrive at most jobs between 1 hour and 1.5 hours prior to your selected serving time. This allows us ample time to set up our equipment, and the buffet table. Please allow us a 10-15 minute serving window for larger parties.
How long will you be here?
For most parties we will stay on site until all your guests have been served. We normally feed groups of 200 in under an hour. So with set up, serving and clean up we are at your event for approximately 3 hours. Our goal is to provide excellent service for your event!
Do you charge a gratuity fee?
Unlike most of our competitors, we do not charge a mandatory gratuity fee. We feel it is up to our clients to reward superior service as they so choose -- kind of like when you go out to dinner! A little extra something is appreciated, and we share it with the entire crew that works hard to make your event a success.
How much space do you need for your smoker/grill and equipment?
With the truck included, we do need enough space to safely park at your event. It is also important that we have ample room to leave after your guests are fed and happy! And know that we always treat your property as if it were our own!How far in advance can I book my special day?
Please feel free to book as early as possible. As a family business, we can't be in two places at the same time! Holidays and certain times of the year are very popular, so please book as early as possible.
Why does that meat look undercooked?
What you are seeing is the smoke ring. Our slow smoked meats are always well done and tender. Most smoked foods will have a pink to light red tint, especially chicken. This shows that the food was cooked "low and slow" and not rushed like some commercial operations do. For health reasons, we always make sure our meats are properly cooked through. This is the same reason we do not offer rare hamburgers -- the choice is done, or well done only!
What about bad weather?
Hickory BBQ & Grill is a rain or shine operation! For outdoor events, please make alternate arrangements for an indoor serving and eating area. This being Michigan we often can't anticipate the weather. So if it rains or snows don't worry - we will still provide you with fabulous food in a timely manner.
Where can we have our party?
Just about anywhere our mobile BBQ can travel. We have done events at many local parks, city recreational centers (indoor and outdoor), as well as many corporate business locations.
Can I change my menu or guest count?
If you would like to change your menu or the guest count, we will try our best to accommodate your needs. Although, we can make menu changes and guest count changes with a two week notice.
Speaking of guest count, what happens if my event draws fewer guests than planned?
We are happy to provide great foods for smaller events. Smaller parties cost more per person because the labor, fuel and other expenses do not change. If you book an event for 100 people or more and your guest total falls below that, there is an additional surcharge to cover expenses.
Can I change my date?
This would depend on availability. All of our dates are important to us. When we reserve your special day, it gives you the confidence to know we will be there for your event. It also prevents us from booking another party on that day, and losing other business opportunities.
What is the maximum distance Hickory BBQ will travel?
We will go just about anywhere, but know that travel fees, etc would be included in the cost of your event.
What is the charge to cater an event?
Charges are determined by the menu selected and the anticipated number of people. At Hickory BBQ & Grill we will always work hard to customize a catering package that works within your budget. Menu content, location, service style, length of time, and the design of your event determine the final price.
Do you do more than grill?
Yes, we offer far more than grilled and smoked foods. Our menu has many different options, if you want something you don’t see on our menu, please feel free to ask us. We also offer some vegetarian options as well.
Do I need to have a set budget before calling to book a catered event?
Having a budget in mind when calling is always a good idea. It allows us to know how to better customize a catering package to fit your needs. We are always happy to work within your budget and make sure your event is a success. If you do not have a set budget in mind, we would be happy to discuss a number of different packages with you to make sure you get exactly what you are looking for.
How far in advance should I book my event to lock in my date?
It is never too soon to reserve your date. However, do not hesitate to call about prices and availability at any time.
Are you licensed and insured?
Hickory BBQ & Grill is a licensed full-service catering company. We carry business liability insurance and are Serv-Safe certified.
Is there a cancellation fee once we have reserved a date and signed a contract?
There is no cancellation fee if your event is canceled 3 months prior to the date reserved. Event dates are at a premium and once a date is reserved, we will have to turn down other potential clients.
I just want an informal BBQ, not a fully catered event. Can you do that?
Absolutely. We can provide a fully staffed catering event or even a pick-up or delivery of our food. Full service includes staff for set-up and clean-up; once we arrive we set up the buffet table for your guests, and run the buffet line until all your guests are served. Delivery service is also professional in that our food is delivered to you fully cooked and hot. But you would be responsible for setting up and preparing your buffet table. If you receive the food in our insulated boxes, you will also be responsible for returning the chests to us within 24 hours (with a refundable deposit if returned undamaged).
What if I need just meat or just side dishes for my party?
Great! We will be happy to sell you certain meats and/or certain sides for your event, as we do offer a la cart pricing. Call us for details and we will be able to recommend the quantities most appropriate for your event.
Do you provide alcoholic beverage service?
No, we are not licensed and insured to do so; all licensing and applicable laws are to be observed by the event host.
Where is your restaurant located?
We do not have a restaurant. Hickory BBQ & Grill is a catering service only, and our "low and slow" motto means that the food for your function is prepared especially for you, not leftovers from the day before, or from the party before.
The Dinner Club is an e-mail that contains food items we're currently cooking.
Everything is priced a la cart, and it’s a great option for an easy dinner after a long day's work.