Question 1

Can HibaChef cook at our vacation rental on Isle of Palms or Folly Beach?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes. Rental homes on the islands can work well for a hibachi night, but many rentals and HOAs have their own rules about open-flame cooking. Check your rental agreement or ask the property manager before you book. The chef also needs a level spot for the grill, like a driveway, patio, or ground-level deck, with safe access for carrying equipment. Sand and upper-floor balconies usually won't work. If you're not sure your rental qualifies, send HibaChef the address and a quick description of the space so the team can tell you ahead of time.

Question 2

What happens if an afternoon storm rolls through during our Charleston event?

Accepted Answer

Summer in Charleston brings plenty of pop-up thunderstorms, and Atlantic hurricane season runs June through November, so it's smart to plan for rain. HibaChef operates rain or shine, and normal weather like rain, heat, cold, or wind does not qualify for a refund or credit. Your job is to have a safe, dry spot ready for the cooking station, such as a covered patio, an awning, or a sturdy tent. If the chef arrives and there's no safe place to cook, the service may not go ahead, and that won't qualify for a refund either. HibaChef may offer to reschedule, subject to availability and fees, but it isn't guaranteed.

Question 3

Will I pay a travel fee for an event outside Charleston itself?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the distance. HibaChef charges a travel fee only when the trip to your event exceeds 40 miles. If your party is farther out, like Edisto Island or the rural edges of Berkeley and Dorchester counties, it's worth asking about before you finalize plans. The simplest way to get a clear answer is to share your full event address when you reach out. HibaChef can then confirm whether a fee applies before you pay anything, so there are no surprises on your final total.

Question 4

Are tax and gratuity included in the per-person price?

Accepted Answer

No. Package prices are listed before sales tax and gratuity, so your final total will come in a bit higher than the per-person math suggests. Tipping your chef is customary, and most hosts base it on the size of the group and how the night went. Plan for tax and tip on top of your package total, not inside it. If you want a ballpark number before booking, the Party Estimator on the HibaChef site is a good place to start, though it also leaves out tax and the chef tip, so treat it as an estimate rather than a quote.

Question 5

Can guests add filet mignon or lobster to the Hibachi Regular package?

Accepted Answer

Yes. On the Hibachi Regular, each guest picks two entrees from the menu: chicken, jumbo shrimp, Prime NY Strip, scallops, salmon, or tofu. Anyone who wants to go bigger can upgrade to filet mignon for an extra $8 or lobster for an extra $15. Upgrades are per person, so a few guests can upgrade while everyone else sticks with the standard picks. If your group wants more of a certain protein, side orders like additional shrimp ($15) or additional filet mignon ($20) are available too. Collect everyone's choices before booking so the chef arrives with the right amounts.

Question 6

Is there a vegetarian option, and how are food allergies handled?

Accepted Answer

Tofu is on the entree list, and every package already includes salad with ginger dressing, mixed vegetables, and egg fried rice, so vegetarian guests can eat well. Just let HibaChef know ahead of time so the chef plans for it. Allergies need a more careful conversation. HibaChef cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment, and cross-contact can happen during cooking and service. Ingredients like eggs and soy are part of the standard menu, and shellfish is on the grill for most groups. If a guest has a severe allergy, talk with HibaChef before booking so you can decide whether the setup is safe for them.

Question 7

Is there a lower-cost option for a big group that doesn't need the show?

Accepted Answer

Yes. HibaChef offers a buffet-style option at $36 per person that includes chicken, shrimp, steak, mixed vegetables, and egg fried rice. It requires at least 20 guests and does not include the live hibachi performance. This can make sense for a company picnic, a family reunion, or any Charleston area gathering where feeding a crowd matters more than watching the grill. If the entertainment is a big part of why you want hibachi, one of the standard packages is the better fit. Mention the buffet option when you reach out so the team can quote it properly.

Question 8

We're planning a bachelorette weekend in Charleston. Any tips for booking?

Accepted Answer

Charleston is a popular spot for bachelorette trips, and a hibachi dinner at your rental works well as the group's big night in. Book as soon as your dates are set, since Friday and Saturday evening slots tend to fill first, especially in spring and fall. The 7PM and 8PM start times are common picks if the group plans to head out after dinner. Confirm with your rental host that open-flame cooking is allowed, and make sure someone handles payment early. Your date isn't held until HibaChef receives the required payment or deposit.

Question 9

What should I have ready before the chef arrives?

Accepted Answer

The team arrives a little before your scheduled start time to set up, so have the basics in place by then. Clear a level spot for the grill, set out your tables and chairs, and have plates, glasses, and utensils ready for every guest. For 7PM, 8PM, or 9PM slots, make sure the cooking area has good lighting, since it gets dark early in the fall and winter. In downtown Charleston, where street parking is tight and many homes sit on narrow lots, share parking details, gate codes, or side-yard access ahead of time. If the crew can't get in or the area isn't ready, the service may be shortened or canceled without a refund.

Question 10

What if we need to cancel or change our event date?

Accepted Answer

Reach out as early as you can, because timing decides what you lose. Cancel at least 7 days before your event and you get a full refund of your deposit. Cancel within 7 days and the deposit is forfeited in full. Inside 48 hours, a $200 cancellation or rescheduling fee can also apply, along with food, staffing, or travel costs. A new date isn't confirmed until HibaChef approves it in writing or through an official booking channel, and it depends on chef availability. Cutting your guest count after booking may not lower the total due. Other payments are non-refundable unless HibaChef approves otherwise in writing or the law requires a refund. To know more, check out our Refund Policy page.

Hibachi Catering in Charleston, SC

Areas We Serve Hibachi Catering in Charleston, SC

Ansonborough

Avondale

Daniel Island

Folly Beach

French Quarter

Hampton Park Terrace

Harleston Village

Isle of Palms

James Island

Johns Island

Kiawah Island

Mount Pleasant

North Charleston

South of Broad

Sullivan's Island

Summerville

Wagener Terrace

West Ashley

What’s Included With Your Hibachi Chef

Private Hibachi Chef

Live Tableside Cooking

Full Setup for Cooking

You Provide the Space

Hibachi Packages

Hibachi Regular

Hibachi Special

Hibachi Kids

Occasions We Serve in Charleston, SC

Hibachi Birthday Parties

Backyard Hibachi Parties

Private Hibachi Chef