Question 1

Can HibaChef cook at my Myrtle Beach vacation rental or condo?

Accepted Answer

Yes, rental homes work well as long as you get permission first. Many vacation rentals, HOAs, and condo buildings along the Grand Strand have rules about open-flame cooking, and some ban it outright on balconies or in common areas. Check your rental agreement or ask the property manager before you book. The chef needs a flat, ground-level space with safe access, such as a driveway, patio, or yard. A high-rise balcony won't work. If you're unsure whether your spot qualifies, send HibaChef a description or photo of the area ahead of time so there are no surprises on the day of your event.

Question 2

Can we have our hibachi dinner right on the beach?

Accepted Answer

The cooking setup can't go on the sand. The grill needs a firm, level surface to stay stable and safe, and public beach areas generally come with restrictions on open flames and cooking equipment. If you're staying in an oceanfront house, the usual solution is to set up on a nearby patio, pool deck, or driveway, so your group still gets the ocean breeze while the chef cooks on solid ground. Guests can sit wherever you've arranged the tables, as long as the chef's cooking area meets the setup requirements.

Question 3

What happens if a summer storm hits during our Myrtle Beach event?

Accepted Answer

HibaChef operates rain or shine, and afternoon thunderstorms are common in Myrtle Beach during the summer. You're responsible for providing covered space for the cooking setup, such as a covered patio, an awning, or a sturdy canopy tent. If weather makes the cooking area unsafe and no suitable cover is available, the event may not be able to go ahead as planned, and rain or bad weather doesn't qualify for a refund. The smart move is to line up a tent or covered spot during planning, not on the afternoon of your party. During hurricane season, watch the forecast and contact HibaChef early if a storm is heading your way.

Question 4

How does the $550 minimum work if some of our guests are kids?

Accepted Answer

The $550 minimum applies to your booking total, and kids count toward it. Children ages 5 to 12 are $30 each on the Hibachi Kids package. Say you book eight adults on the Hibachi Regular at $55 and four kids. That's $440 plus $120, or $560, which clears the minimum. A smaller group that lands under $550 still pays $550. Keep in mind that package prices don't include sales tax or gratuity, and a travel fee applies if your location is more than 40 miles away. The Party Estimator on the HibaChef website gives you a quick ballpark before you book.

Question 5

Can I upgrade only a few guests to filet mignon or lobster?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Upgrades are priced per guest, so you don't have to change the whole party. Filet Mignon adds $8 per person and Lobster adds $15 per person, applied only to the guests who want them. If you'd rather give everyone a little more food, side orders are another option, like noodles for $8, additional shrimp for $15, or additional filet mignon for $20. List every upgrade and side when you book so the chef shows up with the right quantities. Adding them on the day of the event isn't something you should count on.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Tofu is one of the entree choices, so vegetarian guests can pick it on the Hibachi Regular or Hibachi Kids package. The Hibachi Special comes with a set trio of chicken, shrimp, and NY strip, so it isn't the right fit for vegetarians. Every package includes salad with ginger dressing, mixed vegetables, and egg fried rice. Allergies are a different matter. HibaChef can't guarantee an allergen-free environment, since cooking happens on shared equipment and cross-contact can occur during prep and service. If someone in your group has a serious allergy, talk with HibaChef before you book and share the details clearly.

Question 7

Is the buffet-style option the same as a hibachi party?

Accepted Answer

No, and the difference matters. Buffet style is $36 per person and includes chicken, shrimp, steak, mixed vegetables, and egg fried rice, but it does not include the hibachi show. It also requires at least 20 guests. It can make sense for a large family reunion or a casual get-together where people want to eat on their own schedule instead of gathering around a grill. If the live cooking and chef entertainment are the main reason you're booking, one of the hibachi packages is the better choice.

Question 8

What should I have ready before the chef shows up?

Accepted Answer

Set up the dining side first: tables, chairs, plates, glasses, utensils, and napkins. If you don't have enough seating, table rental is available at $15 per person and covers tables, chairs, tablecloths, utensils, and plates, but it's subject to availability and needs to be confirmed in advance. Clear a level path so the team can bring in the grill and equipment easily. If you booked a 7PM, 8PM, or 9PM slot, make sure the cooking area has good lighting after sunset. Give your guests a firm arrival time too, since the chef arrives ahead of your start time to set up and the cooking begins on schedule.

Question 9

How early should I book for summer or a holiday weekend in Myrtle Beach?

Accepted Answer

Earlier than you'd think. Myrtle Beach stays busy from late spring through Labor Day, and weekend evenings around Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and graduation season tend to go first. For those dates, reach out as soon as your rental dates and headcount are set. Available start times are 1PM, 2PM, 3PM, 4PM, 5PM, 7PM, 8PM, and 9PM. Your date isn't held until HibaChef receives the required payment or deposit, so talking through details doesn't lock anything in. Call or text (919) 888-9886 or email booking@hibachef.com to check availability.

Question 10

What if our plans change after we book?

Accepted Answer

Let HibaChef know as early as possible. Cancellations or reschedules made within 48 hours of the event come with a $200 fee, and all payments are non-refundable unless required by law. A reschedule isn't confirmed until HibaChef approves it in writing through an official booking channel, so don't assume a new date is set just because you asked for it. Dropping guests after booking may not lower what you owe, and the $550 minimum still applies. For vacation groups whose travel plans could shift, it's worth locking down your headcount and dates before you pay.

Hibachi Catering in Myrtle Beach, SC

Areas We Serve Hibachi Catering in Myrtle Beach, SC

Broadway at the Beach Area

Downtown Myrtle Beach

Golden Mile

Grande Dunes

Market Common

North End

Pine Lakes

Restaurant Row

South End

The Dunes

Withers Swash

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 Myrtle Beach, SC

Hibachi Birthday Parties

Backyard Hibachi Parties

Private Hibachi Chef