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BBQ catering in New Orleans, LA
BBQ is an easy crowd-pleaser for cookouts, reunions and team events in New Orleans. Here are 3 BBQ caterers; compare what each includes (sides, buns, sauces, serving staff) and whether they bring a smoker or deliver trays. TopCaterers lists 3 BBQ catering providers serving New Orleans, LA. 1 offer food trucks. Compare them below, or send one request and get quotes back from up to 5 of them.
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| BBQ catering listed | 3 |
|---|---|
| Service styles available | Food truck (1) |
| County | Orleans |
| City population | 383,997 |
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Catering by event in New Orleans
Planning guide: How much food do I need per person? · All caterers in New Orleans · Get free quotes
BBQ catering in New Orleans: common questions
How do I know these caterers do BBQ catering in New Orleans?
They are listed as BBQ caterers serving New Orleans. Confirm the menu, date and service area with each caterer before you book.
How is BBQ catering usually priced?
Caterers price either per person or by the pound for meats with sides by the pan. Ask what is included (sides, buns, sauces, serving utensils) and whether staff or on-site smoking cost extra.
Can a BBQ caterer cook on site?
Some bring a smoker or grill and cook at your event; others deliver hot trays. Check venue rules on open flames and smokers first.
How far in advance should I book a caterer in New Orleans?
For an office lunch or small drop-off order in New Orleans, LA, 1 to 2 weeks is usually enough. For a large corporate event allow 2 to 3 months, and for a wedding allow 9 to 12 months, since the best caterers in any metro book their Saturday dates first. December and the May-June graduation window are the hardest times of year to book late. Many caterers will take rush orders inside 72 hours for a fee, and repast catering is routinely arranged in under 48 hours.
How much does catering cost per person?
Nationally, drop-off trays and boxed meals commonly run about $15 to $30 per person, a buffet with setup about $25 to $55 per person, and a full-service event with staff and plated or stationed food about $50 to $150 per person or more. The three things that move the number most are service style, protein choice and guest count. Drop-off is cheaper than full service because there is no staffing, rentals or gratuity. Below roughly 40 guests, most caterers charge a flat minimum instead of a per-head rate.
What is the difference between drop-off and full-service catering?
Drop-off means the food is delivered hot in disposable chafing dishes with serving utensils, and the caterer leaves. You handle setup, refills and cleanup. Full-service means the caterer arrives early, sets up, cooks or finishes on site, staffs the event with servers, provides china and linens, and cleans up afterwards. Full service usually adds 20-30% on top of the food cost for labor, plus rentals.
How much food do I need per person?
A common planning rule is 1 pound of food per adult across all dishes, split roughly into 6 oz protein, 4 oz starch and 4-6 oz vegetables or salad. For appetizer-only receptions, plan 4-6 pieces per person per hour if a meal follows, or 10-12 pieces per person for a two-hour reception that replaces dinner. Order for 100% of your confirmed headcount, not your invited count.