Question 1

How far in advance do I need to book the food truck or catering?

Accepted Answer

For mobile truck service or catering, plan for 1-2 weeks lead time. Celtic Chicken BBQ can sometimes accommodate shorter notice if the schedule is open, but during peak season (May through September) or around holidays, 2-3 weeks is safer. If you're booking a large event (100+ people) or need the truck at a specific location on a weekend, don't wait—those dates fill up fast.

Question 2

Do you bring your own smoker, or do you cook everything ahead of time?

Accepted Answer

Most of the smoking happens at the truck site before Celtic Chicken BBQ hits the road. Brisket and pork go on the smoker the night before or early morning, and they're finished and resting by the time the truck loads. For some events, if the venue allows open flame and there's setup time, the operation will finish smoking on-site or keep a small smoker running for show and to hold temps. But the bulk of the cook happens off-site in a licensed kitchen—Colorado health code requires it.

Question 3

What happens if you run out of brisket or ribs during service?

Accepted Answer

If it's a public vending event, once Celtic Chicken BBQ is out, it's out. There's no way to cook more brisket mid-service—it takes 12-16 hours. The operation smokes based on what it expects to sell, but brisket and ribs always go first. If you're booking catering or a private event and brisket is non-negotiable, tell Burgess up front and the operation will reserve the count. For public events, show up early if you want the premium cuts.

Question 4

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies?

Accepted Answer

Celtic Chicken BBQ can work around some restrictions, but BBQ is meat-heavy by nature. If you need gluten-free, the operation can do smoked meats without sauce (most rubs are gluten-free, but confirm with Burgess) and sides like coleslaw. If you need vegetarian or vegan options, there's not much to offer—maybe a smoked portobello or grilled vegetables if the operation knows in advance, but that's not the core menu. For severe allergies, understand that everything is cooked in the same smoker and kitchen, so cross-contact is possible.

Question 5

Do you provide plates, napkins, and utensils?

Accepted Answer

For catering, yes—disposable plates, napkins, plastic utensils, and serving utensils are included in the package. If you want real silverware, china, or linens, you'll need to rent those separately or ask if Celtic Chicken BBQ can coordinate it for an additional fee. For mobile truck service at public events, the operation provides napkins and plasticware with each order, but you're eating off a paper tray or taking it to go.

Question 6

How much food should I order per person?

Accepted Answer

For a meat-and-sides meal, plan on 1/3 to 1/2 pound of smoked meat per person (that's cooked weight, not raw) and 4-6 ounces per side. So if you're serving two meats and three sides, you're looking at roughly 1/2 pound of meat total and 12-18 ounces of sides per person. Most people don't eat that much, but it's better to have leftovers than run out. If you're doing a cocktail-style event with appetizers and other food, you can cut those portions in half.

Question 7

What's the difference between drop-off catering and full-service catering?

Accepted Answer

Drop-off catering means Celtic Chicken BBQ delivers the food hot, sets it up on your buffet table, and leaves. You handle serving, refills, and cleanup. Full-service or attended catering means the operation provides staff to manage the buffet line, keep food stocked, and handle cleanup at the end. Attended service costs more—usually an hourly rate per attendant—but it makes sense for large events or if you don't want to deal with the logistics.

Question 8

Can you set up at a park or outdoor venue?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but confirm a few things first: vehicle access (can Celtic Chicken BBQ drive the truck or van to the setup area?), level ground (the operation can't set up on a steep slope), and whether the park allows food vendors or catering. Some county parks in the service area require a permit for any food service, even private events. That's on you to pull, not the operation. Celtic Chicken BBQ also needs access to the site at least 30 minutes before service time to unload and set up.

Question 9

Do you have a liquor license, or can we serve alcohol at the event?

Accepted Answer

Celtic Chicken BBQ doesn't serve alcohol. If you want beer, wine, or cocktails at your event, that's on you to provide or hire a licensed bartender. For events at breweries or taprooms, the venue handles all alcohol service. If you're doing a private event at a park or rented venue, check the venue's alcohol policy and whether you need a permit—Colorado has specific rules about public alcohol consumption.

Question 10

What if the weather is bad on the day of the event?

Accepted Answer

For outdoor events, have a backup plan. If it's raining or snowing, Celtic Chicken BBQ can still serve from the truck as long as there's vehicle access and a place to park. For catering drop-offs, weather doesn't usually matter unless the roads are impassable. If you're worried about weather, book a venue with indoor or covered space. The operation doesn't cancel for weather unless it's genuinely unsafe to drive, and cancellations inside 48 hours usually forfeit the deposit.

Question 11

Can I buy your BBQ sauce or rub to take home?

Accepted Answer

Celtic Chicken BBQ sells bottled sauce and rub at the truck. If you want a specific sauce or rub, ask Burgess at the truck or reach out by phone—the operation will tell you where to find it or sell you a bottle on the spot.

Question 12

Do you do corporate lunch delivery, or is it just catering for big events?

Accepted Answer

Celtic Chicken BBQ does corporate lunch delivery for groups of 10-15 people or more, depending on the operation. It's the same food as catering, just smaller portions and packed for individual or buffet service. Lead time is usually shorter—sometimes 2-3 days if the calendar is open. The operation can add you to the regular delivery route if you're in the service area and need recurring corporate lunch service.

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Our Food Speaks For Itself

Meet Burgess Robinson

Serving Greater Douglas County

Talk To Burgess Now.