What kind of events does Sam’s ChowderMobile Cater?
From wedding parties, rehearsal dinners, birthday and corporate events, contact us to see if we can do it.

How do I book an event with Sam’s ChowderMobile?
It’s easy – just fill out the Event Request Form. We’ll respond to you with availability and cost to make sure we understand your event details.  To secure the available event date; request a contract and it will be emailed to you.  Sign and return it.  Once it is received a 50% deposit of the food and beverage minimum will be taken to secure the reservation. The balance is due upon the completion of your event. If your event is cancelled 30 or more days prior to the event date, the full deposit amount will be refunded.  15-29 days prior to the event date 50% of the deposit amount will be refunded and 14 or less days prior to the event date, the full deposit amount will be retained.

How much is Sam’s ChowderMobile service charge?
Our current service charge is 15% for any catering event.

How long can I have the Sam’s ChowderMobile?
The minimum charge entitles you to two hours of service time for “open ChowderMobile” events and three hours for a Lobster Clambake. Anything over the quoted time will be assessed at a charge of $100 per 30 minutes.

Do I need to provide a permit for Sam’s ChowderMobile to cater my event?
If the location is your privately owned property, no permit is necessary. If it is public property, you are responsible for obtaining the event location and securing any necessary permits. A map of how to get to your location and where you want the ChowderMobile placed is appreciated. Sam’s ChowderMobile maintains the right to relocate the truck if the site is not suitable. Please check with your city for permit requirements.

How much space does Sam’s ChowderMobile require?
The ChowderMobile requires 25 feet of parking space, with a 14 feet overhead clearance and a driveway width of at least 10 feet. Due to the weight of the ChowderMobile we require a firm and level surface for parking.

Once I receive a price quote, will the price remain the same?
A price quote is good for 60 days. Beyond that, unless a contract is signed by both Sam’s ChowderMobile and the client, the cost will be based on the current pricing structure.

Do you require a minimum order for private events?
Yes, our food and beverage minimum to hold a private event at your location is $1200 Monday - Thursday and $2000 Friday - Sunday including holidays, plus a 15% service charge and applicable tax.

Is there a travel fee?
There is no travel fee for standard route service if you are part of our regular route. There are also no travel fees for private events in San Mateo County. Events beyond those areas will incur the following travel fees:

San Francisco County - $225

Santa Clara County - $250
Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga, Sunnyvale

Alameda County - $250
Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, Dublin, Emeryville, Freemont, Hayward, Livermore, Newark, Oakland, Piedmont, Pleasanton, San Leandro, Union City

Marin County - $325
Belvedere, Corte Madera, Fairfax, Larkspur, Mill Valley, Novato, Ross, San Anselmo, San Rafael, Sausalito, Tiburon

Contra Costa County - $325
Antioch, Brentwood, Clayton, Concord, Danville, El Cerrito, Hercules, Lafayette, Martinez, Moraga, Oakley, Orinda, Pinole, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, Richmond, San Pablo, San Ramon, Walnut Creek

Napa County - $325

Sonoma County - $325

Carmel Valley - $325

Do you provide beer and wine?
Yes, for private events only, please inquire about additional fees and details.

Do we need to provide our own trash cans?
Yes, Sam’s ChowderMobile does not provide trash cans.

Does Sam’s ChowderMobile provide tables and chairs? What about silverware and dishes?
Yes, we do provide recyclable/compostable utensils, plates and service wear.  We do not provide tables and chairs.

How far in advance should I book a Sam’s ChowderMobile event?
The ChowderMobile is booked on a "first come, first served" basis.  Longer lead times are always beneficial. All Catered events must be booked no later than two weeks before the event.

What form of payments do you accept for private events?
Sam’s ChowderMobile accepts cash, major credit cards & checks payable to: Sam’s ChowderMobile.