What kind of events does Sam’s ChowderMobile Cater?
From wedding parties to corporate meetings and offsite, Sam’s ChowderMobile welcomes any and all events!
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 within 24 hours with availability and cost and make sure we understand your event details. To secure the event date, you just sign Sam’s ChowderMobile Contract and provide a 50% deposit. The remainder is due via Credit Card two days (48 hours) prior to your event or by cash or credit card on the day of your event (before doors open).
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 of service time for Lobster Clambake events. 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 its permit requirements.
How much space does Sam’s ChowderMobile require?
Our 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 minimum food order to hold a private event at your location is a total of $1,000, plus a 15% service charge and tax.
Is there a travel fee?
There is no travel fee for standard route service if you are part of our regular route. There is no travel fee for private events held on the coast from Pacifica through Pescadero, or anywhere within San Mateo County. Events beyond those areas will incur the following travel fees:
San Francisco County - $150
Santa Clara County - $200
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 - $200
Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, Dublin, Emeryville, Freemont, Hayward, Livermore, Newark, Oakland, Piedmont, Pleasanton, San Leandro, Union City
Marin County - $200
Belvedere, Corte Madera, Fairfax, Larkspur, Mill Valley, Novato, Ross, San Anselmo, San Rafael, Sausalito, Tiburon
Contra Costa County - $250
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 - $250
Sonoma County - $250
Carmel Valley - $250
Do you provide beer and wine?
We don’t currently provide alcohol from the ChowderMobile, but customers can provide their own.
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?
Sam’s ChowderMobile provides the food items, recyclable plastic utensils, plates, service wear and staff. Any furnishings such as trashcan, tables and chairs are your responsibility.
How far in advance should I book a Sam’s ChowderMobile event?
The ChowderMobile is booked on a "first come, first served" basis. We advise you to book your event a minimum of two to four months in advance. Longer lead times are always beneficial. All Catered events must be booked no later than two weeks before the event.
Is the Deposit refundable?
Sam’s ChowderMobile requires a 50% deposit to secure any event.
If your event is cancelled 30 or more days prior to the event date, the full deposit amount will be refunded. If its 15-29 days prior to the event date, 1/2 of the deposit amount will be refunded, and 14 or less days prior to the event date, the full deposit amount will be retained.
What form of payments do you accept?
Sam’s ChowderMobile accepts cash, credit cards, cashier & personal checks (checks must be received 10 business days prior to the event for clearance, payable to: Sam’s ChowderMobile).
