Frequently Asked Questions
Logistics, setup, permits, and event-day operations — answered
What information do I need to give my venue about the truck's site requirements before booking?
Tell your venue coordinator the truck needs a footprint of approximately 30 feet long by 10 feet wide, with a paved, packed gravel, or firm flat surface — the truck cannot set up on soft, uneven, or steeply sloped ground. You will also need a clear load-in path with at least 12 feet of overhead clearance and no low-hanging obstructions. Send us the venue address and any site maps or access restrictions ahead of time; we will do a site assessment and confirm compatibility before you sign anything.
Does the truck's generator create noise, exhaust, or power interference that the venue or guests will notice?
The truck runs on an onboard diesel generator, which produces a low ambient hum similar to an HVAC unit. At typical event distances, guests at the queue and service area will notice it; guests seated farther inside a tent or ballroom generally will not. Exhaust vents away from the service window and guest queue. If your venue has 30- or 50-amp shore power available and prefers we run on it to eliminate generator noise and exhaust entirely, we can connect — just provide the amp rating and outlet location in advance so we can plan accordingly.
At what point do we make a weather go or no-go decision, and who initiates it?
We monitor the forecast actively starting 72 hours before your event and will reach out proactively if conditions look problematic. The formal go or no-go decision is made collaboratively the morning of the event, no later than four hours before service. Light rain does not trigger a no-go — the truck is fully enclosed and operates routinely through it. A no-go is declared only when lightning, sustained high winds, or unsafe ground conditions make truck positioning or service a liability. In that scenario we will already have a contingency plan ready: a covered area repositioning, a shortened service window, or a pivot to drop-off catering delivery.
What are the steps in the booking process from first inquiry to a signed contract?
Step one: submit your event details through our quote form or by phone — date, location, estimated headcount, service window, and any menu preferences. Step two: we check availability, review the site logistics, and send back a formal quote within one to two business days. Step three: you review and approve the quote, select a package, and return the signed contract. Step four: a deposit is collected to lock in your date. Step five: we schedule a pre-event confirmation call two to four weeks before your event to finalize headcount, arrival time, and any last-minute details. For weddings and large-scale events, the process typically begins three to twelve months in advance.
What happens if we need to move our event date rather than cancel entirely?
Date changes are handled differently from outright cancellations. If you need to reschedule, contact us as early as possible — the sooner you reach out, the more options we have. We will check availability on your preferred new date and, when possible, transfer your existing deposit and contract terms to the new date at no additional administrative fee. If the new date falls in a higher-demand pricing period, rate differences may apply. Rescheduling requested within 30 days of the original event date is subject to availability and may involve partial forfeiture of the deposit depending on what costs have already been incurred. Full terms are provided in the event contract at the time of booking.
What specific details does my venue need to give me so you can issue a certificate of insurance?
To issue a COI naming your venue as an additional insured, we need: the venue's full legal entity name exactly as it appears on their contract, the venue's street address, and any specific coverage language or minimum liability thresholds their contract specifies — typically $1M or $2M per occurrence. If the venue also requires a property owner or event organizer named as additional insured, provide those entity names as well. Email us those details and we will issue the COI within two to three business days, or sooner for expedited requests. We handle this routinely for both NJ and PA venues.
Can you operate indoors or at venues without outdoor parking?
For fully indoor venues, we offer drop-off catering — everything is prepared at a licensed commissary and delivered to your location ready to serve, with no truck, open flame, or generator on premises. Some venues also have covered loading areas, garages, or accessible covered patios where the truck can be positioned close to the event space. Share your venue floor plan or photos and we will tell you what works.
Are you health department certified and properly licensed?
Yes. Grilly Cheese holds all required health department certifications and mobile food vendor licenses for New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The truck undergoes regular inspections and we comply with all applicable local, county, and state food safety regulations in every jurisdiction where we operate.
Can you handle multi-truck or very large events?
Yes. For large-scale events — festivals, corporate campuses, multi-building rollouts, or any event where a single truck would create wait times — we can deploy multiple units and coordinate staggered service windows or parallel service stations. Tell us your expected headcount and service window and we will recommend the right configuration.
What is the difference between drop-off catering and food truck catering?
Food truck catering means the full truck comes to your event and cooks everything fresh on-site. Guests order at the service window and receive made-to-order food hot off the grill. Drop-off catering is a delivery model — we prepare gourmet grilled cheese platters and sides at our commissary and deliver them to your venue ready to serve, without any on-site cooking, truck parking, or generator. Drop-off is the right choice for indoor venues, smaller groups, or anywhere a truck logistically cannot go.
What time do you arrive for setup, and how long does setup take?
We typically arrive 45 to 60 minutes before service begins. Setup includes positioning and leveling the truck, connecting any power if applicable, safety checks, and bringing the grill up to temperature. For events with venue-required walk-throughs, specific load-in windows, or complex logistics, we factor in additional lead time. We will confirm your exact arrival window when we finalize your event details.
Do you need permits for a private event in New Jersey or Pennsylvania?
For private events on private property — backyards, corporate campuses, private event venues — no separate mobile vendor permit is typically required. For public spaces, parks, municipal lots, or street locations, local health department or municipality permits may apply. We coordinate permit requirements directly as part of our event planning process, so you do not need to navigate that on your own.