Food Truck Catering Glossary

Event catering where the cooking and service are performed from a fully equipped mobile kitchen on-site.

Catering delivered to your venue ready to serve, with no on-site cooking or staff.

A portable, indoor-friendly catering setup where a chef cooks and plates live from a folding station — no truck required.

Any catering format where food is cooked or finished live in front of guests during service.

The continuous block of time during which catered food is actively served to guests.

A pre-event inspection of the venue to confirm a food truck or pop-up can physically set up, get power, and serve safely.

Electrical power supplied by a venue (rather than the truck's onboard generator) — typically a 30-amp or 50-amp outlet.

A one-page document proving the caterer carries general liability insurance and, on request, naming the venue as an additional insured.

The lowest total contract value at which a caterer will book an event.

The pre-event communication between caterer and venue covering logistics, permits, insurance, load-in, and service flow.

A high-volume catering setup designed to serve passed or station-style food during the 45–90 minute cocktail hour of a wedding.

A second food service late in a wedding reception, typically 90 minutes before the end of the event.