Short answer: as early as you can, especially for weekends. A hibachi chef can only be in one backyard at a time, and Saturdays go first. This guide gives you a realistic timeline so you are not scrambling the week before your party.
One thing to know: your date is held once the $100 deposit is paid within 24 hours of booking — that is what locks the chef in, not the first message. So the real question is not when to ask, but when to put the deposit down.
As a rule of thumb:
May and June graduation weekends, summer birthdays, the December holiday stretch and wedding season are the busiest times of the year. If your date falls in one of those windows, earlier is always better — and the deposit is what turns an inquiry into a held date.
Submit a booking request with your date and headcount, confirm the details with us, then pay the $100 deposit within 24 hours to hold the date. No payment is due when you submit the request — the deposit comes after, and it counts toward your total.
Submit a request today — no payment due until the deposit step. Or call (626) 766-7627.
No. Your date is held once the $100 deposit is paid within 24 hours of booking. Until then, the date is still open to others.
Sometimes. Weekday dates and off-peak weekends often have openings — text or call (626) 766-7627 and we will check honestly.
Changes made more than 48 hours ahead are free. Inside 48 hours a $100 fee applies. See our <a href="/refund-policy/">refund policy</a> for the full terms.
No. Pricing is per guest — adults $60, kids ages 5–12 $30, little ones ages 1–4 free — and does not vary by day of the week.
Submit a request on the <a href="/book/">booking page</a> or text (626) 766-7627 with your date and headcount.
Tell us your party date and headcount — we’ll text you back with a price, usually within the hour.
