FAQs
Pickup/Delivery: Thursday–Sunday, 11AM–7PM
Orders must be placed 48 hours in advance of the scheduled pickup/delivery time. Example: Place an order by Tuesday 4PM for a Thursday 4PM delivery. We recommend placing your order as early as possible in advance, especially for larger events of 100 guests or more.
All orders must be 100% paid in full at checkout.
All orders are subject to 7% sales tax (Texas: 6.75%, Houston: 0.25%).
Tax-Exempt Orders: Provide a valid tax-exempt ID number during checkout to qualify.
Automatic email confirmation with a paid invoice will be sent after payment.
Orders canceled within 48 hours of the scheduled pickup/delivery time are non-refundable.
Buffet-Style Drop-Off: Food delivered and set up with platters and chafing dishes for self-service.
Delivery occurs within a 60-minute arrival window. Please allow 10–30 minutes for food setup, depending on order size.
Order Minimum: $100 for delivery. Orders below $100 need to be picked up. No minimum for curbside pickup orders.
Delivery Fee: $35 flat rate on all delivery orders. We do not have an additional service fee.
Orders delivered by 2PM: Equipment pickup on the same day between 2–6PM.
Orders delivered after 2PM: Equipment pickup on the next business day between 11AM–2PM.
Review our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Call us: (832) 744-4457
Email us: info@bigbacksoulfood.com
Do you have a few questions? Check out our popular questions.
We want your experience with The Big Back Shack to be as satisfying as our Big Back Chicken! Below are answers to the most common questions about The Big Back Shack and the services we provide, including pre-order pickup, box meal delivery, corporate catering, private event catering, school lunch catering and staff meal plans.
General Information
The Big Back Shack is a catering-focused soul food restaurant offering delicious, chef-crafted meals that make it easy to find and order soul food catering anywhere in Houston, The Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, and Pearland. Known for its rich Southern flavors, precision service, and commitment to quality, we bring the authentic spirit of classic soul food to every event we serve. The Big Back Shack specializes in corporate catering, office catering, online catering delivery, box lunch delivery, pre-order meals, and private events.
The Big Back Shack is reliable, delightful, and delicious. We specialize in soulful Southern cuisine with a focus on efficiency and scalability. Our meals are designed for easy service and minimal cleanup, ensuring a seamless experience for both large-scale corporate events and intimate gatherings. We take the hassle off the menu with dependable delivery times, smart labeling, just-right portions, and dietary accommodations. From custom menu selection to professional set up and optional clean up, we consistently manage every detail.
The Big Back Shack is available for meal delivery and pre-order curbside pickup Thursday through Sunday from 11am-7pm. If you are trying to reach us outside of those hours, we’ll get back to you as soon as we are able! The Big Back Shack does not operate over the following holidays: Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, or New Year’s Day.
Yes! – The Big Back Shack is fully licensed by the Harris County Dept. of Health, and we hold applicable business licenses for the state of Texas and local jurisdictions. We are fully insured and we carry 2 million dollars of liability insurance and workman's compensation.
We take pride in providing catering services across Houston neighborhoods such as Downtown Houston, Galleria/Uptown, Midtown, Medical Center, Greenway Plaza/Upper Kirby, Energy Corridor, West University/Rice Village, and The Heights. We also serve its surrounding region including The Woodlands, Sugarland, Katy, Pearland, and more. From urban events in the heart of city downtowns to celebrations in more remote locations, we are dedicated to bringing our culinary expertise and exceptional service to you. Click here to view our service area map.
We cater to a variety of events, including corporate luncheons, office meetings, school lunches, conferences, private celebrations, and exclusive ticketed events. Whether you’re hosting 10 people or 500, we’ve got you covered.
The Big Back Shack can provide our services at any location that allows caterers and has adequate parking space for a cargo van – indoor or outdoor locations, public or private venue locations, reception halls, churches, private residences, parks, beaches, recreation centers, and more.
We offer drop-off self-service buffet setups and with disposable and traditional setups
- Disposable Buffet: We will drop off your buffet, Served in disposable aluminum pans and trays; perfect for leftovers and easy clean up. You can either come to us for curbside pickup or have it delivered.
- Traditional Buffet: We will bring out table clothes, stainless steel chaffing dishes and serving pieces. After your event is over, we will come back to pick up our non-disposable equipment.
Absolutely! We are equipped to cater events for up to 500 guests, offering both buffet-style service and individually packaged meals.
Yes, the Big Back Shack allows you to sign up for recurring catering service on a daily, weekly, bi-weekly or monthly schedule.
Our culinary team specializes in authentic soul food with deep roots in tradition, offering flavorful dishes like fried chicken, collard greens, mac & cheese, and peach cobbler. While we focus on soul food classics, we’re happy to discuss custom requests inspired by other Southern cuisines.
Absolutely! We cater school lunches, homecoming, prom, fundraisers, graduations, teacher appreciation meals, dinner banquets, gala auctions, and more.
Yes! We offer menu tastings for up to two individuals for a $100 fee, held at our catering office in Houston by appointment only. Tastings include your proposed menu plus one additional item. If you book with us, the tasting fee is deducted from your final total.
For safety and efficiency, our commercial kitchen isn’t open for public tours, but rest assured, we uphold the highest standards of cleanliness and quality.
Not at all! We offer a la carte options, to-go platters, picnic baskets, and boxed meals, so you can order exactly what you need for your event.
Yes! From hearty brunch platters to soulful lunch buffets and satisfying dinner spreads, we cover all your soul food needs.
We eat chicken the most so we’ve chosen to focus on chicken as our primary protein to ensure quicker preparation, less mess, and easier cleanup—ideal for private, corporate, and school events.
Yes! We offer a variety of non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages to complement your meal.
We’re best known for our soulful classics like Big Back Chicken, mac & cheese, collard greens, and peach cobbler—each dish crafted with love and tradition
Yes, we provide individually pre-packaged boxed meals / box lunches in eco-friendly containers that are:
- Compostable and microwave safe.
- Delivered cold in insulated containers to ensure proper time-temperature control.
Yes! You can browse and purchase The Big Back Shack merchandise directly from the Merch page on our website.
Yes, we use eco-friendly disposable materials for standard orders and offer stainless steel upgrades for traditional setups.
Yes, we’re always looking for passionate individuals to join our team! Learn more and apply on our Careers page.
Any fees or expenses incurred for special permits required by local municipalities will be the responsibility of the client.
No, we currently specialize in drop-off catering with buffet-style setup.
Ordering
The fastest and easiest way to place your order is online. You can choose from our delicious fresh menu items, set pick up or delivery times and process your payment.
At a minimum, we require 48 hours of notice. However, our schedule fills fast. We are often booked weeks out. Please give us as much advance notice as possible. The earlier the better. As we only utilize fresh, natural, and sustainable ingredients, it is vital we receive sufficient notice in order to order everything we need to accommodate your event.
Yes, there is a $100 minimum delivery order requirement before taxes, discounts, and delivery fees. There is no minimum for pre-order pickup.
No, creating an account isn’t required. However, having an account makes future orders faster, allows you to save payment information, and provides easy access to order history.
Once we confirm your order, it is immediately transmitted to our kitchen team. You will see the order at the same time through a confirmation email and on your account order history.
Yes! All transactions are encrypted and secured using SSL security technology—the same used by banks and major retailers. You can verify security by checking for the lock icon in your browser’s address bar. We also adhere to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) to ensure all payment information is securely processed and stored.
Contact us. Cancellation Policy:
More than 48 hours in advance: Full refund
Within 48 hours: 100% charge.
Yes! All catering orders include based on your ordered food and number of guests:
- Plates
- Napkins
- Utensils
- Cups, lids, and serving tools (if applicable)
No, you’ll need to provide your own tables and chairs for your event.
Yes, we do. Here are reasons you won’t get your alcohol order:
You’re under 21 years of age.
You can't provide a valid government-issued photo ID.
For pickup/delivery orders, the alcohol will be removed from your order if you can’t show a valid ID.
You appear intoxicated.
You appear to be giving alcohol to someone under 21.
We aim to ensure every order is accurate, on time, and delicious. If any issues arise, please contact us immediately through our email at info@bigbacksoulfood.com or by phone. We’ll work to resolve the problem promptly.
Curbside Pickup
Once you’ve arrived, park in one of the Curbside Pickup parking spots.
Call the phone number in your confirmation email.
A Big Back Shack team member will bring your order to you.
The curbside team member will ask for you to show your photo ID.
Absolutely! Just let us know during checkout, and we’ll have your order ready for pickup at our Houston commercial kitchen.
You can’t change the fulfillment type after you place your order and checkout.
Please bring a valid ID.
If you are late to check in for your Pickup order time slot, you should call us to reschedule or cancel. We have designated 30-minute pickup time slots to maintain freshness. Frozen, hot, and perishable items such as produce are stored at the correct temperature until you pick up your order.
Yes, If you can’t pick up your order, you can add an alternate Pickup person/Point of Contact during checkout.
Delivery
We deliver fully cooked meals and handle the setup, including plates, forks, napkins, serving utensils, and single-use warming trays. We pride ourselves on timely and safe deliveries. Select a preferred delivery window, and you'll receive an email with real-time tracking updates. Upon arrival, we sanitize the service area and ensure everything is set up properly. Delivery is available throughout the Houston metro area with a standard $35.00 delivery fee. Please note that weather, traffic, parking, and security protocols may occasionally cause delays.
All buffet-style hot food is served in 1/2 catering pans or full-size catering pans, which fit standard chafer setups.
All orders include disposable trays, plates, forks, napkins, and serving utensils.
Our catering team will arrange the meal according to your preferences. If no specific layout is requested, we’ll organize the food for maximum presentation, easy self-service, and minimal hassle.
During checkout, you can provide an alternate contact or delivery instructions. You can also contact us directly to update delivery details.
While we strive for punctuality, occasional delays can happen. We’ll keep you informed and ensure an appropriate resolution.
Yes, we can accommodate multiple deliveries. Early booking is recommended to secure your preferred time slots.
Due to food safety laws, we cannot reuse leftover food. However, we encourage customers to keep any extras.
We suggest having your order delivered 30 minutes before your serve time. If you are located in a high security building or have a large order, we would suggest 45 minutes to be on the safe side. Our gel burners for chaffing dishes will keep food hot for two hours.
Absolutely! We can arrange for contact-free delivery and setup upon request.
Nutritional Info
We source high-quality, sustainably raised chicken, and rely on trusted vendors for locally sourced products whenever possible. We use only fresh ingredients and everything is crafted in-house with care and attention to detail.
Absolutely! We take dietary needs seriously and can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free preferences. Please let us know about any dietary restrictions or allergies when placing your order.
Yes, we can create a diverse mix of dishes to satisfy vegans, vegetarians, meat-lovers, and guests with other dietary preferences at the same event.
We adhere to strict food safety standards during preparation, handling, and delivery. Our team follows industry best practices to ensure every meal is safe and meets health regulations.
While we do not use peanuts or tree nuts in any of our recipes, we do use peanut oil for frying and cannot guarantee that our ingredients have not come into contact with nuts during processing at vendor facilities.
No, we do not include shellfish in our recipes.
Yes, all traditional buffet setups come with info cards with clear labels indicating allergens and dietary callouts, allowing your guests to make informed choices.
Yes! Our team uses vinyl gloves, which are completely latex-free.
Payments
The Big Back Shack requires payment in full when securing services. Confirmation e-mails with receipts are issued for all transactions.
The Big Back Shack accepts all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover). Please contact us if you are required to pay by company check. We are a cashless business.
Yes. A 7% sales tax will be added to all package subtotals, and there is a service fee of 18% for staffing, gratuity, and travel fees. Also, there is a $35 fee for delivery orders. Additional gratuity to compensate our hardworking staff for their contributions to making your event a success is optional but always appreciated. These additional charges will be noted and calculated into your order total at checkout.
No, when you place your order, your payment is submitted at that time.
Yes! We offer tax exemption on catering orders. Please enter your tax exempt certificate number during checkout when placing your order online.
We recommend adding a tip of 10-20% of the order subtotal. 100% of this goes to the delivery driver.
Events
We host a variety of events, including private catering experiences, pop-up dining events, themed gatherings, and exclusive ticketed parties. Each event is carefully curated to deliver soulful vibes, delicious food, and a memorable atmosphere.
Some events are open to the public with tickets available for purchase, while others are private and by invitation only. Event details will always specify whether they’re public or private.
Typically, your ticket includes a full meal experience, access to entertainment (e.g., live music or performers), and any additional perks specified for that event. Specific inclusions will always be listed in the event details.
This depends on the event. Some events are family-friendly, while others are adult-only to maintain a specific vibe. Age restrictions will always be noted in the event description.
Unless otherwise specified, our events are typically casual and comfortable with a stylish flair. If an event has a special theme or dress code, we’ll let you know in advance.
Most of our events last between 1 to 4 hours, depending on the format and activities planned. Event details will always include start and end times.
Our cancellation policy varies by event type, but generally, tickets are non-refundable after a certain cut-off date. Full details are always provided during the ticket purchase process.
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