Mobile hibachi — sometimes called at-home hibachi or private hibachi catering — is a service where a hibachi chef comes to your location with a portable grill station and cooks for your guests on-site. Instead of going to a Japanese steakhouse, the steakhouse comes to you.
With Ichiban Catering, mobile hibachi works like this: you book a date and confirm your guest count. On the day of the event, the chef arrives about 30 minutes before your reservation time with the complete setup — the grill station, cooking equipment, and fresh ingredients. The chef sets up, prepares the food in front of your guests, and cleans the service area after the event.
What does the chef bring? Everything related to the food service: the portable hibachi grill, cooking utensils, spatulas, oil, seasonings, and all the fresh ingredients for the menu. The chef also brings the serving dishes for the food itself.
What does the host provide? Guest plates, utensils, napkins, and drinks are the host's responsibility unless specifically confirmed in advance. You also need to provide the space — a patio, backyard, driveway, or indoor area with enough clearance for the grill station and access to a power outlet.
How much space do you need? The grill station typically requires an area of about 6 to 8 feet wide. For outdoor events, you need clearance from flammable materials — fences, overhanging branches, and awnings. For indoor events, good ventilation is important since the grill produces smoke and steam.
What makes it different from a restaurant? At a restaurant, you share the experience with strangers and work around the restaurant's schedule. With mobile hibachi, the chef is there exclusively for your group. The menu can be customized, the timing is flexible, and the experience happens in your own space — which makes it feel more personal and more like a private event than a dinner out.
How much does it cost? Hibachi catering with Ichiban starts at $55 per adult and $30 for children under 12 (kids under 3 are free), with a $500 minimum per event. This covers the chef, equipment, ingredients, and on-site preparation and service.
What events work well for mobile hibachi? Birthday parties, graduation celebrations, backyard gatherings, corporate team events, holiday parties, and any occasion where you want a live cooking experience. Hibachi is especially popular for events with 15 to 50 guests, though larger events are possible.
Does it work outdoors? Yes — outdoor events are ideal for mobile hibachi, especially in Colorado from May through October. The live cooking adds atmosphere, and the outdoor setting gives the chef plenty of space. For indoor events, the chef needs access to a power outlet and adequate ventilation.
Ichiban Catering serves the Denver Metro area, Boulder, Vail, Aspen, Colorado Springs, and communities throughout Colorado. Travel fees may apply depending on the event location.
To book mobile hibachi for your next event, visit ichibancater.com/booking or call (303) 466-6835.