Catering, Private Events, Taco Bars, and more from Tio's Latin American Kitchen

  • I highly recommend Tios Latin American Kitchen as a "go-to" restaurant/caterer. My business has used them for two staff Christmas parties and could not have been more pleased. Their staff is more than accommodating and always willing to go the extra step to provide the utmost in customer service and a quality product an excellent dining experience. During the pandemic, they provided lunch for my staff at our business location. If you're looking for simplicity that does not skimp on quality and service, you can't go wrong by selecting Tio's Latin American Kitchen. You will be glad you did!

    Brad, HHI

  • Tio’s Latin American Kitchen is the best. They have catered both work and social events for me flawlessly. Additionally, they hosted a private surprise birthday party for my wife that included a DJ, live music, and birthday decorations. It was effortless and delicious.

    Randy, HHI

  • I have used Tio's for multiple catering events. They make planning a breeze! Sally, Lynden and team make planning effortless for me. Their professionalism and customer care is above expectations!

    Alison, Bluffton

Questions, questions, do you have a question?

Our event coordinator, is happy to answer any of your catering needs!

Please complete the Catering Form here.

Once our team has some initial information gathered for your event, we will give you a call at a designated time that will be both convenient and efficient for you.

 

Tap on the FAQs to view the answers:

What types of events does Tio’s Cater?

Tio’s Latin American Kitchen is a fun, laid back atmosphere - that is what we deliver through our food and craft cocktails, private events, group lunches and dinners - and catering! All, any, & every type! Weddings, dress rehearsals, corporate retreats, fundraisers, family events, school and sports teams – we have done them all!

Our talented staff can help you with any and all needs. We do have minimum orders during our busier seasons. Customized for your crowd, we offer over 10 different protein styles that gives a great variety for everyone to have their tastebuds awakened with the taste of Latin America and Mexico!

Our food is fresh and prepped daily, giving a high-quality experience in a warm, casual environment. Our most popular- pickup or delivered Taco & Fajita Bars!

This is the way to go for beach house rentals, corporate meetings, school groups, and more. Choices of proteins, rice & beans, and so many toppings to choose from- everyone is full and happy!

A. Pick Up – Pick up your order at our restaurant at a designated time.

B. Delivery – Direct delivery is available for catering orders over $500. A $50 Delivery fee for orders between $500-$999, and a $100 delivery fee on orders over $1000.

C. In House Private Events – Any group of 12 or more guests who wish to work with our Event Coordinator to plan the perfect event. A 20% gratuity is added to any party of 6 or more.

D. Full-Service Catering – Delivery to your location, service staff to set up, maintain, and clean up the buffet at the end of the meal period. Includes chaffing stands and canned heat.

How long have you been in business?

Tio’s opened its doors with our first location in 2017 and have been in Shelter Cove Towne Centre for 4 years. We opened our Buckwalter Location in Bluffton in February of 2021. We also own a fresh seafood market and seafood restaurant, Fiddlers in Ridgeland, SC.

What is the current sales tax?

Beginning May 1, 2023 Beaufort County will implement a 1% County Green Space local tax, the first in the state. As a result, the Sales Tax rate in Beaufort County will increase from 6% to 7%. In addition, all prepared food is also taxed 2% for the town of Hilton Head Island, making the total tax 9% on all orders.

Are you hiring?

We are always looking for energetic and experienced people to join our team! Please check our employment page to complete an application.

Are you insured?

Tio’s Latin American Kitchen is fully insured. We hold a $1 million liability policy and all of our vehicles are commercially insured.

I’m planning a party. How far in advance should I reserve my date?

It is always hard to predict what dates will fill up the fastest. With having full-service restaurants as well as catering, we only book 1-2 events per day to ensure our focus and attention is on your event. We do suggest that you reserve your date as soon as possible. Reservations are taken on a first come basis.

How do I get a quote for my event?

Please complete a questionnaire here. Once she has some initial information gathered for your event, she will give you a call at a designated time that will be both convenient and efficient for you. Once the details have been ironed out, an invoice will be sent for a signature and approval and deposit if necessary.

How far do you travel to cater an event?

If an event is over 15 miles from the closest restaurant location, there will be supplemental travel costs for the event staff.

Do you offer just delivery or drop-off?

Yes we do! This is actually our most popular service! We do have a delivery charge that covers fuel and staff time expenses. The amount is calculated based on the distance to your event, the logistics of unloading, the amount of set up requested and whether or not we have to return to pick up equipment.

Are chafing dishes/warmers included in delivery?

For pickup and delivery catering orders, disposable foil pans will be provided. In the event of a full-service catering event, chafing dishes and canned heat will be provided.

Do you include plates, serving utensils, cutlery, or napkins?

Disposable plastic plates, napkins, cutlery, and serving utensils are included for an additional charge. If you do not need these items, please indicate this as well.

How does your event staff dress for events?

If your event requires staff present, a dress code can be discussed based on etiquette of the event. Our drop off and pickup crew will be in Tio’s t shirts and appropriate pants/shorts and nonslip shoes.

Can I make up my own menu or make changes in the menu you gave me?

Absolutely! We love to customize a menu for you to love! The menus in your proposal are samples based on our conversation and they are just a place to start. We love to help you create a menu specifically for your event that includes the foods you and your guests will enjoy.

Can Tio’s accommodate guests with dietary restrictions?

We are happy to work with you to accommodate any special dietary needs. Gluten-free, vegan, lactose-free– just let us know and we will create the perfect menu for your event. Please tell us if we need to consider any food allergies.

What happens to the leftovers?

The leftovers are yours to enjoy! For in-house private events, we can provide disposable containers for you. During our off-site full service catering events, we can provide containers for leftovers for an additional charge or you can bring your own.

I have a last minute order, can you help me?

While we prefer all events to be confirmed 2 weeks in advance, we will do our best to accommodate last-minute orders, especially for Memorials and Celebrations of Life. Please call us ASAP and give us as many details as possible, and we will check the schedule to see how we can help you.

Do you offer tastings?

Yes, we do! Our event planner will work with you to find a date and time for you to come in and meet us. Our tastings are $30 per person and are based on the suggested menu in your current proposal. Please contact us for available days and times. If you decide to book with us, the cost of the tasting will be applied towards your event. When you have selected Tio’s for your event, we will schedule a final tasting of the complete menu closer to your date. (There is no charge for this tasting.)

Do you provide wine or liquor?

Both restaurant locations have a full liquor license and can provide specialized menus for private events on site. We cannot provide alcohol at an offsite event, but we can provide our in house fresh sour mix to make our delicious margaritas yourselves.

When do I need to get a final guest count to you?

Final guest count is due four days prior to your event. After that date, we can accommodate increases but not decreases.

Why should I choose Tio’s Latin American Kitchen?

Tio’s Latin American Kitchen does things differently. We have built a solid reputation for years by offering a high quality of cuisine to each of our clients. Our seafood is domestic, and you can taste the USA difference. We use the highest quality of beef and chicken. We are fully licensed and insured. Our foods are prepared in a commercial kitchen. Our employees are all covered by workers compensation insurance. Doing business the right way has a certain level of overhead. And we would not have it any other way. You deserve the best and that is what we will do for you.

Do I need to make a deposit for Special Events or large catering orders?

Yes. We require a 50% deposit on orders over $250 at the time of the order- after the invoice has been signed and approved. The remaining 50% is due the day of the event. In the unfortunate event of cancellation, we will refund your deposit back to you within a week of the event. We will refund 50% of your deposit from one week to 48 hours up to your event. No refund will be given on events canceled less than 48 hours prior to your event.

Why is catering more expensive than going to a restaurant?

Essentially, we are creating a restaurant for you, for one meal, one time. We must deliver everything to you (vehicles to maintain, travel time), set up the food service with supplies and equipment– all just for you and your guests, and return everything to where it started. None of these costs are part of the restaurant scene.

Do you have children’s prices?

Yes! If the children are eating the same meal as the adults, the children’s price is based on smaller portions. We are also happy to provide a special kid-friendly alternative menu for the little ones!

Am I supposed to tip the event staff?

Pickup & Deliveries: Gratuities are not included in your bill (unless you direct us to do so), nor are they required. They are, however, graciously accepted by our staff for a job well done. We suggest 18 – 20% of the food portion of your invoice, which can be included in your final payment and we will be more than happy to pass it along to the staff.

In House Private Events and Full Service Catering: A 20% Gratuity is added pre-tax.