Big Mann BBQ — Local services in Ventura

Big Mann BBQ catered our wedding of about 110 people last weekend. Roger was friendly and accommodating during the planning process, including when we had to postpone due to COVID reasons. He also agreed to pick up and drop off event rentals for us, supply bartenders, and supply helpers for set up and clean up the reception hall the day of the event (all for additional fees).

I thought the food was good and the bartenders were friendly and on top of it. He also accommodated my gluten sensitivity and a few other dietary restrictions with ease.

However, Roger and his staff were supposed to arrive at 3 PM and, according to the day of coordinators, arrived at about 4 PM (which was consequential, since we had 2 hours to set everything up). This put extra strain on the coordinators to set up the reception hall and dinner was served about 45 minutes late. The reason for the delay was heavier-than-expected traffic during his ~30-mile commute. While I understand unexpected traffic happens, it was a holiday weekend with almost certain high traffic, and common sense would tell you to allot extra time for the commute to ensure a timely arrival. Roger shared he allotted almost the exact amount of time that his mapping app had predicted for the commute to Santa Barbara and didn’t leave extra time on top of that. The delay in and of itself was something I would have been able to get over - but when I asked for an explanation about the delay, there was an unapologetic air, no concessions were made, and I received a response of “I don’t know what I could have done differently.” This struck me, considering he should have anticipated the possibility of holiday traffic and left extra time. Period.

In regard to the quality of the food, I was generally happy with the quality of food I received. However, I did get a couple of complaints of rude staff, cold fish, and no salt and pepper provided at dinner (I can only personally verify the no salt and pepper).

The catering experience was somewhat of a mixed bag, and we had a wonderful...

Absouletely love love love Big Mann bbq. Used them for our wedding for over 200 people. They were on time, food was amazing. Each and every guest made sure to let us know how great the food was. The staff is amazing made sure everyone was helped. I can't even say enough. On our 5 year anniversary we are having a celebration again and will be using them again. Rodger was amazing everytime I emailed or had questions he replied within a couple of hours. I eceb remember texting him around 9pm because I freaked out about something and he even replied back at that time. Also i used his staff for serving at our open bar for the wedding and i cannot tell everyone how great that went. At one point we ran out of coke for the drinks and Rodger himself went out and got more. We ( the groom and bride) didnt even know till one of my bridesmaids mentioned it to me. Now that is amazing service. If anyone is planning on using this company. I promise you will not be disappointed at all. Food is mouth watering and service is amazing. Thanks again Big Mann. Cant wait to have u guys...

Absolutely made our party a huge success.

Totally accommodating in the planning stage, ready to implement any menu or décor option, and very open to whatever service detail might enhance the occasion.

At party time Roger and staff arrived early, well ahead of scheduled start, made all prep arrangements without interference or obstruction of other household operations, spread dining linens to dress up the area, providing all table ware, and then prepared and served the planned food, hors d'oeuvres, main course, and desert; all cooked deliciously, and served skillfully, including some surprise menu items we hadn’t previously even thought of. Then they totally cleaned up, never needing a helping hand from the hosts, and drove off, leaving the house in almost better condition then it had been before the party. All of our guests complemented us about Roger and crew. and quality of food.

Additionally, Roger proved to be very conservative in his guest count, thus making it a very...