Analyzing 9,881,4979.9M ReviewsFor 27,83527.8K Experts

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The Holy Smoker

Caterer · Oakley, CA · reviewed since 2025

How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 69%92+63.7Reliability 31%94+28.9Experts Score= 93Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.93SCORE
AGradeLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#24 of 130 wedding caterersPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 82%
5.0 ★★★★★ 24 Google reviews · 5 photos
96%five-star reviews
5.00★last 12 monthsAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0%1–2★ in 2 yearsShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
0%reviews answered by the owner
Sep 2026latest review
📞 Call (925) 642-8782Request a call backWebsite ↗

The Holy Smoker at a glance

Google reviewers rate The Holy Smoker five out of five stars based on twenty-four reviews, with no owner responses recorded. Customers frequently praise the mobile BBQ catering service for its punctuality, easy communication, and cost-effective pricing for large groups. Recurring themes highlight the quality of smoked meats, beans, and side dishes, along with the staff's ability to handle setup, cleanup, and dietary accommodations seamlessly.

  • Google rating: 5.0 out of 5 from 24 reviews (96% five-star).
  • Reviews on this page: 24 Google reviews (22 with written comments, 3 with photos).
  • Owner responses: the business replied to 0% of reviews.
  • Most recent review: September 3, 2026.
  • Service: Wedding Caterer serving Oakley, California.

Data from Google, last updated October 26, 2026.

Score profile vs other wedding caterers

Score per factor (100 = best)Each factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and reliability; weakest: satisfaction.

Satisfaction92Reliability94Craft & service–Value–Momentum100Replies to reviews–Satisfaction: 92 (median 83)Reliability: 94 (median 86)Momentum: 100 (median 100)
The Holy SmokerWedding Caterers median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactionSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.The Holy Smoker: 92/100 on this factor. Category median: 83.A
92
ReliabilityReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.The Holy Smoker: 94/100 on this factor. Category median: 86.A
94
Craft & serviceCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 99.–
–
ValueValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 95.–
–
MomentumMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.The Holy Smoker: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 40.–
–

Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.

Star ratings

24 Google reviews we collected

  • 5 stars2396%
  • 4 stars14%
  • 3 stars00%
  • 2 stars00%
  • 1 star00%

Praise vs complaints

Phrases our text analysis found in 22 written reviews

  • Praise2897%
  • Complaints13%

Topic share

How often each topic comes up in the written reviews

  • Would recommend1034%
  • Staff & attitude621%
  • Quality & results414%
  • Communication414%
  • Speed & response27%
  • Honesty & trust27%
  • Price & value13%

What customers talk about

We read 22 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.

  • “Highly recommend for any event or just a swim day with family.”
  • “The fundraiser dinner was a success, and it was so nice to have the whole meal taken care of for us.”
  • “Great experience dealing with Chris and The Holy Smoker!”
  • “Our team is extremely thankful for Chris’ positive attitude, for his clear communication, and for his generosity.”
  • “Beyond his professional and efficient service, Chris is incredibly down-to-earth and just plain fun to talk to.”
  • “Trust me you will not go wrong booking with Chris and his crew!”
  • “He’s a hit for any event or festival, has fair prices and is a kind, decent human.”

People customers mention

  • Chris 12 reviews

praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.

Recent reviews

Francine3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★

Chris was such a delight to work with—we hired the Holy Smoker to cater an event for over 240 people and the food was amazing!! The meat was tender and juicy, and the beans were delicious. He traveled all the way to Modesto from Brentwood and cooked on site. Chris also made an exceptional vegan meal for a close…

Patricia4 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★

I cannot recommend this mobile BBQ catering service enough! Working with Chris at THS was an absolute pleasure from start to finish. He made the entire planning process incredibly easy and stress-free. On the day of the party, he handled everything seamlessly, including the complete setup and cleanup of all the…

Customer photo from Patricia's review
On1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★★

Their food is amazing! Chris and his team just catered a birthday party for us and I have nothing but great things to say. Their set up with the whole rig and smelling the smoke live, really opens the appetite. I’d give 6 stars if I could. Thank you again for everything!

Erin8 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★★

Tri tip and chicken were awesome. And the beans, oh my goodness the beans were to die for. Fed family of 14 for less money then cooking yourself. And they delivered. Highly recommend for any event or just a swim day with family. Enjoy your day, hire Holy Smoker to bbq for you and relax!

William1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 months ago★★★★★

Met Chris at one of the catering events I worked at for a wedding! After finishing serving all the food, I tried the macaroni and cheese he made and it was great, I also tasted the lasagna he brought as a dish and it was amazing! It was so good one of the ladies wanted to take some home, I don't blame her, I took some myself. Keep it going!

WayneLocal Guide · 89 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited 6 months ago★★★★★

Great experience dealing with Chris and The Holy Smoker! He catered a staff appreciation lunch for our church recently, and everything was top notch! Real deal BBQ!! I highly recommend! ADDITION: Since my first review, the Holy Smoker has now catered THREE events at our church. They did an outstanding job every…

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Photos

Customer reviews

5.0 ★★★★★ 24 reviews on Google · rating breakdown

Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).

Jobs customers hired them for — from Google's service tags and the review text
Team members customers mention
Filter by topic — each topic is highlighted in the reviews in the same color
Francine English3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Francine has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Chris was such a delight to work with—we hired the Holy Smoker to cater an event for over 240 people and the food was amazing!! The meat was tender and juicy, and the beans were delicious. He traveled all the way to Modesto from Brentwood and cooked on site. Chris also made an exceptional vegan meal for a close friend of mine, and it was divine. The fundraiser dinner was a success, and it was so nice to have the whole meal taken care of for us. Chris even donated a beautiful raffle basket for our youth ministry program! We will definitely ask The Holy Smoker to cater our future fundraising dinners. His catering business is a blessing. Our team is extremely thankful for Chris’ positive attitude, for his clear communication, and for his generosity.

Patricia Ortega4 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Patricia has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I cannot recommend this mobile BBQ catering service enough! Working with Chris at THS was an absolute pleasure from start to finish. He made the entire planning process incredibly easy and stress-free. On the day of the party, he handled everything seamlessly, including the complete setup and cleanup of all the delicious dinner entrees. Beyond his professional and efficient service, Chris is incredibly down-to-earth and just plain fun to talk to. He truly helped make our weekend party a massive success!

On A Throne1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews On has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Their food is amazing! Chris and his team just catered a birthday party for us and I have nothing but great things to say. Their set up with the whole rig and smelling the smoke live, really opens the appetite. I’d give 6 stars if I could. Thank you again for everything!

Erin Havlik8 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Erin has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Tri tip and chicken were awesome. And the beans, oh my goodness the beans were to die for. Fed family of 14 for less money then cooking yourself. And they delivered. Highly recommend for any event or just a swim day with family. Enjoy your day, hire Holy Smoker to bbq for you and relax!

William Magana1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews William has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Met Chris at one of the catering events I worked at for a wedding! After finishing serving all the food, I tried the macaroni and cheese he made and it was great, I also tasted the lasagna he brought as a dish and it was amazing! It was so good one of the ladies wanted to take some home, I don't blame her, I took some myself. Keep it going!

Wayne VintherLocal Guide · 89 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Wayne has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Great experience dealing with Chris and The Holy Smoker! He catered a staff appreciation lunch for our church recently, and everything was top notch! Real deal BBQ!! I highly recommend! ADDITION: Since my first review, the Holy Smoker has now catered THREE events at our church. They did an outstanding job every time. PLUS: My adult children hired The Holy Smoker to cater my 75th Birthday party. WOW!! Once again, Chris and crew came thru! Smoked Tri-tip, chicken thighs, pulled pork, "dirty" beans and MORE!! I know a little bit adult BBQ, and THIS IS IT!

Camille Reyno6 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Camille has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

My, oh my - we LOVED having The Holy Smoker cater our corporate lunch event for approx 120 people. Everyone raved about the delicious food and friendly service. Chris was easy to work with and puts love in every bite of food. His team was friendly and provided great service. You can tell they really care about what they do! Highly recommend The Holy Smoker for any event you plan!

Joyce Strand7 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Joyce has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Had a small dinner party and Chris prepared and delivered the food hot and tasty! Tender chicken marsala, rice pilaf and some amazing green beans with bacon. All my guests enjoyed every bite. Thank you Chris

Darlene Vegas1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews Darlene has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

The Holy Smoker came through for my family's celebration of my granddaughters 22nd birthday and she wanted BBQ - a BIG shout out and THANK YOU to Chirs who made it possible for us to enjoy a great BBQ dinner! Even though Chris had a prior party in place, he made it happen for us. We truly appreciate you Holy Smoker 🙏🏼👍🏼🤙🏽👌🏽

Dawn Allen5 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Dawn has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Chris and his team at The Holy Smoker have catered our Soroptimist events multiple times, and every time they just keep getting better! Last night’s meal was absolutely amazing — delicious, beautifully presented, and perfectly executed. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and friendly service make every event run smoothly. We can’t recommend them enough!

The Holy Smoker on Google Maps →

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