iHow 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%99+68.5Reliability 31%97+29.8Experts Score= 98Not 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.98SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#7 of 121 caterersiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 95%
5.0★★★★★112 Google reviews · 19 photos
100%five-star reviews
5.00★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Google reviewers give ZALA BBQ a 5/5 rating based on 112 reviews, frequently praising the flavorful BBQ, steak, and taco dishes served at private events. Customers highlight the punctual arrival, professional communication, and comprehensive service that includes cleanup and leftover packaging. The caterer also offers delivery and meal prep options, with no common criticisms identified in the provided excerpts.
Google rating: 5.0 out of 5 from 112 reviews (100% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 112 Google reviews (107 with written comments, 6 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 4% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 29, 2026.
Service: Caterer serving Peoria, Arizona.
Data from Google, last updated November 1, 2026.
Score profile vs other caterers
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach 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 satisfaction; weakest: reliability.
ZALA BBQCaterers median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 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.ZALA BBQ: 99/100 on this factor. Category median: 87.A
99
ReliabilityiReliability · 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.ZALA BBQ: 97/100 on this factor. Category median: 87.A
97
Craft & serviceiCraft & 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.–
–
ValueiValue · 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.–
–
MomentumiMomentum · 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.ZALA BBQ: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies 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: 35.–
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Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
112 Google reviews we collected
5.0of 5
5 stars112100%
4 stars00%
3 stars00%
2 stars00%
1 star00%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 107 written reviews
100%praise
Praise109100%
Complaints00%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Would recommend4339%
Staff & attitude2422%
Quality & results2321%
Honesty & trust66%
Price & value55%
Speed & response44%
Communication44%
What customers talk about
We read 107 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“The flavor and the ambience made this event memorable and would recommend”
“They arrived early, were so warm and kind, and made everyone feel welcome.”
“This was an amazing experience from the atmosphere the drinks, the people the vibe, and of course the food.”
“Both wonderful people, the food was delievered 9n time and i can honestly say it was up there with the best BBQ ive had special highlights for me were…”
“Outstanding on all counts -- delicious food, presentation, responsiveness, fair price, professional interaction, and more -- much more.”
“They are extremely fun yet professional and timely.”
“JD answered all my questions and was very easy to deal with.”
People customers mention
Phoenix5 reviews
Chicken4 reviews
Veteran3 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Recent reviews
BBrittany1 reviewiTotal 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 days ago★★★★★
We hired Chef JD and his wife for a corporate taco dinner at our Airbnb, and they were incredible! The food was absolutely delicious, and the service was just as good. They arrived early, were so warm and kind, and made everyone feel welcome. Our guests loved them!
They took care of every detail, including cleaning…
YYeohoon9 reviewsiTotal 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 week ago★★★★★
The best in the valley. Unmatched hospitality and amazing food. Chef JD puts his heart and soul into his craft. Hard to find an experience like this in Arizona.
Ppaul8 reviewsiTotal 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★★★★★
Both wonderful people, the food was delievered 9n time and i can honestly say it was up there with the best BBQ ive had special highlights for me were the Beef Rib and the Chicken wings absolutely fantastic.
KKenya8 reviewsiTotal 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★★★★★
This was an amazing experience from the atmosphere the drinks, the people the vibe, and of course the food. 10/10 Hubby and I had a great adults night out. 😍
KKelly1 reviewiTotal 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★★★★★
Wonderful time at The Steak Experience. Great pairings and my filet was amazing! Good times and great food!
AAmy9 reviewsiTotal 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★★★★★
Such a lovely couple running Zala BBQ. They literally take care of everything from start to finish. They also clean up after themselves and boxed up our leftovers so we could enjoy them later. The food was amazing and so flavourful. If you want BBQ without having to do it yourself these guys are the ones to call.…
We hired Chef JD and his wife for a corporate taco dinner at our Airbnb, and they were incredible! The food was absolutely delicious, and the service was just as good. They arrived early, were so warm and kind, and made everyone feel welcome. Our guests loved them!
They took care of every detail, including cleaning everything from top to bottom afterward, so we could relax and enjoy the evening. Supporting a local, veteran-owned business made the experience even better. We would hire them again in a heartbeat. Highly recommend!
Y
Yeohoon Mark Youn9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Yeohoon has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
The best in the valley. Unmatched hospitality and amazing food. Chef JD puts his heart and soul into his craft. Hard to find an experience like this in Arizona.
P
paul oconnor8 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews paul has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Both wonderful people, the food was delievered 9n time and i can honestly say it was up there with the best BBQ ive had special highlights for me were the Beef Rib and the Chicken wings absolutely fantastic.
K
Kenya Brown8 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Kenya has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
This was an amazing experience from the atmosphere the drinks, the people the vibe, and of course the food. 10/10 Hubby and I had a great adults night out. 😍
D
Denzel Coleman1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Denzel has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Such a lovely couple running Zala BBQ. They literally take care of everything from start to finish. They also clean up after themselves and boxed up our leftovers so we could enjoy them later. The food was amazing and so flavourful. If you want BBQ without having to do it yourself these guys are the ones to call. Thank you again for the most amazing food and service.
D
David WalkerLocal Guide · 41 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews David has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Zala BBQ Catering absolutely blew us away! From the moment they arrived, everything was top-notch. They brought their own grill and grilled the steak and chicken right there, and the flavor was absolutely incredible. Honestly, every single thing we ate was some of the best food I’ve ever had.
What really impressed us was how much they went above and beyond. They didn’t just serve amazing food — they took the time to clean our kitchen and completely cleaned up after themselves when they were finished. You honestly couldn’t ask for better service.
If you’re looking for catering with amazing food, incredible service, and people who genuinely care about doing things right, I highly recommend Zala BBQ Catering. They exceeded our expectations in every way.
D
Dale FazendinLocal Guide · 19 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Dale has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Our daughter surprised me on Father’s Day with Zala BBQ with chef JD and wife Margret for an amazing Father’s Day dinner. It was dinner for four …. Caesar salad (home made dressing) a palate cleanser of sorbet then amazing perfectly cooked filet mignons (with 2 different sauces both made from scratch delicious) / mashed potatoes / asparagus / green beans.
Additionally warm garlic buns. Desert was lava cake and crème brûlée. It was simply amazing. They cleaned up the kitchen spotlessly while we were eating. At the end of the dinner we had after dinner drinks. JD and Margret felt like family.
It was one of the best gifts for Father’s Day I have had! I would highly recommend for any event or special night !
Thanks Zala BBQ Chef JD!!!
