How much BBQ should I order per person for my Indianapolis event?

We recommend 1/2 lb of cooked meat per person for a standard buffet. For hungrier crowds or evening wedding receptions in Indy, we suggest 3/4 lb per guest.

What makes Mercenary BBQ different from other Indianapolis caterers?

Pitmaster Brent Hene uses a 100% wood-fired smoking process inherited from his 3rd-generation heritage at the Hene Meat Co., ensuring authentic bark and flavor.

Do you provide full-service BBQ catering in Carmel and Fishers?

Yes, we offer full-service catering across Hamilton County and the greater Indianapolis area, including professional setup, carving stations, and cleanup.

Mercenary BBQ FAQ |

Your Guide to
our catering services

Planning an event shouldn't feel like a math test. Whether you’re hosting a 200-guest wedding in Zionsville or a 20-person lunch meeting in downtown Indianapolis, we’ve gathered the most common questions to help you plan the perfect custom smoked BBQ feast.

Planning Your Quantities

How much BBQ should I order per person?

This is the #1 question for any event. For a standard buffet, we recommend 1/2 lb of meat per person.

If you are offering two meats (like our Mesquite Brisket and Pulled Pork), guests will usually take a little of both. We help calculate your order to ensure nobody leaves hungry.

What about the sides?

Sides aren't just "fillers"—they are the backbone of any great BBQ plate. Our scratch-made sides, like our White Mac & Cheese with Green Chiles and our famous Green Beans, are essential for balancing out the richness of the smoked meats. We've done the math for you and priced each side per guest.

Wedding Specifics

Do you do wedding catering?

YES! Mercenary BBQ provides wedding catering across Central Indiana. This includes the delivery and set up of the the buffet. We typically provide a cost effective casual buffet where all chafing dishes are disposable. We handle the "heavy lifting" so you can focus on your big day.

Can you cater at barn venues or outdoor spaces?

Absolutely. Since we specialize in authentic wood-fired BBQ, we are perfectly suited for the casual and rustic venues popular in Carmel, Noblesville, Avon, Plainfield, and Westfield areas. We just need a flat, accessible area to set up your spread.

corporate and office lunch

How far in advance do I need to book an office lunch?

While we love a heads-up, we understand that office needs change fast. We typically require at least 48–72 hours' notice for catering in the Indianapolis area. For larger corporate events (100+ people), 1 week is preferred. But if we have availability, we will do everything we can to meet your needs. Just keep in mind that everything we do is custom smoked to order for your event so same day or even 24 hours is just not possible to be able to delivery the quality product that we provide.

Do you provide plates, cutlery, and napkins?

Yes. If you need it, we can offer disposable plates and individually wrapped cutlery kits with napkins. We aim for a "set it and forget it" experience for office managers.

our process - quality and taste

What makes Mercenary BBQ’s smoking process different?

We are "Old School" in a high-tech world. Unlike many caterers who use gas-assisted or electric smokers, we use 100% wood-fired offset smokers. We source local Hickory and Mesquite to create a deep, authentic smoke ring and bark that you simply can't get any other way. We believe that great BBQ takes time—usually 12 to 14 hours—and there are no shortcuts. It's a difference you can see and taste.

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