Southern Way

Business Details

44 Years

experience

Trusted Catering Services in Columbia & Greenville, SC

Founded in 1982 by Jimmy Stevenson, Southern Way has grown from a small Southern-rooted catering company into one of the Southeast's most respected and sought-after catering services. With over four decades of experience, we specialize in off-site catering for events of all sizesfrom intimate dinners for eight to grand galas for 8,000 guests. Our fully equipped mobile catering kitchen allows us to deliver exceptional Southern cuisine enhanced by world-class service to any location. We pride ourselves on executing events with meticulous attention to detail, having catered for U.S. Presidents, Vice Presidents, and Governors of South Carolina. Our philosophy remains unchanged: provide clients with the most delectable food, attentive service, memorable presentations, and unforgettable event experiences.

In addition to private events, we serve premium seating environments at universities in the Midlands and Upstate regions. Our team of dedicated professionals brings decades of collective expertise in event planning, culinary arts, and hospitality management to every project. This commitment to excellence has earned us recognition as a leader in the catering industry across the Southeast. We continue to innovate while staying true to our roots, ensuring every client receives personalized service tailored to their unique vision.

Services

Off-site catering Wedding catering Corporate events Mobile catering kitchen University premium seating

Details

Year established: 1982

Highlights and features

40+ years of experience catering events from 8 to 8,000 guests
Proven track record with high-profile political and corporate clients
Fully equipped mobile catering kitchen for any location
Dedicated team of event specialists and culinary professionals
Award-winning Southern cuisine with customizable menu options

What people say

Delicious food presentation Unbelievable service quality Phenomenal event coordination Perfect wedding execution First-class professionalism

Website

Update Listing

Services

Off-site catering

We provide comprehensive off-site catering services for any event size or type. Our fully equipped mobile kitchen allows us to prepare and serve gourmet Southern cuisine at any location across the Southeast. From menu customization to on-site execution, our experienced team handles every detail to ensure exceptional food quality and service standards. Clients benefit from our proven ability to cater events ranging from intimate dinners to large-scale galas with equal precision and professionalism.

Wedding catering

Our wedding catering specialists create customized culinary experiences tailored to each couple's vision. We offer menu tastings, rental coordination, and bar service options to complement your special day. With experience at venues like Wavering Place, our team ensures seamless execution from planning to event day. Clients receive personalized attention from dedicated event executives who manage logistics, timelines, and vendor coordination to create unforgettable wedding celebrations.

Corporate events

We specialize in high-profile corporate events requiring precise execution and professional service. Our portfolio includes catering for political figures, business leaders, and major organizations. The team delivers consistent quality across conferences, galas, and networking events with attention to branding opportunities and attendee experience. Clients benefit from our established protocols for large-scale events and our ability to maintain service excellence under demanding conditions.

Mobile catering kitchen

Our state-of-the-art mobile catering kitchen enables full-service food preparation at any location. This self-contained unit maintains commercial kitchen standards for food safety and quality control. The mobile solution provides flexibility for remote venues while ensuring consistent dish preparation and presentation. Clients gain access to our complete menu offerings regardless of event location, supported by our experienced culinary team's on-site execution capabilities.

University catering

We provide premium catering services for university athletic events and hospitality spaces. Our team manages food service for VIP seating areas at major sports venues across the Midlands and Upstate regions. The service includes specialized menus for game days, bowl events, and university functions. Clients benefit from our proven ability to handle high-volume service demands while maintaining exceptional food quality and presentation standards in dynamic sports environments.

People

Jimmy Stevenson

President

Founder of Southern Way with over 40 years of catering industry leadership. Recognized for transforming a local business into a regional catering leader while maintaining Southern culinary traditions.

Brittany Stuckey

Vice President, Operations

Oversees daily operations with a focus on service excellence and event execution. Brings extensive experience in managing large-scale catering logistics and team coordination.

Jesse Bullard

Vice President, Business Development

Drives strategic growth initiatives while maintaining client relationships. Specializes in expanding service offerings and developing partnerships with premier event venues across the Southeast.

Mark McCalmont

Managing Partner

Leads Greenville operations with focus on market expansion and service innovation. Brings deep expertise in premium catering solutions for corporate and private clients.

Michelle Herndon

Logistics Manager

Manages event logistics and resource coordination for complex catering operations. Ensures efficient deployment of equipment and personnel across multiple simultaneous events.

Questions

What types of events do you cater?

We cater weddings, corporate events, political functions, university athletic events, and private parties of all sizes across the Southeast.

Do you have experience with large-scale events?

Yes, we've catered events for 8 to 8,000 guests, including U.S. Presidents and major political figures.

What areas do you serve?

We primarily serve Columbia and Greenville, SC, with off-site catering capabilities throughout the Southeastern United States.

How does your catering process work?

We begin with menu consultations, followed by event planning coordination, and execute with our mobile kitchen and professional service team.

Are payment plans available?

We offer flexible payment options for large events - please discuss specific arrangements with your event coordinator.

What's your refund policy?

Our policies follow standard catering industry guidelines, with adjustments made for exceptional circumstances like pandemic restrictions.

Reviews (6)

Write a Review

Leigh Sloan

Jun 26, 2022 Report

Southern Way catering is truly a southern gem! From the planning to the attention to every small detail of service, they truly "cater" to your every need. The food is amazing, uniquely presented and delicious! Their entire service team was professional and courteous. Most importantly, they listen to your vision and provide suggestions to make sure your dream becomes a reality! "Best wedding food ever, " as one guest put it! Thank you for everything!

David Bayles

May 16, 2022 Report

Wow! Had Southern Way cater a small party for my son's graduation from USC. They were absolutely amazing. The food was outstanding and the staff was equally professional, friendly and attentive. Can't say enough good things. Amanda who helped guide us through the planning was also fantastic. Would most definitely use them again.

Sherri C.

Nov 03, 2021 Report

I cannot even receive a return phone call to get a quote on a wedding reception. Spoke to two live bodies and neither message was returned as communicated.

Sherry Walden

Oct 28, 2021 Report

As a local venue owner, I was beyond excited to work with Southern Way Catering for the first time this past weekend. They did not disappoint either. Food is delicious, well presented and the staff gives unbelievable service. Brittany was amazing as well as her Captain on Friday, Melinda and the Captain on Saturday, Zane. All of the servers took great care of the guests and made sure no one wanted for anything. I highly recommend anyone needing the service of caterers to look no further. They can do it all! Can't wait to have you back!

Tracy F.

Oct 10, 2021 Report

I a world where responsive communication and a quality product are hard to find, Southern Way nails it. SW recently catered an anniversary party for me and they were excellent to work with from first inquiry to eating the delicious food. Not living in Columbia, I had to take a risk and hire a caterer that I had no experience with. SW responded to me quickly and worked with me on the right menu for a small gathering (10 people).

They were so kind in accommodating my need for them to be discreet after arrival, as it was a surprise party, and the food. delicious. Everyone raved about it all evening. It made me feel good as the host and I can for certain recommend SW. I have high expectations that are usually not met by most businesses. SW exceeded them.

Roxanne P.

Sep 12, 2021 Report

Southern Way is where I turn every time I need catering. I first used them ~2004 for a company holiday party and was so impressed with the quality of the food and their set-up that Iive gone back to them again and again. The food is beyond fabulous and I've had only superior service from their staff, chef and management. As a former full-time event planner I've been on both sides of the catering kitchen, using them for professional and personal events. Their staff are well trained to handle all types of events, large and small-- every event and catering detail is addressed. I've never experienced an event where they didn't give 110%.