Business Details
47 Years
experience
Your Trusted Catering Partner in Charleston, SC
Hamby Catering has been a cornerstone of Charleston's catering industry since 1979, rooted in a family-oriented culture established by founders Fran and Tom Hamby. Our team combines decades of experience with a commitment to innovative, Southern-inspired cuisine, ensuring every event reflects our clients' unique visions. We specialize in full-service catering, logistics coordination, and event design, serving weddings, corporate functions, and private celebrations. With multi-generational leadership, including Candice Culbertson Hudnall and Wayne Culbertson, we maintain a legacy of excellence while embracing modern culinary techniques.Our flagship venue, The Rutledge Room, offers 3,000 square feet of elegant space complemented by in-house catering and rental services. From intimate gatherings to large-scale events, we prioritize personalized service, sourcing local ingredients and leveraging partnerships like Stay Duvet to enhance client experiences. Our accolades, including recognition from The Knot, reflect our dedication to exceptional food, hospitality, and seamless event execution. With over 40 years of expertise, we remain Charleston's trusted choice for creating lasting memories through culinary artistry and attentive service.
Services
Wedding Catering
Corporate Events
The Market
Custom Menu Creation
Event Logistics
Venue Coordination
Private Celebrations
Tailgate Catering
Holiday Packages
Brunch Services
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of catering expertise in Charleston's Lowcountry events.
- Our multi-generational leadership ensures continuity of tradition and innovation.
- We provide end-to-end event logistics coordination and venue selection support.
- Custom menu creation with locally sourced ingredients for every occasion.
- Our flagship Rutledge Room venue combines Southern elegance with modern amenities.
What people say
Food was fantastic
Wait staff courteous
Prices reasonable
Portions just right
Service top notch
Services
Wedding Catering
Hamby Catering specializes in creating unforgettable wedding experiences since 1979. Our executive culinary team crafts customized menus featuring Southern-inspired cuisine while our event producers coordinate logistics, venue selection, and design elements. With expertise in both intimate ceremonies and large-scale receptions, we ensure seamless execution from initial planning to final service. Our team works directly with couples or collaborates with wedding planners to deliver personalized solutions that reflect each couple's unique vision.
Corporate Events
We provide comprehensive catering solutions for corporate events ranging from client appreciation gatherings to executive meetings. Our services include customized menu creation, beverage pairing, and professional event staffing. The team offers design consultation and rental coordination to ensure brand alignment and guest engagement. With experience handling events at Charleston's premier venues, we combine culinary excellence with logistical precision to create impactful business events that leave lasting impressions on clients and stakeholders.
The Market
The Market at Hamby offers convenient access to our signature dishes for everyday enjoyment and special occasions. Customers can order heat-and-serve casseroles, boxed lunches, and party favorites for pickup or bulk orders. Open Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM and Saturday 9AM-3PM, it provides ready-made meals, frozen options, and seasonal specialties like Thanksgiving packages. Our staff assists with menu selection and order preparation, ensuring the same quality and flavor that has made Hamby a Charleston tradition since 1979.
Event Logistics
Our event logistics services ensure seamless execution of every celebration. From venue selection and rental coordination to timeline management and staff deployment, our experienced team handles all operational details. We work closely with clients to understand specific needs, assess potential challenges, and implement solutions that guarantee smooth event flow. This comprehensive approach allows clients to focus on enjoying their events while we manage the complex behind-the-scenes requirements for successful gatherings.
Venue Coordination
Hamby Catering offers expert venue coordination services to complement our catering offerings. Our team leverages extensive knowledge of Charleston's premier event spaces, including historic homes, waterfront locations, and our flagship Rutledge Room. We assist clients in selecting optimal venues based on event size, theme, and guest needs while managing all logistical aspects. This includes negotiating contracts, coordinating setup, and ensuring venues align perfectly with customized catering plans for cohesive event experiences.
People
Fran Hamby
Founder
Fran Hamby co-founded the company in 1979, establishing a family-oriented culture that remains central to Hamby Catering's success. Her vision created the foundation for the company's enduring reputation in Charleston's catering industry.
Candice Culbertson Hudnall
Operations Leader
Candice Culbertson Hudnall oversees all operations since 2017, continuing the family tradition with her father Wayne Culbertson. With seven years of experience at the company, she ensures the preservation of Hamby's heritage while guiding its modern evolution.
Wayne Culbertson
Co-Owner
Wayne Culbertson partners with his daughter Candice to lead Hamby Catering, marking the second multi-generational ownership transition. His leadership helps maintain the company's core values while adapting to contemporary event demands in Charleston's growing market.
Questions
What types of events does Hamby Catering handle?
We cater weddings, corporate events, private celebrations, and social gatherings of all sizes in Charleston and the surrounding Lowcountry area.
Can I customize my event menu?
Yes, our executive culinary team creates customized menus tailored to your event's theme, dietary needs, and personal preferences with Southern-inspired cuisine.
Do you provide event planning services?
We offer comprehensive event logistics including venue selection, rental coordination, design consultation, and timeline management for seamless event execution.
What is The Market at Hamby?
Our retail location offers ready-to-eat meals, heat-and-serve options, and party favorites for pickup, including daily specials and seasonal packages like Thanksgiving meals.
Is The Rutledge Room available for rent?
Yes, our 3,000 sq ft flagship venue accommodates weddings and events with on-site catering, rental services, and eight luxury accommodations through our partnership with Stay Duvet.
How far in advance should I book services?
We recommend booking weddings 12-18 months in advance and corporate events 6-12 months ahead, though we accommodate shorter timelines when possible.
Reviews (5)
Kylie Huesman
Jun 21, 2022
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Hamby is truly an EXCEPTIONAL catering company! They go above and beyond for their clients and made such a delicious meal for our wedding! They are timely, kind, and so so talented at what they do. We highly recommend and appreciate their services! We received so many compliments on the food! Especially the tomato pies!
Kim Trask
May 28, 2022
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Hamby has taken such impeccable care of me and my family for over 30 years; catering my wedding and most recently, catering my daughter's wedding. The food was excellent and the service first-class.
Tracie Hess
Apr 19, 2022
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What can I possibly say that has not already been said? Hamby never disappoints! From my wedding, Derby Parties or just my craving for their amazing mini tomato pies.you can't go wrong allowing Hamby to handle your catering needs!
Tyler Stokes
Apr 15, 2022
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Hamby provided the catering for our wedding last month and we couldn't recommend them any more! First (and most importantly) the food throughout the entire evening was absolutely fantastic. The catering staff was attentive and very friendly and made sure that we were not wanting for anything the entire night - my wife and I weren't able to grab any hors d'oeuvres during cocktail hour as we were taking pictures and the catering staff made sure to track us down and provide an entire assortment of food so we didn't miss out! All-around excellent experience!
Kelley Ingram
Apr 10, 2022
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Ryan with Hamby Catering was by far the best vendor to work with throughout our wedding experience! He was extremely professional, responsive, and easy to work with. We used Hamby for our engagement party, rehearsal dinner, and reception! All our guests raved at how delicious and presentable the food was for each event. I thoroughly enjoyed having our tasting to finalize the menu. The servers and chefs at the reception did an exceptional job. We could not have asked for anything more. Ryan is an excellent Hamby employee and I would use Hamby catering hands down for any event!
