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Southern Way Catering

5.0

(54)

100 East Exchange Place, Columbia, SC

About This Vendor

Welcome to Southern Way Catering

It all began over 35 years ago. We were a small company with deep Southern roots and a philosophy that demanded the best in everything we did. That sentiment continues today. It is undoubtedly why we are now one of the largest, most successful and most sought after catering companies in our area.

Details

Cuisine

American, BBQ, Cajun, Eastern European, French, Fusion, Greek, Indian, Italian, Latin American, Middle Eastern, Southern, Southwestern

Dietary Options

Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Nut Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Food & Catering

Buffet, Catering Clean Up, Catering Delivery & Setup, Chef Stations, Family Style, Passed Appetizers, Seated Meal

Awards and Affiliations

Southern Way Catering Reviews

Reviewed On 3/20/2022 by Katie A

We had a seated dinner for our wedding which can be tricky, but they served 120+ people an exceptional dinner & our guests were all raving about how delicious the food was! Randi was excellent to work with, from the tasting to the day-of I was ...

so grateful for her hard work & for all of the talented team at Southern Way!

Reviewed On 11/03/2021 by Kaitlyn C

Although I am utilizing the caterer in Greenville, SC, I highly recommend this company! Working with Jennifer has been so helpful. She answers emails promptly and clearly. No matter how many times my decisions waffle, she keeps up with me calml...

y. And when I see how much food I am getting for what I am paying, I am floored with gratitude! Truly a Southern delight!

Reviewed On 12/15/2020 by Tina J

I can't say enough about this company...Kelsey has been so helpful in so many ways...We had our event planned and then COVID hit and we had to cancel. All the other parts of the event including the venue, wedding planner, DJ, and photographer d...

idn't compensate us at all. Southern Way Catering helped us plan a mini-event with their to go ordering. I don't think all these vendors realize what a monetary loss people take when you look at the total numbers and it's a pandemic! Southern Way Catering is the best and I highly recommend them to you! You won't be disappointed!

Reviewed On 11/02/2020 by Abby B

Kelsey and Zane and the whole team from Southern Way were incredible to work with, start to finish!! Throughout the planning process with my clients (I am a wedding planner), Kelsey made excellent suggestions, was always very responsive, super ...

flexible (when I asked to switch a number of rental items around last minute!), and truly guided my couple through this process with care. On the day of the wedding, she and the Event Manager, Zane, were fantastic!!! Zane was one of the best Event Managers I have ever had the pleasure of working with. So kind, and easy-going and going above and beyond to make sure everything was taken care of for my couple, their guests, and their vendors. And of course the food was incredible!! I would absolutely recommend this team!

Response from the Vendor on 11/03/2020

Thank you so much Abby for your kind words! Zane and I loved being a part of such a wonderful vendor team - it truly takes a village! Can't wait to work with you again :) Kelsey

Reviewed On 9/23/2020 by Bria J

Southern Way was the perfect choice for our wedding! The food was beyond delicious and they were so helpful! They took care of set up and tear down, they even set food aside for us the night of the wedding so we actually got a chance to eat!

Response from the Vendor on 11/03/2020

Bria I loved getting to meet you and your sweet family! We are so happy that you were able to have your dream wedding and that we had the opportunity to be a part of such a special day. Wishing you and your loved ones the best, Kelsey

Reviewed On 9/17/2020 by Blair R

If you want the BEST food around, this is the place! Kelsey was very helpful throughout the process of our food tasting and picking out the menu for our wedding reception. Everyone kept talking about how delicious the food was, especially the s...

hrimp and grits bar! The food was delicious, hot, and presented nicely. Thank you for being apart of our special day!

Response from the Vendor on 11/03/2020

We are thrilled to hear that you and your loved ones enjoyed everything Blair! Thank you so much for letting us be a part of your special day - we loved every minute of it! Wishing you all the best, Kelsey

Reviewed On 4/28/2020 by jackie S

Southern Way Catering has DELICIOUS food. In addition, we worked with the lovely and patient Kelsey who has been AWESOME to work with. Despite COVID19 putting a pause on the reception the last minute, we've found a silver lining when our venu...

e was no longer available. Magnolia Way-BEAUTIFUL venue and Southern Way is exclusive caterer.

Response from the Vendor on 11/03/2020

Hi Jackie! Thank you so much for your kind words - we are beyond excited for Mikayla's wedding in October! Cheers to 2021! Kelsey

Reviewed On 4/07/2020 by Dennis L

Kelsey and her staff are awesome! They recently provided catering and bartending services for my wedding at the Lace House in Columbia, SC. The service was phenomenal. Kelsey is incredible to work with and so sweet! She does such an amazing job...

of making such an overwhelming time easier by providing options and advice on food display, balancing the menu, and timing for the event. She was a total lifesaver at my wedding. I highly recommend using this service!

Response from the Vendor on 04/08/2020

Thank you so much Dennis! We are just so grateful that you and Tara let us be part of your big day. Wishing you both all the best! Kelsey

Reviewed On 12/12/2019 by Tiffany K

Kelsey was phenomenal to work with to meet our needs. She did a great job communicating throughout the process to work within our budget. The food was great and won over everyone!

Response from the Vendor on 12/12/2019

Thank you so much Tiffany! We loved being a part of your day and I'm so happy to hear that you loved everything as well. Wishing you the best, Kelsey

Reviewed On 11/13/2018 by Madison S

Kelsey and the rest of the staff at Southern Way are the BEST! The food was amazing, the s'mores bar was amazing; everything was perfect! I told them a roundabout of what I was looking to have, and they created the most perfect menu! I will rec...

ommend them to everyone!!

Response from the Vendor on 12/12/2019

Madison, you were a joy to work with - thank you so much for trusting us with such an important day. We love to hear that everything turned out so perfectly for you! Mission accomplished :) Cheers! Kelsey

Reviewed On 9/21/2018 by jessica B

The food was amazing! Everyone complimented the Greek marinated chicken and the shrimp and grits! They were more than catering for me though- Lakyn was my go to person and helped as a day of coordinator. She helped get all my rentals, including...

lighting. Choosing Southern Way was one of the best decisions of the wedding planning process!

Reviewed On 8/04/2018 by Katherine W

The BEST! Food was amazing and all of our guests loved the food!!! Highly recommend!

Response from the Vendor on 08/06/2018

Our Southern Way family is thrilled to hear such great feedback. Thank you so much! We LOVE that you were happy and satisfied with our service.

Reviewed On 4/26/2018 by Allyson S

We used Southern Way Catering at our wedding at Stone River and cannot recommend them enough! Our guests raved about the shrimp and grits and pan inis after the wedding and all of the staff were so friendly and professional. They were a joy to...

work with!

Response from the Vendor on 05/09/2018

Thank you so much! We so enjoyed being a part of your special day!

Reviewed On 1/11/2018 by Candice W

We had Doc's BBQ (a part of Southern Way) cater our wedding for 300 people and they did amazing! The food was phenomenal and we didn't run out, which was my biggest fear. Staff was so friendly and always there when I had questions. I cannot rec...

ommend them enough!

Reviewed On 7/06/2017 by Tricia K

The food is incredible! Displays are beautiful and appealing. Our guests are still raving about the food at our reception. Stunning, southern flavors.

Reviewed On 6/26/2017 by Hannah P

Southern Way provided EXCELLENT food and service that was enjoyed by ALL!

Reviewed On 6/10/2017 by Jessica T

They took care of everything for us! Setting up tables, linens, and of course the awesome food! They are the best!

Reviewed On 11/09/2016 by jen n

The venue was GORGEOUS, the food was fantastic (I received so many compliments on the food, and was even fantastic as leftovers). The staff were great, very friendly, well organized. If I ever had to do this again (lets hope not, right?) I wo...

uld use these guys again. They made sure to cater to the bride's preferences, any allergies, and could change up the foods a little to fit these preferences. Yeah, it can cost a pretty penny depending on what and how many different kinds of food you want, but it was just beyond great!

Reviewed On 9/30/2016 by Aften M

I highly recommend!! Southern Way was wonderful and assisted with anything I needed. They are more than catering. The food and service is excellent. I couldn't have done without them.

Reviewed On 9/03/2016 by Emily L

I used Southern Way for my June 18th wedding and they did a wonderful job! The amount of food options was enormous, we could choose from so many different things, it was hard to pick! Everyone I worked with was very helpful and patient with t...

he process. My guests said that the food was great, which is often rare for a wedding!

Reviewed On 7/06/2016 by Ashlyn L

I am so glad that we picked Southern Way to cater our big day! They went above and beyond expectations. We worked with Jesse, and not only did he help us pick out the food, he also helped us with almost everything else to get the wedding done. ...

He did all our rentals, including picking out the perfect shades of pink for tablecloths, and picked up any ball that was dropped by any other vendor. He even helped coordinate the reception events when our coordinator disappeared, and handed out the bubbles for the exit. He was also always in my eyesight, I was never without water, even during pictures,and as a May bride in Columbia, that was amazing and something I really needed. We also got a whole tray of food, he fixed us something of everything we had, and brought it to us, so we got to eat and try everything. Plus, we had an entire huge bag of food that went home with us with silverware included, so if we got hungry our wedding night we were set! One of the other workers was even on hand to bustle my dress when I needed it. They definitely went above and beyond what caterers normally do. And the food was fantastic! Make sure you get the flank steak quesadillas, my guests are still talking about them 2 months later! And the chocolate mousse was divine, it was the one thing I absolutely had to have, and it did not disappoint. They may be a little bit on the pricey side, but Southern Way is definitely worth it and more!

Reviewed On 6/20/2016 by Keri Lynn Z

We cannot say enough great things about Southern Way Catering (and more)! The team was very professional, experienced, eager to help, and the customer service was great. And, of course, the food was amazing - our guests are still talking about...

it from our March wedding. Aimee is simply amazing to work with! She (and team) helped with our menu, helped add our personal touch to the reception venue, took care of our band, assisted with gifts after reception, and they even had special package for the bride/groom in our car after the reception! Our reception flowed smoothly and stayed on track thanks to Aimee! We highly recommend Southern Way!

Reviewed On 5/04/2016 by Laura W

I have never met nicer, more helpful people. Everyone at Souther Way was eager to help. They worked to create our unique menu, including two non traditional wedding cakes, a dream. The food was amazing and our guests marveled at the fried le...

mons and catfish. You need to work with this team.

Reviewed On 4/06/2016 by Allison F

Most of the time you go to a wedding and think that the food was alright. You will NOT have to worry about those words coming out of your guests mouth when you have Southern Way Catering. The food was delicious and our guests had nothing but gr...

eat things to say about it. They loved the station style we had and also the do it yourself select stations such as the sweet potato casserole and the cheese spread table. It was also so great and they even sent us home with a package of all our weeding food and beer just in case we were not able to eat it during the night. The servers we kind and professional. The staff also made sure that the bridal party during pictures and cocktail hour had the opportunity to have some off the small passed plates. We have nothing but great things to say about their services.

Reviewed On 11/04/2015 by Jessica C

To say Southern Way simply "catered" our wedding reception would be an understatement! Not only does Southern Way create and serve a customized, delicious, modern, Southern menu that will leave your guests talking, but their customer service i...

s outstanding. I had the pleasure of working with Jesse, Southern Way's VP, and Cameron. Our voices as the clients were heard and respected throughout the entire process - customizing menu items to reflect our taste, making adjustments to help stay on budget, even helping plan and organize our actual reception. The staff were very knowledgeable and experienced, offering great advice and suggestions without being pushy in the least. Our reception flowed seamlessly and not once did I worry about anything other than enjoying our special day. (Jesse even pried us away from the photographers and brought us food and drinks the entire evening!) Thank you Jesse, Cameron and Southern Way Catering for helping make our wedding day so enjoyable!

Reviewed On 10/28/2015 by Amber F

Southern Way had me convinced to use them from the first meeting. Aimee and Shannon are personable, professional,and welcoming. They explained the entire process of picking a menu and bar items so that it didn't seem so daunting. They make the ...

biggest task, the food, a blast to plan. I would recommend Southern Way to anyone looking for the best food in South Carolina with the best service!

Reviewed On 10/28/2015 by Knottie3300735

Southern Way Catering did an amazing job on our October wedding. The food was outstanding and we LOVED the catfish nuggets and sweet potato biscuits. Our guest were so impressed by the taste, quality, and display of the food. Aimee made the ove...

rwhelming process so simple. She made excellent suggestions and was able to communicate efficiently and effectively. The night of the wedding, Aimee handled everything from the band's meal to making sure we were out the door on time. She is easy to get along with, friendly, and helps make your wedding day perfect! highly recommend Southern Way and their staff.

Reviewed On 6/11/2015 by Carlie R

Southern Way is awesome! I changed my menu and options so many times and they were gracious and understanding with those changes the entire time. They truly want what you want, and you will not be disappointed in their work and hospitality. ...

The food is fantastic! I received many compliments on the menu, particularly the shrimp and grits, and I can't wait to enjoy it again since we froze what was left over! They will also set up rentals for your wedding so you don't have to have an outside rental vendor come in. Choose Southern Way!!

Reviewed On 10/19/2014 by R

We loved every minute of our experience with Southern Way Catering. From planning the menu to the amazing service the day of our wedding, everything was easy and seamless. Aimee was a lifesaver and helped give our day the feel and flow we wante...

d, while giving me piece of mind on the day of the wedding that she was looking out for everything to make sure it was just right. We got the most amazing package of food to take with us that night, and we had a sad moment when the last of it was gone! I can't say enough good things about Southern Way or our team for our wedding day...especially Aimee and Cameron. :)

Reviewed On 2/04/2014 by Parke E

Southern Way took so much stress off my shoulders by just making things happen. Not to mention, the food was phenomenal. They can't be beat and are worth every penny.

Reviewed On 1/30/2014 by Valene S

I was truly blown away by Southern Way. They are so much more than just caterers. I was constantly emailing them and changing things and it was no issue for them at all. Not to mention the food is AMAZING. I also rented tablecloths, etc from th...

em. They were basically my day-of coordinators and had everything completely under control and they set up and broke down everything at the venue. I was completely comfortable letting them handle everything. I can not say enough good things about this company!!

Reviewed On 6/18/2013 by Becca T

We used Southern Way Catering through Millstone at Adams Pond for our reception food. The good was amazing!!!! Everyone loved the food. They were great to work with and suggested many foods our guests would like, we were very happy with this ch...

oice!!!

Reviewed On 6/10/2013 by Jessica W

Everyone that works here was so helpful and went above and beyond. They are so flexible and our food was great. Everyone was very friendly and professional, as well. We really enjoyed working with them.

Reviewed On 5/17/2013 by Kristen

The food was amazing and everyone loved it! They even had an apple bar for the guests to enjoy as we took pictures, it was a hit! I would recommend them to any bride looking for the perfect caterer.

Reviewed On 2/07/2013 by Kristen E

I loved their food! They have plenty to choose from and it all looks good! Wish I had gotten more of the food :)

Reviewed On 1/03/2013 by Sheryl M

I don’t know where to begin. I keep going back to the day after Meghan (bride) and Cameron (groom) first met with Jesse. Meghan was “blown away” by his personality and passion for his work. I insisted she meet with others before she made her...

final decision and after having other caterers to compare him to, we all knew he was the one for their wedding. That being said, I cannot describe what I felt when I walked into the venue. From the attention paid to us (the wedding party) by Jesse and his staff, to the décor, food, arrangement of the room. It was truly a magical. It brings tears of joy to my eyes as I type this email. Jesse and his staff are incredible. His attention to detail was spot on. EVERY promise he made was fulfilled and then some. The bride, groom and bridal party and guests wanted for nothing the entire evening. Stephanie was an angel. She was at the top of her game all night. As much as I tried to imagine how the night would go, Jesse surpassed any dreams I may have had! I am sincere in saying “They are simply the best” and they have my eternal thanks and gratitude for the magical night they created for my son and daughter in law’s wedding. All the guests were awed by Jesse and his entire staff as well. And the food, I am still getting feedback on how beautiful and delicious everything was. You can be assured that we will employ Jesse and his team for ALL our future catering needs. Thanks again Jesse and Stephanie, YOU ROCK!!!!

Reviewed On 7/19/2012 by Kay D

Very Good

Reviewed On 6/12/2012 by Amanda C

Everyone loved the food at the wedding! Being a vegetarian, I couldn't taste all of the food and was so excited to hear how happy everyone was! The mashed potato bar was the best part of the night!

Reviewed On 6/12/2012 by Megan M

I loved Southern Way. Not only do your catering costs include food and beverage, but they took over most of the planning which was great since i did not have a wedding planner and was on a budget AND lived out of town. we wanted mediterranean ...

food at our reception and southern way created a menu for us which was amazing. they took great care of the bride and groom and the guests. They decorated, coordinated with the venue, set up specialty bars, helped with flowers-everything!

Reviewed On 6/07/2012 by Tiffany W

Southern Way was the biggest hit of my wedding! Their food was to die for...literally! Everything was freshly prepared on site and tasted wonderful. Nothing ran out! Their servers were so polite and always around. The bar servers were as equall...

y polite &amp; knowledgeable! The presentation of the food was delightful! I wish they had a restaurant I could go to and not just a catering business!!

Reviewed On 5/19/2012 by Emily C

All night at our wedding reception, people kept telling us how wonderful the food was. I agree!!!! Southern Way Catering definitely exceeded my expectations and I was so happy with our decision to use them! A+!

Reviewed On 5/14/2012 by Malaika D

Everything was good except the chicken. It was so white, my guests thought it was pork. SOOOOOOOO EXPENSIVE!!!!!

Reviewed On 12/10/2011 by Melissa B

Southern Way Catering did the catering for our wedding. They were outstanding! Everyone at the wedding loved the food. We are still getting compliments! Their staff was friendly, food was fresh, and they had a million options to choose from. ...

They can fit any wedding budget!

Reviewed On 11/09/2011 by LaDawn S

This caterer is the BEST! Met with them once to go over expectations and the menu. They made suggestions as requested. The reception was set up above expectations. First class service. Friendly staff. Excellent food. Guests said it was the best...

food ever. At the reception, staff were right there when we needed them, they made sure we (the bride and groom) had a drink when we didn't have a chance to get to the bar, had food when we couldn't even get to the food stations, and even sent us home with plenty of drinks, food, and cake. It was the best service ever since as bride and groom, you really don't have a chance to eat or drink at a reception - too busy greeting your guests. This caterer goes above and beyond as well as delivering the best food you have ever tasted. They take pride in their service.

Reviewed On 10/23/2011 by Laura N

The food was amazing! We had so much to chose from, but it was a little expensive. But, well worth it! They never ran out

Reviewed On 10/18/2011 by Alexandra M

Exceptional service and outstanding food!! Would use them again in heartbeat for any other catering needs!!

Reviewed On 9/17/2011 by Natalia W

Absolutely amazing service, food, servers, and they were way more than just a caterer. Cameron helped with setting up the table, coordinated the table linens/napkins and worked with the DJ to make sure announcements etc. were done when we wante...

d them. My husband and I and our guests never had an empty drink and we felt like the most important people in the world on our big day thanks to them. All the servers were nice and took care of our guest and the bar tender was out going and funny. We are so happy we hired them! I would recommend them for anyone! My guest are still talking about how good the food was! (The catered my wedding in Sumter, SC about an hour from Columbia.)

Reviewed On 5/16/2011 by Julie L

Excellent food, friendly, helpful staff! My wedding was in Folly Beach and they catered it from Columbia! From the very beginning they were very professional and extremely accommodating! I explained to them that I, the bride was paying for ever...

ything myself and that I needed the best value for my money. They held my hand every step of the way. They knew exactly what I wanted and I never had to guess about anything. They came recommended from family members in the restaurant business, so I knew the food would be good. I loved the food and staff!

Reviewed On 1/13/2011 by Laura W

Southern Way was delicious, and wonderful to work with! We didn't have ANY problems :)

Reviewed On 11/26/2010 by Lindsay C

Southern Way Catering offers a wide variety of food options through several menus at different price points. Their menus say they are for a minimum of 100 people, but they worked with us to provide food for exactly the number of people we had a...

ttending, which was less than 100. In the end, we had TONS of food leftover, which we gave to friends and family and kept some in the freezer for after our honeymoon. We recommend their meatballs in Doren's sauce, pulled pork sandwiches, crabcakes, Charleston Cheese Spread, and keilbasa in puff pastry. They also do fabulous fruit and vegetable trays. After the wedding, we had numerous people tell us how much they enjoyed the food.

Reviewed On 8/16/2010 by Natasha B

The food was very tasty and perfect for the light hors d'oeuvres that we wanted for our reception. They even cut and served our cake for us. They also packed food for us to take with us when we left.

Reviewed On 8/09/2010 by Becca B

Southern Way was perfect in every aspect. Excellent customer service, outstanding food, beautiful presentation. Our food got rave reviews. The fried green tomatoes were my favorite! They even had a platter set up for my husband and me to en...

joy right when we arrived at the reception before we got sucked into socializing. OUTSTANDING.

Reviewed On 5/10/2010 by Ashley M

The staff and management were very polite and helpful. All of our guests loved the food.;Get other estimates for catering and bargain with the management at Leaside to get the best menu for the best price.