Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Southern Bear Catering & Events is a full-service catering and event rental company based in Goose Creek, South Carolina. Founded by Lowcountry native Trish Sams, we specialize in Southern and Lowcountry cuisine for weddings, corporate events, galas, holiday parties, and private gatherings. We are a one-stop shop — we handle the food, the bar, and the rentals. Call Trish at (803) 795-3558 or email Southernbear1981@gmail.com.
We serve the entire Lowcountry and Tri-County region of South Carolina including: Charleston, Goose Creek, North Charleston, Summerville, Mount Pleasant, Hanahan, Moncks Corner, Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, St. George, and Beaufort County. Contact us to confirm availability for your specific event location.
Yes. Southern Bear Catering operates year-round. Peak wedding and event season in Charleston runs from March through May and September through November. We recommend booking as early as possible for spring and fall events.
Yes. Southern Bear Catering is a Charleston’s Choice Award winner and a Best of Mount Pleasant 2023 recipient — both recognition programs driven by community votes.
Southern Bear Catering is owned and operated by Trish Sams, a true Lowcountry native and mom of three with years of experience in the food and events industry. Trish is personally involved in every event to ensure Southern hospitality and quality from start to finish.
Pricing & Booking
Catering costs vary by service style:
- Passed hors d’oeuvres: from $14/person (2 selections) up to $22/person (4 selections)
- Grazing and charcuterie displays: $13–$24/person
- Buffet packages: $35–$65/person (four tiers)
- Entrée stations: $18–$28/person
- Bar service: $9–$20/person (3-hour minimum)
- Event rentals: priced per item (chairs from $4, tables from $9)
Contact Trish at (803) 795-3558 for a personalized quote.
- Weddings: 9–12 months in advance (especially for peak spring/fall dates)
- Corporate events: 2–4 weeks minimum
- General events and parties: 4–8 weeks recommended
Availability is first-come, first-served. Call (803) 795-3558 to check your date.
You can request a quote three ways:
- Call or text Trish: (803) 795-3558
- Email: Southernbear1981@gmail.com
- Online form: southernbearcatering.com/contact-us/
Please include your event date, location, estimated guest count, and preferred service style.
Please contact Trish at (803) 795-3558 for information about deposit and payment terms specific to your event type.
Catering Menu
Southern Bear specializes in authentic Southern and Lowcountry cuisine. Signature dishes include Award Winning Shrimp N Grits, Lowcountry Boil, Charleston Crab Cakes, Charleston She Crab Soup, oyster roasts, slow-cooked BBQ, fried chicken, beef tenderloin, and classic Southern sides like mac n cheese, collard greens, and corn bread.
- Market Street — $35/person: BBQ pork & fried chicken, mac n cheese, mashed potatoes, Southern green beans, salad, rolls
- Broad Street — $45/person: Garlic herb chicken, choice of fish, Charleston red rice, roasted broccoli, salad
- East Bay Street — $52/person: Charleston crab cakes, red wine braised short rib, roasted Brussels sprouts, signature salad
- King Street — $65/person: Shrimp N Grits, beef tenderloin, roasted seasonal vegetables, signature salad
Yes. Our menu includes vegetarian, seafood, and meat options. For guests with specific allergies or dietary needs (gluten-free, dairy-free, etc.), please discuss requirements with Trish at (803) 795-3558 during your consultation.
Yes. Oyster roasts are a signature Southern Bear offering — local single or cluster oysters steamed on-site with shuckers, shell removal, and all the fixins (horseradish, cocktail sauce, saltines, hot sauce, mignonette). Snow crab legs, clams, and king crab can be added at market price.
Yes. All hors d’oeuvres and tray selections are available for single-tray pickup or delivery. Call Trish at (803) 795-3558 to arrange.
Bar Service
Yes. Southern Bear Bar provides full bar staffing and setup for weddings, corporate events, and private parties. We offer four bar packages:
- Beer & Wine Bar — $9/person
- Sweetgrass Package — $14/person (adds well spirits)
- Pearls Package — $17/person (adds premium spirits)
- Pearls Plus Package — $20/person (adds top-shelf spirits + Prosecco)
All packages have a 3-hour minimum. Bar setup is $200/bar. Note: Southern Bear provides bar service only — no alcohol is supplied.
No. Southern Bear Bar provides staffing, setup, mixers, and garnishes. Clients provide the alcohol, or select one of our inclusive packages that list the spirits included. No alcohol is purchased or supplied by Southern Bear.
We offer Tea/Water/Lemonade stations ($2/person), Juice Bars ($5/person), Coffee Bars ($5/person), and Hydration Stations ($2/person). These are recommended for every event regardless of whether a bar is included.
Event Rentals
Yes. Southern Bear Catering & Events offers a comprehensive rental inventory including:
- Chairs: White resin ($4), cross-back farm chairs ($14)
- Tables: Rectangle ($12), round ($12–$14), cocktail ($12), farm tables ($125)
- China: Classic Bright White, Gold Rim, and Vintage Mismatch collections
- Glassware: Classic ($0.90 each), vintage mismatched ($2.00 each), mason jars ($1.00 each)
- Charger plates: $2.50–$4.00 each
- Flatware: Silver ($0.75/piece), Gold ($1.25/piece)
- Linens: Tablecloths ($18–$21), napkins ($1), color sashes ($3), cheesecloth runners ($10)
Yes. Rentals are available as a standalone service. Contact Trish at (803) 795-3558 to discuss availability and rental-only pricing.
Southern Bear Catering is located at 3555 Dorchester Road in North Charleston, SC. Our local full-service catering company serves the greater Charleston area, including the Tri-County region.
You can reach Southern Bear Catering by phone at (803) 795-3558 or by email at southernbear1981@gmail.com. You can also submit an inquiry and learn more about our service offerings through southernbearcatering.com.
Southern Bear Catering primarily serves Charleston, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, and the surrounding Tri-County area of South Carolina. For events outside this area, contact the team directly to discuss availability and any potential travel fees.
Booking and Availability
For peak wedding season in Charleston, which typically runs from spring through fall, it’s recommended to book 6 to 12 months in advance, especially for weekend dates. For corporate events, parties, or off-peak dates, booking 3 to 6 months ahead is usually sufficient. The earlier you book, the better your chances of securing your preferred date and menu options.
While we recommend booking well in advance, our team understands that some events come together quickly. Contact us directly to check availability for your date. Last-minute bookings may be possible depending on the calendar and event size.
Minimum guest counts can vary based on the date, location, and type of service requested. Contact Southern Bear Catering directly to discuss your specific event needs and confirm whether a minimum applies.
Menu and Dietary Accommodations
Southern Bear Catering can accommodate a wide range of dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, and other allergen-specific requests. When booking, provide detailed information about your guests’ dietary restrictions so the team can plan an inclusive menu that everyone can enjoy.
Southern Bear Catering works with clients to customize menus based on preferences, dietary needs, event style, and budget to ensure a truly enjoyable event. Whether you want to incorporate family recipes, regional Lowcountry favorites, or seasonal ingredients, we’re flexible and collaborative in building a menu that fits your vision.
Tastings are available and highly recommended, especially for weddings and large events. Tastings allow you to sample the food, see presentation styles, and communicate your preferences directly with the team. Contact us to inquire about scheduling a tasting.
Southern Bear Catering specializes in authentic southern cuisine with a focus on Lowcountry flavors and Southern hospitality. Our menu features high-quality ingredients sourced locally from the Lowcountry whenever possible.
Pricing and Budget
Catering costs in Charleston typically range from $35 to $100 per guest, depending on the style of service, menu selections, and level of formality. Simple buffet or BBQ service generally runs $35–$50 per guest; mid-range station or family-style meals cost $50–$70 per guest; and plated fine dining with multiple courses ranges from $70 to $100+ per guest. Additional costs may include bar service, rentals, staffing, and travel fees, depending on the event destination.
Pricing can vary based on your package, but it’s important to ask what’s included in the per-person quote.
A deposit is typically required to secure your event date. Contact Southern Bear Catering to learn about our deposit structure, payment schedule, and accepted payment methods.
Cancellation policies vary by event type and timing. It’s important to discuss refund deadlines, deposit terms, and flexibility in case plans change. Ask about the policy when booking your own event so you understand your options if the event needs to be postponed or canceled.
Service and Staffing
Buffet service allows guests to serve themselves from a buffet line, offering variety and flexibility; it’s typically more affordable and requires less staffing. Family-style service features food served on platters at each table, which guests pass around; this creates a warm, communal atmosphere and often requires moderate staffing. Plated service means each guest receives a preselected meal served directly to their seat; this is the most formal option and requires the most staff for precise timing and coordination.
Southern Bear Catering can help you choose the service style that best fits your event, budget, and guest experience.
Staffing levels depend on your guest count, service style, and event complexity. A general rule of thumb is 1 server per 25 guests for buffet service and 1 server per 20 guests for plated service. Southern Bear Catering will provide a staffing plan tailored to your event to ensure smooth service from setup to cleanup.
Southern Bear Catering handles setup and cleanup as part of our service.
Rentals and Additional Services
Southern Bear Catering offers a wide range of rental items to complete your event setup, including tables, chairs, exquisite china, and glassware. This eliminates the need to coordinate with multiple vendors and simplifies the planning process.
Southern Bear Catering can provide bar services and beverage packages. Many hosts budget an additional $15–$25 per guest for beverage service, depending on the type of alcohol and service level. Discuss your bar needs with the team to customize a package that fits your event and budget.
Venue and Logistics
Southern Bear Catering has experience working at various fabulous venue options in Charleston. However, some venues have exclusive caterer requirements or specific logistical considerations, so it’s important to check your venue’s rules regarding an off-premises caterer early in the planning process.
Southern Bear Catering has worked with dozens of Charleston venues and vendors over the years. If your venue requires or recommends specific vendors, the team can coordinate smoothly with those partners to ensure a seamless event experience.
Charleston venues can vary widely in their setup and available amenities. Southern Bear Catering is experienced in adapting to different venue conditions, from historic plantation sites to outdoor tents with limited utilities. Discuss your venue’s capabilities with the team early so they can plan accordingly.
Wedding-Specific Questions
Southern Bear Catering understands that weddings are one of the most important days in your life and works to provide a culinary experience that exceeds expectations. Our wedding catering team brings true Southern hospitality, locally sourced Lowcountry ingredients, and years of experience working with Charleston wedding venues. From intimate ceremonies to large receptions, Southern Bear Catering tailors every detail to your vision.
Most caterers require menus to be finalized at least 30 days before the event. Your final guest count is typically due around the same time — often 14 days in advance — and is considered a guarantee for billing purposes. Confirm these deadlines with Southern Bear Catering when booking so you stay on schedule.
Southern Bear Catering is experienced in working alongside wedding planners and other vendors to ensure seamless coordination. Clear communication between your catering team, planner, and venue is essential for a smooth event day.
Corporate Event Questions
Southern Bear Catering offers corporate catering and professional event services for meetings, conferences, client appreciation events, and high-stakes business functions. Whether you need a simple lunch delivery or a full-service catered event, the team can accommodate your needs with professionalism and delicious food.
Southern Bear Catering specializes in catering for large events and can scale services to fit groups of various sizes. Contact the team to discuss your guest count, budget, and service needs for your corporate event.
Ready to Plan Your Event with an Exceptional Charleston Caterer?
We're dedicated to bringing your event vision to life with more than just delicious food — we deliver exceptional service and authentic Lowcountry hospitality. Whether you're planning a wedding, corporate gathering, or another memorable event, the team is ready to help every step of the way.