Hite's Bar-B-Que: Whole Hog Barbecue and Catering in St. George

What Hite's Bar-B-Que Offers

Hite's Bar-B-Que is a whole hog barbecue restaurant and catering operation in St. George, South Carolina, about 30 miles west of Charleston. The restaurant specializes in traditional pit-cooked pork barbecue, serving both dine-in customers and catering orders for events ranging from small family gatherings to large community functions. The meat is cooked over wood fires using methods that have been part of Lowcountry barbecue tradition for generations.

The catering menu centers on whole hog barbecue, pulled pork, and classic sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread. Hite's handles the cooking and delivery, making it a straightforward option if you want authentic pit barbecue without managing the cooking yourself. The restaurant also operates as a casual dining spot where you can order plates to eat on-site or take home.

Key Takeaways

• Hite's specializes in whole hog barbecue cooked over wood fires, a traditional Lowcountry preparation that defines South Carolina barbecue culture.
• The catering menu includes pulled pork, sides like collard greens and mac and cheese, and cornbread, with delivery available for events.
• Located in St. George, about 30 miles west of Charleston, the restaurant also serves dine-in and takeout orders for individual customers.
• Catering orders work best for events where you want authentic pit barbecue prepared by experienced pit masters rather than prepared off-site.

How to Order Catering from Hite's

Contact Hite's Bar-B-Que directly by phone to discuss your event size, date, and menu preferences. The restaurant will work with you to determine how much meat and how many sides you need based on your guest count. Because whole hog barbecue requires advance preparation and pit time, orders typically need to be placed several days ahead—exact timing depends on the size of your event and the restaurant's current schedule.

Payment and delivery arrangements are handled during your initial conversation. Hite's delivers to locations in the St. George area and surrounding regions; ask about delivery fees and whether your venue falls within their service area. The restaurant can also prepare food for pickup if you prefer to collect it yourself.

What Makes Whole Hog Barbecue Different

Whole hog barbecue is the traditional form of pit cooking in South Carolina's Lowcountry, particularly in the eastern part of the state. The entire pig is seasoned and cooked slowly over wood coals for many hours, allowing the fat and connective tissue to break down and flavor the meat throughout. This method produces a different texture and taste than pulled pork made from a single cut, and it requires significant skill and experience to execute well.

The result is meat that pulls apart easily and carries smoke flavor throughout rather than just on the surface. Whole hog barbecue is often served chopped or pulled, mixed with the crispy exterior pieces, and seasoned with vinegar-based sauce—the style common to the Pee Dee region where St. George is located. If you have never ordered whole hog catering before, Hite's pit masters can advise you on portion sizes and how the meat works best for your event type.

Catering for Different Event Sizes

Hite's handles catering for small family events, church gatherings, reunions, and larger community functions. For a small gathering of 20 to 30 people, you might order a few pounds of pulled pork with two or three sides and cornbread. Larger events of 100 or more guests require more advance notice and coordination, but the restaurant has experience managing substantial orders.

The restaurant can advise on how much meat per person based on whether barbecue is the main dish or part of a larger menu, and whether your guests tend to eat heavily. They can also discuss whether you want the meat already pulled and ready to serve, or whether you prefer to have it delivered warm and finish the plating yourself. These details matter for timing and logistics, so discuss them when you call to place your order.

St. George Location and Hours

Hite's Bar-B-Que is located in St. George, a small town in Dorchester County with a strong agricultural heritage. The restaurant sits in the heart of the Lowcountry, roughly equidistant from Charleston and Summerville. If you are planning an event in the Charleston area or the surrounding rural counties, St. George is a reasonable drive for catering pickup, though delivery may be more practical depending on distance.

Hours and seasonal availability can vary, so confirm current operating times and catering availability before planning your event. The restaurant may have limited hours during slower seasons or may close for brief periods, so a phone call ahead ensures you reach them and can discuss your specific dates.

Why Pit Barbecue Matters in South Carolina

Barbecue is central to South Carolina's food culture and regional identity. The state's barbecue traditions vary by region—the Lowcountry and Pee Dee areas favor whole hog and vinegar-based sauces, while the Midlands prefer mustard-based sauces and pork shoulders. Whole hog barbecue, the style Hite's practices, represents the oldest and most traditional form of pit cooking in the state, passed down through generations of pit masters.

Choosing a local barbecue caterer like Hite's means supporting a business that maintains these traditions and employs skilled pit masters. It also means your guests experience authentic regional food rather than a generic catering option. For events in or near the Lowcountry, whole hog barbecue connects your gathering to South Carolina's culinary heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance do I need to order catering from Hite's?

Most whole hog barbecue orders require several days' notice because the meat must be prepared and cooked over many hours. Call as soon as you know your event date to confirm availability and discuss timing. Last-minute orders may be possible depending on the restaurant's current schedule, but advance planning gives you the best options.

What is the difference between whole hog and pulled pork?

Whole hog barbecue uses the entire pig cooked as one piece over wood coals, producing meat with varied textures and smoke flavor throughout. Pulled pork typically comes from a single cut like the shoulder or butt. Whole hog has a more complex flavor and is the traditional Lowcountry style; pulled pork is simpler and often faster to prepare.

Can Hite's deliver to my event venue?

Yes, Hite's delivers to locations in the St. George area and surrounding regions. Ask about delivery fees and whether your venue is within their service area when you call. Pickup is also an option if you prefer to collect the food yourself and transport it to your event.

How much barbecue should I order for my guest count?

The amount depends on whether barbecue is your main dish or part of a larger menu, and on your guests' appetites. Hite's can advise based on your event type and guest count. Generally, plan for more meat if barbecue is the centerpiece and less if you are serving multiple main dishes.

Do you offer sides and cornbread with catering orders?

Yes, Hite's catering includes sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread. Discuss which sides you want and in what quantities when you place your order. The restaurant can customize the menu based on your preferences and guest count.