Sims Way Catering: Low Country Cooking for South Carolina Events
What Sims Way Catering Offers
Sims Way Catering is a Charleston-based catering company specializing in Low Country cuisine and traditional Southern food. The kitchen prepares dishes rooted in the Lowcountry's culinary heritage—shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, fried chicken, collard greens, and seafood preparations that reflect the region's coastal and agricultural traditions. They handle events ranging from intimate gatherings to larger celebrations, working with clients to build menus that fit both the occasion and the season.
The company operates from Charleston and serves the greater Lowcountry region. They work directly with clients to understand what kind of meal experience matters for the event—whether that's a formal sit-down dinner, a casual buffet, a cocktail reception with passed hors d'oeuvres, or a family-style meal where dishes come to the table family-style. The team manages food preparation, plating, and service logistics, which means you handle the guest list and venue while they handle the kitchen work and table service.
Key Takeaways
- Sims Way Catering specializes in Low Country and Southern cuisine, drawing on Charleston's food traditions and local ingredients.
- They work with clients to design custom menus rather than offering only preset packages, so your event's food reflects what you want to serve.
- The company handles food preparation, plating, and service staff, which means you choose the venue and guest count while they manage the kitchen side.
- Contact them directly to discuss your event date, guest count, menu preferences, and budget so they can provide pricing and availability.
How to Contact Sims Way Catering
Reach out to Sims Way Catering by phone or through their website to discuss your event. When you contact them, have ready the date you're planning, the number of guests you expect, the type of event (wedding, corporate gathering, birthday, rehearsal dinner, etc.), and any dietary restrictions or food preferences your guests have. They'll ask about your venue and whether you need them to bring serving equipment or if your venue provides tables and linens.
The initial conversation helps them understand the scope of your event and whether they have availability for your date. They'll discuss menu options and walk you through what Low Country dishes work well for your type of gathering. Pricing depends on the menu you choose, the number of guests, the level of service you need (whether they're just dropping off food or staying to serve), and any special requests.
Types of Events They Cater
Sims Way Catering works with weddings, rehearsal dinners, corporate events, birthday celebrations, anniversary parties, family reunions, and community gatherings. For weddings and rehearsal dinners, they can design multi-course menus or family-style meals that showcase Low Country flavors. For corporate events, they often provide buffet service or plated meals that work well in business settings. For smaller celebrations, they can scale portions and service to fit an intimate group.
Each event type has different timing and service needs. A wedding reception might require multiple courses and formal plating, while a family reunion might call for a casual buffet where guests serve themselves. A corporate lunch might need food ready at a specific time with minimal setup. When you contact them, describe what kind of event you're hosting so they can suggest what works best for that setting.
Low Country Cuisine and Seasonal Menus
Low Country cooking reflects Charleston's position on the coast and its agricultural heritage. Shrimp, crab, and fish appear frequently because they're local and fresh. Rice dishes, okra, collard greens, and sweet potatoes are staples because they grow well in the region and have deep roots in Lowcountry food culture. Sims Way Catering builds menus around what's in season and what's available from local sources, which means spring menus might feature different proteins and vegetables than fall menus.
Traditional dishes like she-crab soup (made with female crab roe for richness), shrimp and grits, fried chicken, and Lowcountry boils (shrimp, corn, sausage, and potatoes boiled together) appear on many menus. Sides like hoppin' John (black-eyed peas and rice), mac and cheese, and biscuits round out the meal. If your guests include people unfamiliar with Low Country food, the catering team can explain dishes and suggest which ones work well for first-time tasters.
Service Options and What to Expect
Sims Way Catering can provide different levels of service depending on what you need. Drop-off catering means they prepare and deliver the food, and you or a helper plate and serve. Full-service catering includes their staff staying throughout the event to plate food, serve guests, clear plates, and manage the dining flow. Some events need just appetizers and drinks during a cocktail hour, while others need a full meal service with multiple courses.
When you discuss your event with them, be clear about what you're handling and what you want them to handle. If your venue has a kitchen, they may be able to use it for final plating. If not, they'll plate food before delivery or bring warming equipment. They'll also discuss cleanup—whether they take serving dishes and linens with them or leave them for you to handle later.
Planning Your Menu with Sims Way
Start by thinking about what kind of meal fits your event. A formal wedding might call for plated courses with Low Country proteins as the centerpiece. A casual family gathering might work better with a buffet of traditional sides and a main dish. A corporate lunch might need something that can be eaten while standing or at desks. Once you know the general direction, the catering team can suggest specific dishes and combinations.
Dietary restrictions matter—let them know if guests are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or have allergies. Low Country cuisine is flexible enough to accommodate most restrictions without losing its character. They can prepare vegetable-forward dishes, offer fish instead of meat, or modify recipes to avoid common allergens. The more detail you provide about your guests' needs, the better they can design a menu that works for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to choose from a set menu, or can I customize what Sims Way serves?
Sims Way Catering works with you to design a custom menu based on what you want to serve and what fits your event. They're not limited to preset packages—the menu is built around your preferences, guest count, and budget. Contact them to discuss what dishes appeal to you and they'll help you build a cohesive meal.
What's the minimum number of guests Sims Way will cater?
Minimum guest counts vary depending on the type of event and the menu. Small intimate dinners may have different minimums than large receptions. When you contact them with your guest count, they'll let you know whether they can accommodate your event size.
Can Sims Way Catering work with my venue, or do they have preferred locations?
Sims Way Catering works with a wide range of venues across the Charleston area and Lowcountry. When you discuss your event, mention your venue so they can confirm they've worked there before or assess any logistics (kitchen access, parking, setup space) that might affect service. Most venues are workable with proper planning.
How far in advance should I book Sims Way Catering?
Booking timeline depends on your event date and how busy they are. Popular dates, especially weekends during wedding season, fill up faster. Contact them as soon as you have a date in mind so you can secure your preferred date and have time to plan your menu together.
Do they provide linens, plates, and serving equipment, or do I need to rent those separately?
Ask about what's included when you contact them. Some catering companies provide serving dishes and utensils, while others expect the venue or client to provide them. Linens and formal place settings are often rented separately through event rental companies, but confirm what Sims Way includes in their service.