This-N-That Country Cooking Catering: Low Country Soul Food for Events Across South Carolina

What This-N-That Country Cooking Catering Serves

This-N-That Country Cooking Catering specializes in Low Country soul food—fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese, cornbread, and slow-cooked meats that anchor the Lowcountry kitchen. The catering operation focuses on traditional recipes and generous portions, the kind of food that fills a table at family reunions, church gatherings, and community celebrations across South Carolina.

The menu leans into what makes soul food distinctive: dishes built on time and technique rather than shortcuts. Vegetables are seasoned with smoked meat, proteins are fried or braised until tender, and sides arrive in quantities meant for sharing. This-N-That operates as a catering business, meaning they cook for your event at a location you choose—your home, a church hall, a community center, or a rented venue—rather than serving from a restaurant counter.

Key Takeaways

• This-N-That Country Cooking Catering brings Low Country soul food to events you host, not a sit-down restaurant location.
• The menu centers on fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese, cornbread, and slow-cooked meats prepared using traditional Lowcountry recipes.
• Catering works best for events with a set guest count and a confirmed date, so the kitchen can plan portions and prep time.
• Soul food catering typically requires advance notice—usually at least one to two weeks—to source ingredients and schedule the cooking team.

How Soul Food Catering Works in South Carolina

Soul food catering in South Carolina operates differently from ordering takeout or dining at a restaurant. You contact the caterer with your event details: the date, the number of guests, the location, and any dietary preferences or restrictions. The caterer then provides a menu and a price per person or a total cost for the event. You confirm the order, often with a deposit, and on the day of your event, the catering team arrives to set up, plate the food, and sometimes manage cleanup.

This model works well for family gatherings, church dinners, memorial services, wedding receptions, and workplace celebrations—occasions where you want authentic, home-cooked food without managing the kitchen yourself. The caterer handles the cooking, transport, and service, freeing you to focus on your guests. Payment is typically due before or on the day of the event, depending on the caterer's policy.

What to Expect When You Contact This-N-That

Start by reaching out with your event details: the date you need catering, how many people you expect, and where the event will be held. Have a sense of your budget and any dishes that matter most to your group—whether that is fried chicken, seafood, specific vegetables, or desserts. The caterer will discuss menu options, confirm availability, and provide a quote.

Most caterers ask for a deposit to hold your date, usually a percentage of the total cost. The remainder is due before or on the day of service. Ask about setup and cleanup—some caterers handle both, others provide food only. Clarify whether they supply serving utensils, plates, napkins, and drinks, or whether you are responsible for those items. Understanding these details upfront prevents confusion on the day of your event.

Soul Food Dishes You Will Likely Find on the Menu

Fried chicken is often the centerpiece of a soul food spread. It is seasoned, breaded, and fried until the outside is crisp and the meat inside stays tender. Collard greens are cooked low and slow, usually with smoked pork for flavor, and arrive as a savory, slightly tangy side. Mac and cheese in the soul food tradition is creamy, often baked, and made with multiple cheeses for depth.

Cornbread is a staple—either sweet or savory depending on the recipe—and serves as a vehicle for soaking up pot liquor (the broth left from cooking greens). Slow-cooked meats might include pulled pork, beef ribs, or smoked turkey. Rice and gravy, red beans and rice, and okra dishes round out the vegetable side. Desserts often include peach cobbler, sweet potato pie, or pound cake. Ask the caterer which dishes are available and whether they can accommodate requests or substitutions.

Timing and Planning for Your Event

Soul food catering requires advance planning because many dishes benefit from slow cooking and proper seasoning time. Most caterers ask for at least one to two weeks' notice, though larger events or holiday periods may require more time. Provide your confirmed guest count as close to the event date as possible—usually within a week—so the caterer can finalize portions and ingredients.

Discuss timing on the day of service: what time the catering team will arrive, when food should be ready to serve, and how long they will stay. If your event is early morning or late evening, confirm that the caterer can accommodate those hours. Weather, traffic, and kitchen access at your venue can all affect timing, so communicate any unusual circumstances when you book.

Cost and What Affects the Price

Catering prices vary based on the number of guests, the dishes you choose, your location within South Carolina, and the caterer's overhead. A per-person cost might range depending on whether you select basic sides or premium proteins, and whether the caterer provides service and cleanup. Some caterers charge a flat fee for smaller events or a per-person rate for larger ones.

Ask whether the quote includes delivery, setup, serving utensils, and cleanup, or whether those are add-ons. Confirm what is included in the price and what you are responsible for providing. If your event is far from the caterer's kitchen, travel time and fuel may affect the cost. Getting a detailed written quote before you commit prevents surprises on the invoice.

Finding This-N-That and Other Soul Food Caterers in South Carolina

Search online for "This-N-That Country Cooking Catering" along with your city or region to find their contact information, menu, and reviews. Check their social media pages—Facebook is common for local caterers—where they often post photos of past events and customer testimonials. Ask for references or examples of events they have catered, especially if your gathering is large or has specific requirements.

If you cannot locate them or they are unavailable for your date, ask for recommendations from friends, family, or your church. Local chambers of commerce, event planners, and community centers often maintain lists of caterers in your area. Reading reviews on Google, Yelp, or Facebook can give you a sense of how other customers experienced the food and service.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance do I need to book?

Most soul food caterers ask for at least one to two weeks' notice, though smaller events might be possible with less time. Larger events, holiday periods, or weekends often require more advance booking. Contact the caterer as soon as you know your event date to check availability and secure your spot.

Can the caterer work with dietary restrictions or allergies?

Many caterers can accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free, or allergy-conscious guests if you give them advance notice. Discuss your needs when you book so they can plan the menu and prevent cross-contamination in the kitchen. Be specific about what you need—whether it is no pork, no shellfish, or dairy-free options.

What if I do not know how many guests to expect?

Provide your best estimate when you book, and confirm the final count as close to the event date as possible—usually within a week. Most caterers build in a small buffer for last-minute additions. If your final count is significantly higher than your estimate, the caterer may need extra time or may charge an additional fee.

Does the caterer supply plates, napkins, and utensils?

This varies by caterer. Some include serving utensils, plates, and napkins in their quote; others provide food only and expect you to supply those items. Ask specifically when you book so you know what to prepare. If the caterer does not supply them, you can purchase disposable plates and utensils from a grocery or party supply store.

What happens if my event date gets postponed?

Contact the caterer as soon as you know about the change. Many caterers will reschedule if they are available on your new date, though you may lose your deposit if you cancel too close to the original event. Ask about their cancellation and rescheduling policy when you book so you understand your options.