3rd Generation Catering & Family Restaurant in South Carolina

A family-run kitchen serving Lowcountry cooking and catering across South Carolina

3rd Generation Catering & Family Restaurant is a South Carolina restaurant and catering business rooted in family recipes and Lowcountry tradition. The restaurant operates as both a sit-down dining space and a full-service catering operation, meaning you can eat there or have them bring their food to your event. They specialize in the kind of cooking that defines the region—fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese, seafood, and slow-cooked meats—prepared the way families have made them for generations in the Lowcountry.

The "3rd Generation" name reflects the business model: recipes and techniques passed down through family members, each generation adding their own touch while keeping the core flavors intact. This approach shows up in the food itself—nothing feels rushed or mass-produced, and the portions reflect a kitchen that cooks for people it knows.

Key Takeaways

• 3rd Generation operates both as a restaurant where you can dine in and as a catering service for events of various sizes.
• The menu centers on Lowcountry classics: fried chicken, seafood, collard greens, mac and cheese, and slow-cooked proteins prepared from family recipes.
• Catering orders require advance notice so the kitchen can prepare food fresh rather than holding it in warming trays.
• The restaurant reflects South Carolina's food culture, where home cooking and restaurant cooking often follow the same traditions and techniques.

What to order when you dine in

The restaurant's strength lies in dishes that take time and attention—the kind of food that tastes different when someone who knows the recipe is in the kitchen. Fried chicken comes out crispy outside and juicy inside, seasoned in a way that suggests the recipe has been refined over years. Collard greens are cooked with the right amount of salt and fat, not overseasoned or underseasoned. Mac and cheese has the texture of something made with real cheese and cream, not a box mix.

Seafood offerings typically include fried fish, shrimp, and crab preparations that reflect the Lowcountry's access to the coast. Sides rotate but usually include cornbread, okra, sweet potatoes, and rice dishes. The restaurant's approach to portions is generous—plates are meant to satisfy, not to leave you hungry an hour later.

Dining in means you experience the restaurant as a community space. Families eat together, regulars know the staff, and the pace is built for conversation rather than turnover. This is the kind of place where people linger after the meal is done.

How catering works and what to expect

3rd Generation's catering service handles events ranging from small family gatherings to larger celebrations. The process typically begins with a conversation about your event size, date, and what you want to serve. Unlike some catering operations that reheat food prepared days in advance, this kitchen prepares food fresh for your event, which is why advance notice matters.

Catering menus usually offer packages built around their signature dishes—fried chicken platters, seafood combinations, vegetable sides, and desserts. You can often customize within those packages, choosing which proteins and sides work for your guest count and budget. The catering team handles setup and service, meaning they arrive early, arrange the food, and manage the logistics so you can focus on your guests.

Pricing for catering varies based on what you order, how many people you're feeding, and how far they need to travel. It's worth calling to discuss your specific event rather than guessing at costs online.

When to visit and how to place orders

The restaurant operates on a regular schedule, though hours can vary by season and day of the week. Calling ahead is always a good idea, especially if you're planning to come during a busy time like Friday or Saturday evening or Sunday after church.

For catering orders, the restaurant asks for advance notice—typically at least a week or two, depending on the size of your event. This gives the kitchen time to plan, shop, and prepare without rushing. You can reach them by phone to discuss your event, get pricing, and lock in a date.

The restaurant's location in South Carolina makes it accessible for events across the state, though travel distance may affect catering availability or pricing for very distant locations.

What makes this restaurant part of South Carolina's food story

3rd Generation represents a particular kind of South Carolina restaurant—one built on family knowledge rather than culinary school credentials, on recipes that belong to a place and a people rather than a trend. Lowcountry cooking is not fancy, but it is precise. It requires knowing how long to cook collard greens, how much salt belongs in cornbread, what temperature makes fried chicken crispy without being dry.

The restaurant's catering business also reflects how food works in South Carolina communities. Major events—weddings, reunions, church dinners, celebrations—often rely on restaurants and caterers who understand the food culture deeply enough to cook it right. A catering kitchen that knows Lowcountry cooking can feed 200 people and have every plate taste like it came from someone's home kitchen, which is exactly what people want.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order catering for a wedding or large event?

Yes. 3rd Generation handles catering for events of various sizes, from intimate family dinners to larger celebrations. Call to discuss your guest count, date, and what you want to serve. They'll work with you on menu options and pricing based on your specific needs.

How far in advance do I need to book catering?

At least one to two weeks is standard, though larger events may need more time. Calling as soon as you know your date gives the kitchen the best chance to accommodate your event and prepare food fresh rather than holding it.

Can I customize the catering menu?

Usually yes, within reason. Most catering packages offer choices of proteins and sides. Call to discuss what you're looking for and what the kitchen can do for your specific event.

Do I need to pick up catering orders or do they deliver?

3rd Generation typically delivers and sets up for catering events. Confirm delivery details and any setup fees when you place your order, as these may vary based on location and event size.

What if I just want to eat at the restaurant without catering?

You can dine in during regular hours. Call ahead to confirm hours and to let them know you're coming, especially during busy times like weekends or after church on Sunday.