In the News

Dear Readers, As tastes evolve, so do we. With our finger on the pulse of what’s next, and inspired by the clients we serve, here are the flavors and formats we expect to define 2026! 1. Late Night Reigns Supreme Late-night favorites aren’t going anywhere – and couples are elevating them with thoughtful pairings and playful presentation. It’s the kind of signature Hamby touch that keeps the party going and leaves guests talking long after the send-off. After all, who doesn’t love a surprise snack to end the night? 2. Coordinating Cocktails Signature cocktails are becoming extensions of a couple’s story. Curated colors, flavors and garnishes tie back to the event design, turning every toast into a personal moment guests genuinely connect with. 3. Seated & Served is Back The return of the formal dinner! Couples and hosts alike are rediscovering the charm of multi-course meals, elegant place settings, and the art of tableside service. It slows the pace, sparks conversation, and proves that hospitality is as much about how it’s served as what’s on the plate. Even comfort foods are getting the black-tie treatment – think a perfectly crafted burger, elevated and unexpected. 4. Nostalgia-Style Desserts Nostalgia is inspiring

Dear Readers, Engagement season is here — and whether you’re still staring at your ring in disbelief or already knee-deep in venue tours, this season marks the start of something special.From resizing your ring to raising your first champagne toast, consider this your go-to guide for a stress-free, joy-filled start to ‘I do.” 1. Start with the Fundamentals Before diving into planning mode, start with the basics. Make sure your ring fits comfortably (and safely!) — if not, get it professionally sized as soon as possible. Next, protect that sparkle: add your ring to your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, or take out a separate jewelry insurance plan. It’s one of those unglamorous but essential steps that saves future heartache — and keeps your engagement stress-free. 2. Set the Scene: Pick Your Date & Venue Your date and venue will set the tone for your entire celebration. Whether you’re dreaming of a spring garden soirée or a coastal fall affair, this decision anchors every vendor that follows — including your caterer. Bonus tip: Charleston’s most popular venues book quickly during engagement season, so start touring early! 3. Define Your Vision (and Your Vibe) Pinterest boards, TikTok saves, and late-night brainstorms

Our Thanksgiving Menu has officially arrived! Team Hamby has crafted a delicious Thanksgiving menu, complete with all of your favorite festive dishes, drinks and desserts. We’ll save you a trip to the grocery store, keep you out of busy restaurants and make it easy for you to gather at home, so you can enjoy a stress-free day with your guests. The Hamby Thanksgiving packages serve either four or eight guests, and begin with two types of turkey, traditional or bourbon smoked. In addition to a choice of turkey, each package comes with roasted garlic red skin mashed potatoes, baked mac and cheese, southern green beans, cornbread dressing and classic turkey gravy.  Thanksgiving sides are available for $32 each, including offerings such as sweet potato casserole, baked macaroni & cheese, red skin garlic mashed potatoes, traditional dressing, Hamby signature salad, vegan dirty rice, Southern style green beans and more. An appetizer package is perfect for those charged with bringing something special to Turkey Day, which includes Hamby chicken salad tea sandwiches, spinach dip with assorted crackers, sweet potato biscuits with Carolina pit ham and a half pound of Hamby’s famous cheese straws. To round out our offerings, we’ve curated classic desserts including

Dear Readers, When it comes to planning your wedding menu, there’s nothing quite like tasting the food for yourself. That’s why Hamby Catering has introduced the Chef’s Table Tasting—the first experience of its kind in Charleston. Hosted at The Rutledge Room, our flagship venue, this new offering gives couples the opportunity to enjoy Hamby’s celebrated cuisine in its purest form, served exactly as it would be at their wedding: passed hors d’oeuvres, chef-manned stations, and the warm service Hamby is known for. The concept: Tastings, the Hamby Way Hamby is proud to elevate the tasting experience for its couples. Each Chef’s Table Tasting mirrors exactly how guests will enjoy the menu on the wedding day—complete with passed hors d’oeuvres, chef stations, and the award-winning service Hamby is celebrated for. The setting: Inside the Rutledge Room Hosted at The Rutledge Room—our award-winning downtown venue—the Chef’s Table Tasting unfolds in a setting that captures the look and feel of a true celebration. The space is both intimate and dynamic, offering couples an authentic preview of the Hamby experience. What to expect: How the Experience Flows Couples are welcomed on The Rutledge Room’s Piazza with a signature sip before settling in, with passed hors d’oeuvres

Dear Readers, Welcome parties in the Lowcountry set the tone for unforgettable celebrations – think golden-hour sunsets, gentle breezes and effortless outdoor gatherings. Here’s how Hamby Catering makes hosting easy – and delicious – with chef-driven menus, signature sips and Southern Hospitality. 1. Start with a Stunning First Impression Welcome guests with a chef-curated grazing display, crudite or charcuterie board from The Market Hamby, featuring artisanal meats, cheeses, and Hamby Catering’s famous candied bacon. Not only is it beautiful, it sets the tone for a night of indulgence and connection. 2. Keep the Energy Flowing with Passed Favorites Portable bites keep conversations moving. Our crowd-favorite chicken & waffle bite is a guaranteed hit, and you can’t go wrong with our classic chicken salad tea sandwiches for a nod to tradition. 3. Serve a Taste of the Lowcountry For the main event, nothing says “welcome to Charleston” like a Lowcountry Boil — shrimp, corn, potatoes, and sausage, all perfectly seasoned and served family-style for a true coastal experience. Other favorites include our classic shrimp and grits or roadside barbecue station! 4. Raise a Glass to Local Flavor Round out your welcome party with bar service that nods to local favorites. From

Late-night weddings snacks are no longer an afterthought – in fact, they’re now becoming a couple’s first request. To answer the call, here at Hamby we’ve curated an entire menu for late-night eats.  One recent celebration at Patriots Point took things to the next level: monogrammed burgers. Yes, you read that right. With their initials branded into the top of each  bun, this couple served up a late-night bite that was as personalized as it was delicious — and guests couldn’t get enough. Slider Sentation Personal touches are everywhere at weddings—but have you considered adding them to your culinary spread? Caroline and Lowndes did just that with a mouthwatering detail: monogrammed sliders that were as charming as they were delicious. Passed among guests, these bite-sized beauties added a whimsical, personalized touch to the celebration. About the Event: A Celebration at Patriots Point Links Guests were welcomed with sweeping views of Charleston Harbor, a gentle coastal breeze, and the timeless charm of Patriots Point Links. A beautifully appointed tent with elevated rentals offered the perfect blend of open-air elegance and comfort—providing space to mingle, relax, and take in the spring evening as the celebration unfolded. More Delicious Bites While the sliders

Dear Readers, The best weddings are made in the details—little touches that tell your love story and leave guests feeling truly connected. At Hamby, we believe your menu should do the same. From customizing favorites to creating dishes from scratch, we’re here to make every bite feel personal. Below are five custom creations, crafted with love for unforgettable celebrations—proof that Hamby caters to you, right down to the details. 1. Korean Fried Corn Dogs To complement the Asian-American fusion of one wedding, our team crafted Korean Fried Corn Dogs for the reception—an irresistibly fun and flavorful nod to the bride’s heritage. Guests loved the subtly sweet crunch and gooey cheese pull (if you know, you know). If you haven’t tried one yet, consider this your sign! 2. A Wedding Cake Recreation Exclusive to our flagship venue, The Rutledge Room, are confections lovingly crafted by our pastry chef, Marie. This particular cake was created for a 50th anniversary celebration—a heartfelt replica of the couple’s original wedding cake from the day they said “I do.”Sweet tip: this vintage-style piping is making a stylish comeback—and we’re here for it! 3. Mini Pizzas Created for the Charleston City Paper’s Best of Charleston party (you’re

Dear Readers, This spring, we had the pleasure of bringing our signature flavor and flair to a wedding that was as unforgettable as the love story it celebrated. Set against the breezy beauty of Sea Island, Georgia, this joyful day was full of thoughtful details and incredible food moments. From curated coastal bites to late-night favorites, every dish was made with love—and served with a view.  With love, Candice Hudnall, President + Owner, Hamby Catering & Events Sea Island Sanctuary Lush palms, ocean breezes, and sweeping views made Sea Island the ideal setting for this romantic affair. Guests dined under a floral-draped clear-top tent, surrounded by pastel petals and the soothing sound of waves. A soft palette of greens, blush pinks, and creamy whites perfectly complemented the spring menu. The celebration was beautifully orchestrated in partnership with Haley Kelly Events, known for her artful, detail-driven planning. Bites to Remember The culinary lineup was a true celebration of coastal charm and Southern flavor, highlighted by the creole shrimp & grits served in vintage glass dishes with sweet corn and a touch of heat. A custom ice sculpture raw bar wowed guests with fresh oysters and chilled seafood, complete with vibrant garnishes. Passed

Dear Readers, Your wedding menu should be as memorable as your celebration! At Hamby, we craft exceptional culinary experiences tailored to your style. Whether you love interactive elements, nostalgic bites or refined elegance, we have something special for you. Keep reading to explore three of the hottest wedding food trends for 2025 & 2026! With love, Candice Hudnall, President + Owner, Hamby Catering & Events Interactive Stations: Engage your guests with an immersive dining experience! Interactive food stations bring a fun and personalized touch to your wedding, allowing guests to customize their meals. Whether it’s a gourmet seafood bar, a taco station with all the fixings or a chef-attended carving table, these stations turn dining into an experience your guests will never forget. Elevated Late-Night Snacks: Keep the party going with indulgent late-night bites! As the evening progresses, surprise your guests with elevated comfort foods like fries & ketchup, gourmet sliders or a mini taco bar. These delicious treats offer the perfect pick-me-up and ensure that your celebration ends on a high note! Grazing Tables: For a feast as stunning as it is delicious, grazing tables are a must-have! Featuring an artful display of artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, fresh fruits and

Hamby Catering & Events has been recognized on the national level, winning Best Hors d’Oeuvre at the prestigious Catered Arts Through Innovative Excellence (CATIE) Awards, presented by the International Caterers Association (ICA). This esteemed award highlights Hamby Catering’s dedication to culinary excellence and innovation, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in the catering industry. The winning dish, Beet Hummus Rounds, impressed judges with its exceptional flavor, presentation, and creativity—demonstrating Hamby Catering’s commitment to elevating the guest experience through thoughtfully curated cuisine. Created specifically for the launch of their brand-new flagship event venue, The Rutledge Room, in the heart of downtown Charleston, this dish showcased the innovation and artistry that define Hamby Catering’s culinary excellence. “We are incredibly honored to receive this national recognition from the International Caterers Association,” says Candice Hudnall, President and Owner of Hamby Catering & Events. “Our team works tirelessly to push the boundaries of culinary excellence while staying true to the signature hospitality and quality that have defined Hamby Catering for over four decades. This award is a testament to our passion, talent, and commitment to delivering extraordinary dining experiences, especially for Sous Chef Gabriel Graves, creator of the dish.” A woman-owned and operated, full-service caterer,