The Charleston Gaillard Center’s exclusive food & hospitality offers dynamic rotating seasonal menus prepared with the freshest, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Orders are prepared on-site and done to perfection. We offer everything from formal service receptions and meals served with china, glassware, linen, and table skirting to casual service orders delivered to your meeting space served with biodegradable/compostable disposable wares. Fully customized events with special menus to meet the needs of every event.
The food reflects the flavors, quality, and authenticity of the Lowcountry. From small intimate gatherings to galas, our chef loves creating custom menus to fit your one-of-a-kind event.
Frequently asked questions
Food and beverages are offered through the Charleston Gaillard Center’s on-site exclusive caterer.
Outside food and beverages are not allowed in the facility.
Alcoholic beverages are not permitted to be brought on the premises. In accordance with state regulations, we reserve the right to request a state or government issued photo ID from any guest.
All menu prices include house china, silverware, glassware and white or black table linens (not floor length) and linen napkins for guest tables. Additional colors and sizes are available for both table linens and napkins at an additional charge. Please speak to your Catering Sales Manager for details.
Menus must be finalized at a minimum of 30 days prior to your event.
The Charleston Gaillard Center caterer will accommodate special dietary requests with a 72 hour advance notice. Caterer will prepare vegetarian dinners equal to 1% of the final guarantee for plated meals unless a vegetarian guarantee is provided to the Catering Sales Manager.
Cancellation of a food function must be sent in writing to your Catering Sales Manager. Any cancellation received more than 30 days prior to the scheduled event will result in a fee equal to 25% of the estimated food and beverage charges. Any cancellation received less than 30 days in advance will result in a fee of 50% of the estimated food and beverage charges. Cancellations received seven (7) business days prior to the scheduled event will result in a fee equal to 100% of the estimated food and beverage charges.
All events must be paid in full prior to your event. A non-refundable 30% deposit is due upon signature of contract or 6-months prior to your event. Your remaining balance is due when the final guarantee is provided to your Catering Sales Manager. Caterer accepts MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Money Orders, Cashiers and Certified Checks.
Final guarantees are due by noon, five (5) business days prior to your event. Items priced by the piece or by the dozen require guaranteed quantities for each item. If a guarantee is not provided, your original estimates will be considered as your final guarantee and will be billed accordingly. Once the final guarantee is received by the Catering Sales Manager in writing, the guarantee cannot be reduced. If the guaranteed number is increased after the final guarantee deadline, a 25% late fee will be incurred. Caterer will prepare an additional 3%, not to exceed 30 plated meals, for your event. If meals are served to your guests you will be billed accordingly. Caterer reserves the right to make substitutions for any additional items ordered after the final guarantee deadline.
All food and beverage is subject to a 23% Management Charge, 6% Sales Tax, 3% Charleston County Tax, 2% Hospitality Tax, as well as a 5% liquor tax, if applicable. If you are tax exempt, an ST-9 certificate must be given to your Catering Sales Manager prior to your event. Sales tax is not refundable. All menu prices are subject to change. Caterer will not guarantee price quotes for more than 90 days. This Management Charge is the sole property of the food/ beverage service company or the venue owner, as applicable, and used to cover such party’s costs and expenses in connection with the catered event (other than employee tips, gratuities and wages) and is not charged in lieu of a tip. The Management Charge is not a tip, gratuity or service charge, nor is it purported to be a tip, gratuity or service charge for any wait staff employee, and no part of the Management Charge will be distributed (as a tip, gratuity, or otherwise) to any employee who provides service to guests.
Catering staff are scheduled in 6 hour shifts for each meal period. These shifts include set up, event service and breakdown. Events requiring additional time for service will incur an additional charge of $25.00 per hour, per staff member.
Client must guarantee $100 in sales per hour (minimum of four hours) if concessions are requested. If concessions minimum is not met, client is responsible for paying the difference.
Exhibitors may distribute food and beverage samples in authorized booth space with a completed and approved authorization form provided by the Catering Sales Manager. Written approval must be obtained 14 days prior to the event. Food and beverage items that are to be sampled must be items that represent or are manufactured by the exhibitor. Food and beverage items must not be in competition with any items offered by the Charleston Gaillard Center’s on-site exclusive caterer. Samples are limited to 2 ounces. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed to be sampled. Exhibitors distributing samples are required to have all necessary permits on file with the South Carolina Department of Health.
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