Carolina Cafe Catering handles everything from office lunches to wedding receptions, with per-person pricing that makes budgeting straightforward. If you need the Carolina Cafe Catering Menu with Prices before you book, this guide breaks down the typical packages, entree costs, and add-ons you can expect. You’ll also learn how to estimate your total so there are no surprises on the final bill.
Prices vary by location and season, so treat the numbers below as a working range. Always confirm with your local Carolina Cafe before you sign a contract.
What The Carolina Cafe Catering Menu With Prices Usually Includes
Most catering packages bundle food, service, and basic setup. The menu itself is flexible, which is why quotes change so much from one event to the next.
- Entree selections (chicken, beef, pork, or vegetarian)
- Two to three side dishes
- Bread, salad, or soup starter
- Iced tea, lemonade, and water
- Disposable plates, cutlery, and napkins
- On-site servers for larger events
Delivery is often free inside a certain radius. Outside that zone, expect a small mileage fee.
Per-Person Pricing Tiers
Carolina Cafe tends to price by headcount. Here is a common breakdown you will see on most quotes.
- Drop-off lunch packages: $11 to $15 per person
- Standard hot buffet: $16 to $22 per person
- Premium buffet with carving station: $24 to $32 per person
- Plated dinner service: $30 to $45 per person
- Wedding receptions with full staff: $40 to $60 per person
These figures cover food and basic service. Alcohol, rentals, and specialty desserts are usually separate line items.
Carolina Cafe Catering Menu With Prices: Popular Entrees
Entree choice drives the final cost more then anything else. Chicken and pasta sit at the low end. Beef and seafood push the number up.
Chicken And Pork Options
- Herb roasted chicken: $14 to $18 per person
- BBQ pulled pork: $13 to $17 per person
- Grilled chicken with lemon sauce: $15 to $19 per person
Beef And Seafood Options
- Slow roasted beef brisket: $18 to $24 per person
- Beef tenderloin carving station: $26 to $34 per person
- Baked salmon with dill: $20 to $27 per person
- Shrimp and grits station: $22 to $29 per person
Seafood pricing moves with the market. Ask your coordinator to lock in a rate early if shrimp or salmon is on your list.
Side Dishes, Salads, And Desserts
Sides are where Carolina Cafe really shines. Southern staples show up on nearly every catering order.
- Mac and cheese: $3 to $4 per person
- Collard greens: $3 to $4 per person
- Green beans with potatoes: $2.50 to $3.50 per person
- Mashed potatoes: $3 to $4 per person
- House salad: $3 to $5 per person
- Cornbread or rolls: $1.50 to $2.50 per person
Dessert Add-Ons
- Banana pudding cups: $4 per person
- Peach cobbler: $4.50 per person
- Assorted cookies: $2.50 per person
- Sheet cake: $3 to $5 per person
Service Fees And Hidden Costs To Watch
The food total is only part of your invoice. Service charges add up fast, especially for evening events.
- Staffing fee: 18 to 22 percent of the food total
- Delivery outside the free zone: $25 to $75
- Rental equipment: $2 to $6 per person
- Late changes or rush orders: $50 and up
Ask for a written quote that lists every fee. Verbal estimates often leave out the staffing charge.
How To Build Your Catering Budget
Follow these steps to get a realistic number before you call.
- Count your guests and add 10 percent for extras.
- Pick a service style: drop-off, buffet, or plated.
- Choose two entrees and three sides.
- Add dessert and drinks if needed.
- Multiply the per-person rate by your headcount.
- Add 20 percent for service fees and tax.
For a 100 guest buffet at $20 per person, plan on about $2,400 after fees. That number gives you a solid starting point when you request your official quote.