Business Details
44 Years
experience
Your Trusted Catering Partner in Charlotte, NC
Founded over four decades ago, SMS Catering Services has established itself as Charlotte's premier full-service catering provider. With a deep commitment to excellence, we specialize in creating unforgettable culinary experiences for weddings, corporate events, private parties, and community gatherings. Our team combines extensive industry expertise with creative menu design, utilizing both on-site banquet facilities and mobile kitchens to deliver fresh, high-quality cuisine tailored to each client's vision.As a family-owned business led by BBQ authority Bob Freeman, we pride ourselves on meticulous attention to detail, from our homemade North Carolina barbecue recipes to our comprehensive event support including venue logistics, equipment rentals, and entertainment coordination. Our reputation for reliability, adaptability, and exceptional service has been built through decades of consistently delivering memorable events that exceed client expectations.
Services
Banquet Hall Rental
BBQ Catering
Wedding Catering
Corporate Event Planning
Off-Site Catering
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- We offer over 40 years of catering experience with a proven track record of successful events
- Our full-service approach includes venue, catering, equipment, and entertainment coordination
- We specialize in creative catering with gourmet dishes and authentic North Carolina barbecue
- Our mobile kitchens ensure fresh, on-site food preparation for any location
- Our 8-acre banquet facility features free parking and versatile indoor/outdoor spaces
What people say
Great food
Professional staff
Beautiful venue
Attentive service
Memorable events
Services
Banquet Hall Rental
Our 8-acre banquet facility offers flexible indoor and outdoor spaces for weddings, corporate events, and private parties. Features include a grand atrium, large patio with fountain, volleyball courts, and an 18-person BBQ mobile kitchen option. The venue accommodates groups of all sizes with built-in audiovisual equipment and free parking for 200+ vehicles.
BBQ Catering
Award-winning North Carolina-style barbecue prepared in mobile kitchens for authenticity. Options include whole pig roasts, slow-roasted pork (16-hour preparation), and themed events like Hawaiian luaus. Chef-driven menus blend Eastern and Western NC traditions with premium cuts and house-made sauces for weddings, corporate events, and family reunions.
Wedding Catering
All-inclusive wedding catering with venue coordination, rehearsal dinner planning, and custom menu design. Our team manages logistics from setup to cleanup, offering gourmet dishes alongside traditional NC barbecue. Services include flexible timing, menu tastings, and contingency planning for weather-related changes.
Corporate Event Planning
Comprehensive support for meetings, team-building activities, and conferences. Includes venue setup with 9x12 projection screens, wireless internet, and catering menus for formal dinners or casual buffets. Additional services: audio-visual equipment coordination, transportation partnerships, and activity planning.
Off-Site Catering
Fully equipped mobile kitchens bring restaurant-quality preparation to your location. Our team handles all aspects including food transport, on-site cooking, and equipment setup. Services include temperature-controlled food delivery, tableware provision, and real-time staff communication for seamless execution at private residences or third-party venues.
People
Bob Freeman
Owner
BBQ industry pioneer with 43 years' experience, founder of National BBQ Association, known for innovative event execution and commitment to NC barbecue traditions while maintaining modern service standards.
Robert Freeman
Event Coordinator
Experienced planner with decade-long track record managing weddings and corporate events, specializing in client communication, timeline coordination, and on-site problem resolution while maintaining service consistency.
Questions
Do you allow outside vendors at your banquet hall?
We welcome outside vendors like florists and decorators while maintaining partnerships with trusted local suppliers for convenience.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions in your menus?
Our chefs create customized menus with gluten-free, vegetarian, and allergy-friendly options while maintaining meal presentation standards.
What's included in your catering packages?
Packages include staffing, tableware, setup/breakdown, and basic linens, with optional add-ons like specialty rentals and entertainment coordination.
Do you offer tastings before booking?
We provide menu tastings for booked clients with sample selections from standard and custom menu options.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking 6-12 months ahead for weekends, maintaining limited flexibility for mid-week events.
What happens if it rains during an outdoor event?
Our facility includes covered patio spaces and we offer tent rentals, with contingency plans developed during pre-event consultations.
Reviews (6)
Shana Rushing
Mar 14, 2022
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SMS Catering Services did an Excellent job on my 50th Birthday Celebration in Charlotte NC. I was pleased with the promptness, cleanliness and the professionalism they showed to me and my guests. I was treated with royalty and will definitely use them again in the future.
Ditch Witch
Dec 07, 2021
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SMS exceeded our expectations. What stood out the most was how responsive Bob was from start to finish. Bob and his team did everything they said they were going to do, and even showed up early to begin setup. The food was tasty, hot and served with a smile. Our team members LOVED their Thanksgiving lunch! We also liked that they brought their own tables and set everything up perfect. We highly recommend SMS Catering Service. Thanks Bob and Team!
Christy Jackson
Nov 27, 2021
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Mr. Freeman and his staff went above and beyond our expectations. They were prompt, courteous and extremely professional. The food was prepared in a timely fashion and they were ready to go at the exact time we requested. Bob stayed in constant contact with me throughout the whole process. I highly recommend and would give 10 stars if allowed. Use them for all your catering needs. You will not be disappointed
Dasha Whitehead
Nov 12, 2021
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We were meant to have our party at this venue. It was absolutely incredible, and went off without a hitch. The food was excellent, and the venue was beautiful. We had wings, fried shrimp oysters, and the fruit tower. It was absolutely beyond anything I had envisioned. Beyond that, Robert and Bob made the planning process easy and enjoyable. They were responsive, flexible, and always professional, and went out of their way to accommodate any and all requests. I cannot recommend Sms Catering enough!
Harriett Schmid
Oct 30, 2021
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Wonderful dealing with Bob! We needed catering for a party 3 days away and he made it happen! Extremely professional and accommodating. Food was excellent, his son Robert came in and set up and Helen came and stayed until the end. I highly recommend this catering service and will certainly use it again. Thanks so much!
Lea Ann Gentle
Oct 11, 2021
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What an amazing meal for our wedding. We chose the Luau theme with roasted pig and it was beyond amazing. Not only that but their follow through and preparation prior to the event with multiple phone calls just. to check for any changes was wonderful. I had to change our date 3 times due to Covid and they worked with me each time. Highly recommend
