It was hard to think straight with the outrageously good smell of smoked meat wafting through the air of this cozy, casual, and charming restaurant while I spoke to General Manager Drew Hinsch and Catering Manager Sarah Sewell at ’Cue Barbecue. Southern hospitality is the name of the game here, and BONUS, they pride themselves on providing that same level of service wherever they cater your special event, along with their delicious food.
“We love the whole package. We’re not just a restaurant that kind of caters. And we’re not just a catering company that kind of has a restaurant. And now we’re venturing out into the event space,” alleged Hinsch, referring to the new Hickory Room they’re opening up next door by the end of September – just in time for those holiday parties!
Most people in these parts don’t have to be sold on the idea of barbecue, but in case you were wondering, everything here is homemade, from their sauces to their pork sausages containing nothing but meat and seasoning—no chemicals, no preservatives, no fillers. “We bake our bread fresh every day. When you come in for lunch or dinner, it’s still warm,” guaranteed Sewell.
Hinsch described the 4-9-hour process of smoking the meats with hickory wood in their giant smoker; the type of meat determines the length of time. “I don’t mind going home smelling like a brisket every day,” chimed Sewell.
While they cater to barbecue aficionados of all kinds, whether your preference is Coastal Carolina, Inland Carolina, Kansas City, or a hot vinegar-style sauce, their chefs can also make vegetarian versions of most of their offerings, like the vegetarian lasagna. Ordering items that are not on the menu is not unheard of here.
All of their food is gluten-free except for the mac ’n cheese and banana pudding. Even the chips, nachos and sauces are gluten-free.
In the restaurant or at your location of choice, Sewell invites you to take a little break for the holidays; have ’Cue do all the work, while you sit back and enjoy the good food and precious time with your family and friends.
Holy Smokes, What a Good Holiday Gathering!
The Hickory Room is a dedicated event space able to seat 80 people comfortably with enough space remaining for a cocktail hour reception. For a seated only event, up to 100 guests can be accommodated. A cocktail and passed appetizer experience can be enjoyed by 150 in this neutral space ready to be decorated however you like.
It comes equipped with all you need to present slide shows at rehearsal dinners, or PowerPoint presentations at a working lunch, with no interruptions because it’s completely private.
The Restaurant at ’Cue Barbecue lends itself well to smaller parties lasting two to three hours, with 25-30 people seated together.
How About a Holiday Party with ’Cue Barbecue?
Good News! ’Cue Barbecue offers off-site catering! We’re in the South East, people love their barbecue here. ’Cue can help with as little or as much as you need to plan your holiday gathering. From simple food delivery to full service for the duration of the event. If you need a party planner, ’Cue can provide planning services for you as well. They can handle all rentals of linens, dishes, tables, and chairs. “We’ve been doing this for 10 years; catering and service is not new to us. We’ll meet all of your needs. We’ll cater to you hand and foot,” said Sewell.
Accommodating and flexible, anything on their regular menu is available for your holiday party. Most special requests can be granted by their in-house chefs.
Meat lovers will swoon over their brisket, ribs, pork, all-white, hand-pulled chicken meat and smoked wings. Apparently fried bologna sandwiches are also very popular here.
“The quality of the food is excellent. Everybody always enjoys it. I don’t think you can really beat the price-point,” said Hinsch.
Book it!
Your 4-hour party in The Hickory Room should be booked a month in advance. The sooner the better, especially heading towards Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Monday to Thursday Lunch (11 a.m.-3 p.m.) $200 Monday to Thursday Dinner (5 p.m.-9 p.m.) $300
Packages range from $25-$50 per person for Friday-Saturday lunch (11 a.m.-3 p.m.) or dinner (5
p.m.-9 p.m.). These hours can be extended if needed.
The Basic Package at $25 per person includes 2 meats, bread, two side choices and drinks.
The Top Tier Package at $50 per person includes passed hors d’oeuvres, up to three meats, a salad bar, three sides, tea and soft drinks as well as dessert.
Off-Site
Catering
Pricing really depends on the complexity of the event, what you’re ordering, and how much food is required; this can be customized depending on your preferences.
Low: $10-$15 per person. Choice of two sides – beans, slaw, mac ’n
cheese, bread and a meat sandwich with choice of pork, chicken or beef. No
drinks, no dessert.
Medium: $15-$20 per person. Includes ribs, specialty side items
like seasonal Brussels Sprouts, drinks, and desserts.
High: $30 per person. Full on-site service and wait staff, clean
up dishes, drink station, bartender, set up, buffet line, and sometimes they
bring a smoker. Includes hors d’oeuvres and desserts, the whole shebang.
Alcohol
The restaurant offers beer and wine. In the Hickory Room, options range from open bar to cash bar, with some variations of each. When catering, the customer normally provides the alcohol and ’Cue provides someone to serve it.
Call General Manager Drew Hinsch or Catering Manager Sarah Sewell to discuss your smoking hot holiday party at 470-299-5117.
Disclaimer: Pricing is meant as a guide and is subject to change, please check with the individual facilities directly.