Kristin Watts

I grew up watching my mom work in the hospitality field in Cayce, SC. I watched as she was able to completely transform someone’s day just by listening to them and by just simply being kind to them. So, from a young age, I knew hospitality was what I wanted to be a part of. I wanted to play a role in making someone’s day perfect.

I started with Southern Way in the kitchen as part-time staff then I made my way onto working events. From there I moved into a captain position, then into the office to help the Staffing Coordinator and then landed in a Sales Administrative Assistant position. I am now well immersed in my new venture as a Sales Coordinator for Southern Way Catering with a focus on one of our most popular venues, The Millstone at Adams Pond. Southern Way has definitely taught me that anything is possible. As long as you go for it and don’t give up!

I was born in New York, and raised in New Jersey and the Poconos in Pennsylvania. I joined the military in 1986 and served two years aboard the aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt, where I was the personal cook for the commanding officer. There were many great experiences during my time with the military, but the opportunity to cook for two presidents is certainly at the top of the list. When I left the military I attended Johnson and Wales University in Norfolk, VA where I graduated second in my class.

During my thirty-year career in the hospitality industry, I have worked in 5-star hotels, restaurants and various catering operations including premium seating catering and private jets.

Joining the Southern Way Catering team was an easy decision, as they are one of the elite catering operations in South Carolina. I love working with people, sporting events and concerts, so leading the Athletics Hospitality Division is perfect for me.

When I am not focused on catering for the artists coming through Colonial Life Arena for a big concert or providing a premium game day experience for our clients in Williams-Brice Stadium, I enjoy watching sports and spending time with my family.

If there is one thing you should know about me it’s that I always like to follow the credo of the three E’s: Educate, Entice and Entertain.  I like to teach this to my staff so that they can learn and enjoy their jobs.

I am originally from Virginia, but have lived in Columbia for 12 years. I trained in ballet from the age of eight, and have been a soloist with the Columbia City Ballet for the last eight years. I recently joined the Southern Way Catering team and I look forward to beginning a new career path with one of the most prominent caterers within the Columbia hospitality industry.

I like working at Southern Way because I love working with people and always being on the go! I really enjoy the opportunities presented to meet new people and help with beautiful events.

When I am not at Southern Way you can find me home with two-year-old son, Roman, at a ballet class or planning a dinner or brunch with my friends!

I am originally from Lancaster, SC but have lived in Columbia for over a decade. I attended UofSC where I received a degree in Retail with an emphasis on Fashion Merchandising. I began my career working in retail sales and marketing for a local company before joining the Southern Way team as a Sales Coordinator for the Athletics Division in August of 2021.

As a University of South Carolina graduate, I love that through the work I do I still get to be a part of the university that gave so much to me. It is satisfying to always be a part of making meaningful experiences for people who love the university as much as I do. There is something so special about helping someone dream up an event and getting to see if come to fruition.

I began work with Southern Way Catering in September,2009. I am now the Executive Assistant to the Executive Chef. I know, that’s a lot of words; it’s a lot of work as well! My job encompasses not only administrative duties and kitchen prep/procedures, but a great knowledge of all of the divisions within Southern Way.

I am originally from Portsmouth, VA. We moved to South Carolina after my dad retired from the Navy in 1967. He was born here and wanted to come home! I have now lived in SC for 54 years.

Southern Way has been a huge part of my life for over a decade, so it is hard to pin-point specific reasons I love it here. The catering business has given me a way to put my knowledge and skills to the use. I have been an organizer/planner for as long as I remember.

I was born in Utah and raised in Iowa. I graduated in 2012 and moved to South Carolina shortly after. I have been with Southern Way since October.

Since my very first day with SWC, I have felt accepted and appreciated by my peers and managers. We all get along so well; it makes our job fun and entertaining. There’s never a dull moment with our group. We have slow seasons and we have busy seasons. When we are in our busy seasons, we see each other more than we see our own families so it’s a lot easier to love your job when you enjoy who you work with.

I thoroughly enjoy Weddings, repeat corporate events and themed events. But my most favorite event we do every year is the RBC Heritage Golf Tournament in Hilton Head Island for one week. The days are long and the nights are short but it is an unforgettable experience with great co-workers. I was stationed on the 18th green and was able to watch the winning putt my very first year I worked. It was an experience that I will never forget.

I am originally from Savannah, Georgia but have lived in Columbia since High School. I started at Southern Way Catering 20 years ago as a part-time employee bartending and working events. I have been the Creative Designer here for 15 years.

I love the fast-paced environment this industry offers and knowing that I am an important part of making our client’s events special and memorable. My job is to take a client’s vision and bring it to life. Putting together the visual aspect is the best part of what I do. Because of this, I’d have to say themed events are my favorite!

I get to work with such a talented group of people who inspire me on a daily basis. Southern Way’s attention to detail and the pride we put into all events, no matter how big or small, is what makes this company so successful. We are such a versatile company! I have had the opportunity to cater two different Governor Inaugurations and helped us receive the University of South Carolina athletic department contract. I am a huge college football fan, so I loved being a part of that!

I have had an amazing experience as the Logistics and Operations Assistant Manager at Southern Way Catering. The Food Industry has always been a passion of mine! I even love to cook for my friends and family in my free time. Food just always makes people happy. I love how It plays a such a big role in creating wonderful memories by uniting people.

In the logistics department, we see the vision and know just how to implement the idea so that the event can run as smooth as possible. I’d have to say any of Brittany’s events are my favorite because she likes to take the whole warehouse with her, so she keeps me fit!

I am constantly learning new things at Southern Way and truly believe knowledge is key. We stay busy here and it keeps me on my toes. I have never known catering to be as beautiful as Southern Way has showed me. I honestly always used to wonder “how is this venue so gorgeous and implemented in ways that you could not imagine” but Southern Way made it happen. Southern Way knows how to cater to clients’ needs and make that person dream event happen as though we were the fairy godmothers to so many Cinderellas!

I was born and raised in Columbia, SC. Since high school, I worked with my father at our family-owned business as a Plumber on an as-needed basis. I have been with SWC since 2012 and I took a full-time position with them at the Alumni Center in 2021.

I love the fact that I get to work with some really great people. I have built some great friendships over the years with my co-workers. One of my favorite memories at SWC is hiding a cricket machine in Randi’s office. That was pure enjoyment.

When I am not working, I hang out with my friends and family.

“Take care of your feet and try not to do anything stupid! Always change your socks!” - Lieutenant Dan

I was born and raised in Lexington SC. When I started at Southern Way Catering 15 years ago, I had no Idea what all was involved in catering events. The more I learned the more I fell in love with the job and the possibilities. When I became part of the logistics team 5 years ago as Loadlist Coordinator and Assistant Creative Designer, I realized how much I enjoyed being a part of the process from start to finish. It allows me to use my creativity with designing displays and all of the fun projects that we find on Pinterest.

I love seeing an event come to together, especially out-of-town events. My favorite memory here at Southern Way would have to be my first house party in Charleston! The people I work with and our fun environment is the biggest reason I love working here. Not everyone can say that they enjoy their job but, I feel blessed that I can say I do. I have learned to work and stay positive while doing it!