Whiteford’s of Laurens – Elevating Special Occasions with Expanded Catering Services

Since 1969, Whiteford’s of Laurens has been a cornerstone of local dining, originally founded by Ernest Whiteford and now led by his son, Ernie Whiteford. What began as a modest establishment serving classic fast food has evolved into a beloved community hub renowned for its hospitality and diverse menu offerings.

“I took a leap of faith and decided to tear down the old building and build a new, larger one on the same property,” Ernie Whiteford reminisces. “We added breakfast and kept our iconic giant, Big Irvin, out front by the road.”

Whiteford’s of Laurens initially gained fame for its fried chicken, hamburgers, and milkshakes, staples that remain popular today alongside newer favorites like ribs, brisket, and hash. The vision, Ernie emphasizes, has always been about providing fresh, quality meals in a welcoming environment for friends and families alike.

Expanding into Catering

The decision to venture into catering was a natural progression driven by Ernie’s passion for cooking and serving the community. “It kind of evolved over time,” he explains. “I started with a large grill for family gatherings and eventually began catering for local events and churches.”

By 2008, Ernie had acquired a commercial smoker, a pivotal addition that enabled Whiteford’s to offer smoked delicacies like pork loin and chicken quarters. The catering menu expanded further with offerings not typically found in the restaurant, such as ribeye steaks, whole pigs, and low country boils.

Ernie Whiteford finds one of the most enjoyable aspects of catering is the ease of finding help. His family, including his wife Gale, his son, daughter-in-law, daughter, and her boyfriend, have all been instrumental at various events. Additionally, he’s grateful for the support of good friends who join him in catering. Ernie sees catering is not just a service but a fun experience. Knowing the exact timing of meals, understanding each guest’s preferences, and managing the number of attendees all contribute to the satisfaction of creating memorable events.

“I really enjoy catering,” Ernie enthuses. “It’s a chance to step away from the restaurant, meet new people, and see them enjoy good food.” From intimate family gatherings to elaborate weddings, Whiteford’s catering service has become synonymous with quality and reliability across Laurens County and beyond.

Speaking of beyond, catering services have expanded with locations withing a 1.5 hour radius of Laurens County.

“We’ve catered everywhere from Greenville to Asheville and South of Laurens County,” Ernie proudly notes. “The opportunity to travel and bring our flavors to different communities has been incredibly rewarding.” Whether it’s a corporate event or a festive celebration, Whiteford’s commitment to excellent service and diverse menu options ensures a memorable culinary experience.

Embracing Innovation

To better serve their customers, Whiteford’s recently launched a new website with online ordering capabilities. “It’s exciting to see how technology can enhance our customer’s experience,” Ernie shares. The website not only showcases their restaurant menu but also features their comprehensive catering offerings, making it easier than ever to plan events with Whiteford’s signature dishes.

As Whiteford’s of Laurens continues to grow and innovate, Ernie Whiteford remains dedicated to upholding his family’s legacy of exceptional food and community service. With each catering event and every meal served at their restaurant, Whiteford’s of Laurens embodies the spirit of Southern hospitality and culinary excellence.

“For us, it’s about more than just food,” Ernie reflects. “It’s about creating moments and memories that bring people together. Food is often at the heart of special occasions and holidays, and we’re honored to be a part of making these times even more memorable.”

For more information or to request catering services, visit Whiteford’s of Laurens or contact Ernie Whiteford directly at 864-872-9021.