Issuu

PLANNING

Guide

2026 – 2028 Planning Guide for Events

WHERE

SOUTHERN T R A D I T I O N S A R E M A D E F R ES H DA I LY.

Welcome to Poogan’s Smokehouse. We’re so glad you found us. Located right on East Bay Street in downtown Charleston, Poogan’s Smokehouse brings a different expression of Southern cooking to the Poogan name. Our roots trace back just a few doors down to Poogan’s Porch, a Charleston institution since 1976. When Smokehouse opened in 2015, we took that heritage in a new direction: slow-smoked barbecue, Southern staples, a deep whiskey selection, and the kind of easygoing hospitality that has always been at the heart of Poogan’s. It makes for a gathering place with plenty of character and very little pretense. From rehearsal dinners and welcome parties to corporate gatherings, birthdays, and milestone celebrations, events here feel distinctly Charleston while leaving plenty of room to make them your own. I’m Zoe, the Senior Sales Manager for Poogan’s Hospitality. Alongside Emily, our Sales & Venue Manager, we’ll be your go-tos as you plan. We’re here to talk through ideas, answer the practical questions, and help shape the details into an event that feels considered, personal, and genuinely enjoyable to host. This guide is your first look at what an event at Poogan’s Smokehouse can entail. Inside, you’ll find the spaces, menus, pricing, logistics, and particulars that help turn an idea into an actual plan. Pricing – No guesswork required. You’ll find straightforward pricing and spending minimums, along with a clear look at what’s included, so you can start shaping an event that works for your priorities. Food & Beverages – This is Smokehouse, after all. Our event menus are rooted in the food we’re known for: slow-smoked meats and generous sides. FAQs – Consider this the fine print without the fine-print feeling. We’ve gathered the questions we hear most about timing, guest counts, layouts, food and beverage, décor, accessibility, logistics, and all the other particulars that tend to surface as plans take shape. Floorplans – See how it all comes together. Our floorplans and measurements will help you picture the room, map out the flow, and explore arrangements. Send us any question that comes to mind. We look forward to welcoming you to East Bay Street!

Warmest regards, ZOE STEWART

EMILY MEADEN

Senior Sales Manager

Sales & Venue Manager

188 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC 29401 | events@pooganshospitality.com | 843-793-4399

Semi-Private Loft

15-20

Private Loft

Full Buyout

guests

40+

21-40

guests

SOUTHERN BOOK A PRIVATE OR SEMI-PRIVATE EVENT FOR UP TO 40 GUESTS

BOOK A FULL RESTAURANT BUYOUT FOR UP TO 175 GUESTS

2-hour loft rental + 30 minutes of setup & breakdown

4-hour restaurant rental + 1 hour of setup & breakdown

Easy online booking, payment, and menu selections

$100 rental fee with no food & beverage minimum

$500 rental fee + attainable food & beverage minimums

$100 deposit (refundable with notice)

$1,000 deposit applied to bill (refundable witn notice)

Generous BBQ buffets + bar packages

Custom menus + bar packages

HOSTING ELSEWHERE? WE CAN CATER.

Bring Poogan’s Smokehouse to your office, home, venue, or celebration.

PICKUP

DROP & GO

FULL-SERVICE

OUR

PRICING

We firmly believe in transparency and empowering you to align your budget with your vision. Below, you’ll find our detailed pricing structure, including rental fees, deposits, and any applicable food & beverage minimums. Our commitment to transparency ensures that you can plan your event confidently.

PRIVATE AND SEMI-PRIVATE RENTAL FEES AND MINIMUMS PRIVATE OR SEMI-PRIVATE EVENT

RENTAL FEE

FOOD & BEVERAGE MINIMUM

2 hours of event time in our loft

$100 room rental fee

No required spending minimum

A $100 deposit secures your event date. If you provide written notice of cancellation more than 72 hours before your event, we’ll refund the deposit. At 72 hours, the deposit converts to a $100 non-refundable room rental fee.

BUYOUT RENTAL FEES AND MINIMUMS FULL RESTAURANT BUYOUT

SUNDAY - THURSDAY

FRIDAY - SATURDAY

4 hours of event time in our restaurant

$500 rental fee | $4,000 f&b minimum

$500 rental fee | $6,000 f&b minimum

A $1,000 deposit secures your event date. If you provide written notice of cancellation more than 7 days before your event, we’ll refund the deposit. The $1,000 deposit is applied to the balance of your final bill, due at the restaurant.

TAXES Our tax rates are set by the city of Charleston and the state of South Carolina. Below is a helpful chart for clarity.

TAX %

FOOD

BEER / WINE

LIQUOR / FULL BAR

ALL OTHER ITEMS / FEES

11%

16%

SERVICE CHARGE

FOOD & BEVERAGE MINIMUMS

Our service charge is 22%. This charge is designed

For full restaurant buyouts only, the food & beverage

to support the entire team involved in your event.

minimum is the minimum amount we ask you to

It includes servers, bartenders, our culinary team,

spend on our various menu offerings. This minimum

and the efforts of our operations and sales staff.

doesn't include any rental fees, service charges,

No additional gratuity is required.

or taxes.

OUR

LOCATION

JUST A FEW STEPS FROM EVERYTHING. East Bay Street has a character all its own: centuries-old architecture, well-worn brick, waterfront landmarks, and some of Charleston’s most recognizable streetscapes. Poogan’s Smokehouse sits right in the middle of all of it, just moments from Rainbow Row, Waterfront Park, and the Charleston City Market. Our address is: 188 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC 29401

Poogan’s Smokehouse

Nearby Hotels

Nearby Attractions

Nearby Parking

The Palmetto Hotel (95 feet)

Rainbow Row (0.2 miles)

26 Cumberland St. (Paid Lot | 0.2 miles)

The Mills House (0.5 miles)

City Market (0.2 miles)

82 Cumberland St. (Paid Garage | 0.3 miles)

The Ryder Hotel (0.6 miles)

Waterfront Park (0.2 miles)

1 Cumberland St. (Paid Garage | 250 feet)

MENUS 1

2 3

BUFFETS FOR LOFT EVENTS Built for passing plates, second helpings, and a table that feels abundant. Our buffets bring smoked meats, Southern sides, starters, and desserts in a format that keeps guests moving, mingling, and coming back for one more bite.

CUSTOM MENUS FOR BUYOUTS When the whole place is yours, the menu can go bigger too. Full buyouts open the door to custom menus, Lowcountry boils, and food & beverage experiences created around the way you want the night to unfold.

OFFSITE CATERING The Smokehouse doesn’t have to stay on East Bay. Pick it up, have us drop it off ready to serve, or bring our team along for full-service catering. From backyard gatherings to bigger celebrations, we’ll meet you wherever the table is.

BUFFETS

HOG WILD BUFFET

HOG HEAVEN BUFFET

Host selects 2 meats + 2 sides + 1 dessert

Host selects 3 meats + 3 sides + 2 desserts

$40 per adult | $15 per child (3-12)

$50 per adult | $15 per child (3-12)

Buffets include cornbread with whipped honey butter, a house salad with dressing, and fountain beverages. Selections are served in chafers for one hour and your guests may help themselves to as much as they’d like.

HOUSE SALAD romaine, tomato, cheddar, red onion, and bacon with host’s choice of ranch, bbq ranch, blue cheese, honey mustard, or lemon vinaigrette

SMOKED MEATS Smoked Pulled Pork

Poogan’s Fried Chicken

Smoked Pulled Chicken

Smoked Texas Hot Links Pork Belly Burnt Ends (+$3 pp)

Smoked Turkey

Smokehouse Ribs (+$5 pp)

Bone-In Smoked Chicken

SOUTHERN SIDES Cheddar Mac & Cheese Sweet Potato Fries Roasted Brussels Sprouts Black Beans

Southern Potato Salad Smokehouse Slaw Housemade Kettle Chips Collard Greens

DESSERT Southern Banana Pudding

Freshly Baked Brownies

CATERING SMOKED MEATS (serve 3 unless noted) with bbq sauce, pickled onions & jalapeños

Smoked Texas Hot Link

Smoked Pulled Pork

Smoked Pulled Chicken

Smoked Turkey

Fried Chicken Tenders

Full Rack of Baby Back Ribs

Pork Belly Burnt Ends

Smoked Chicken Wings

Smoked Bone-In Chicken (serves 2)

SOUTHERN SIDES (serve 6) Cheddar Mac & Cheese

Cornbread

Housemade Kettle Chips

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Collard Greens

Black Beans

Smokehouse Slaw

Southern-Style Potato Salad

BBQ Chicken Salad

EXTRAS Pint of Extra BBQ Sauce

Pint of Extra Salad Dressing

Pint of Pickles

Pint of Pickled Onions & Jalapenos

12 Hawaiian Rolls

DESSERTS (serve 6) Banana Pudding

Freshly Baked Brownies

SPECIALTIES (serve 6) 12 Pulled Pork or Chicken Sliders

12 Carolina Carnitas Tacos

12 Baja Chicken Tacos

Baked Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese

Pitmaster’s Platter 12 wings; 1lb. of pulled pork, pulled chicken,

100

and smoked turkey; 3 hot links; full rack of ribs

BAR SERVICE 1 2 3

BAR PACKAGES A set per-person package offers a more hosted experience and makes budgeting easier from the start. Ideal for hosts who prefer bar costs mapped out in advance.

CONSUMPTION BAR You cover drinks based on what guests actually order and consume during the event. A flexible way to host the bar while staying mindful of spend.

CASH BAR Guests purchase their own drinks during the event (or after using drink tickets). A practical option for hosts who want bar service without covering the full tab.

BAR PACKAGES

CUMBERLAND STREET BAR

MARKET STREET BAR

Beer & Wine

Beer, Wine, & Spirits

$13 per hour, per guest over 21

$17 per hour, per guest over 21

Bar packages include glassware, garnishes, mixers, and fountain beverages. Bar packages are offered in increments of two, three, or four hours.

BEER Miller Lite

Coors Light

Revelry Never Sunny IPA

Michelob Ultra

WINE House Pinot Grigio

House Pinot Noir

House Chardonnay

House Cab. Sauvignon

SPIRITS Beefeater Gin

Bacardi Rum

Tito’s Vodka

Dewars Scotch

Jack Daniel's Whiskey

Espolon Blanco Tequila

Bailey’s Irish Cream

Kahlua Coffee Liqueur

FAQ s YOU’VE GOT BURNING QUESTIONS. WE’VE GOT ANSWERS.

Can I change my guest count?

Semi-Private | Private Events We understand that plans can change. You may update your guest count up to 72 hours before your event. Your guest count at that time becomes your guaranteed minimum. The host is financially responsible for paying for the guaranteed number of guests, even if fewer people attend. A minimum of 15 guests is required for all semi-private and private events. If your guaranteed guest count falls below 15, you will still be charged for 15 guests at the adult package price. Full Buyouts For a buyout, you may update your guest count up to 7 days before your event. Your guest count at that time becomes your guaranteed minimum.

What happens if I need to cancel my event?

Semi-Private | Private Events If you need to cancel, we require written notice to events@pooganshospitality.com at least 72 hours before your event start time to avoid food waste and adjust staffing schedules. If you provide at least 72 hours’ notice, your deposit will be refunded in full to the card on file. For cancellations within 72 hours of your event, you will be charged 20% of the estimated event total, minus your forfeited $100 deposit. (EX: Estimated event total is $1,000. 20% cancellation charge = $200. $200-$100 deposit = an additional charge to the card on file of $100) Full Buyouts If you need to cancel, we require written notice to events@pooganshospitality.com. If you provide written notice at least seven (7) days before your planned start time, the deposit will be refunded to the card on file. For cancellations within seven (7) days of your event, you will be charged 100% of the minimum food & beverage spend specified in the contract.

Can my guests pay individually?

Because guests tend to mingle and move around during events, we require one host check for all pre-selected event food and beverage packages. If friends, family members, or coworkers would like to contribute, partial payments can be applied toward the host check, but all event food and beverage selections will remain on a single bill. This helps keep service smooth, avoids confusion, and allows our team to focus on taking great care of your guests.

FAQ s YOU’VE GOT BURNING QUESTIONS. WE’VE GOT ANSWERS.

How do I pay my final balance?

Final payment is due on-site at the conclusion of your event. If the balance is not paid in full at the conclusion of the event, the remaining amount due will be charged to the card on file. Prices listed are for cash, debit, gift card, and prepaid card transactions. There is a 3% credit card processing fee if paying with a credit card.

Can I arrive early to set up?

Semi-Private | Private Events Events are scheduled for two-hour intervals. Please inquire if you need additional event time. The host may have access to the space 30 minutes prior to the event start time for setup and decorating. After the event, the host will have 30 minutes for cleanup and breakdown. Rentals beyond three hours may be available for an additional fee of $250/hour. Full Buyouts Buyouts include up to four hours of event time. The host may have access to the space one hour prior to the event start time for any setup and decorating. After the event, the host will have up to one hour for cleanup and breakdown.

Can you accommodate allergies or dietary restrictions?

We are happy to accommodate any allergies or dietary restrictions. We do request ample notice for allergies in the event that we need to place a special food order.

Is your space accessible?

Semi-Private | Private Events The loft is located on the second floor and is accessible by stairs only. If you or anyone in your group has accessibility needs, please reach out to your Sales Manager. We’d be happy to talk through possible accommodations. Full Buyouts The first floor of the restaurant includes seating for up to 110 people. Food and beverage service, as well as accessible restrooms, can all be found on the first floor. The loft is stair-access only and is not accessible.

Do you provide table linens?

Poogan’s does not provide table linens, though you are welcome to bring your own. The number and size of tables assigned to your party depends on your guest count. If you would like to request tables for gifts or specialty desserts, please coordinate with your Sales Manager, as our table inventory is subject to availability.

Can I bring a Bluetooth speaker?

Bluetooth speakers are not permitted during events. If you’re hosting an event with specific A/V needs, please contact your Sales Manager for recommendations.

FAQ s YOU’VE GOT BURNING QUESTIONS. WE’VE GOT ANSWERS.

Can I bring my own decor?

Yes, you may bring decorations! Tablecloths, centerpieces, and balloons are popular choices. We ask that you refrain from bringing confetti and glitter, even if it’s biodegradable. For safety reasons, open flames are not permitted. Please do not use nails, tacks, 3M tape, staples, or glue to adhere items to our walls, fixtures, furniture, or ceilings. Should any damage to Poogan’s occur, the host is liable for any reparation charges incurred. Please notify your Sales Manager if you plan to bring balloon arches, decorative arches, photo booths, tented structures, or other items that may require additional space. These items are only allowed if prior notice is provided, as space is subject to availability. Poogan’s staff is not responsible for the setup or breakdown of decorative items brought by the host. All items must be removed thirty minutes after the event.

Can I bring cake, cupcakes, or cookies?

Cakes, cookies, and cupcakes from vendors are allowed. All other outside food & beverage is prohibited.

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS? Zoe and Emily are here to help.

events@pooganshospitality.com

ZOE STEWART

EMILY MEADEN

Senior Sales Manager

Sales & Venue Manager

188 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC 29401 | events@pooganshospitality.com | 843-793-4399

FLOORPLANS Semi-Private

15-20 guests

Private Loft

Full Buyout

guests

21-40

40+

OFFICE

LOFT SIDE B

SIDEBOARD

LOFT SIDE A

Take a virtual tour of our space KITCHEN STAIRS TO LOFT

RESTROOMS

WINE CLOSET

HOST STAND

@pooganssmokehouse

188 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC 29401 | events@pooganshospitality.com | 843-793-4399