Planning a Family Reunion in Santee? Here’s a Local Catering Option Everyone Loves
Santee, South Carolina has become one of the most popular destinations in the state for family reunions — and it’s easy to see why. Lake Marion, beautiful parks, spacious rental homes, and affordable accommodations make Santee the perfect gathering place for families coming from all over the Southeast, the East Coast, and beyond. Whether your reunion is a small group of 20 or a big family gathering of 80+, Santee gives you the perfect backdrop.
But there’s one challenge every family faces as soon as the planning begins:
“What are we going to feed everyone?”
Coordinating meals for a large group can quickly become the most stressful part of hosting a family reunion. That’s why so many families choose Craig’s Deli — a local favorite known for fresh food, large portions, and catering that makes feeding a crowd simple.
If you’re planning a family reunion in Santee, here’s the complete guide to making food easy — and why Craig’s Deli is the catering option people love year after year.
Why Santee Is the Perfect Spot for a Family Reunion
Before we jump into catering, it helps to understand why so many families choose Santee in the first place.
✔ Lake Marion Is a True Family Gathering Destination
Families love Santee because there’s something for everyone — fishing, swimming, boating, kayaking, hiking, and relaxing by the water.
✔ Affordable Lodging for Large Groups
Santee offers everything from vacation rentals to RV sites to hotels, making it easy for extended families to gather without breaking the bank.
✔ Centrally Located for East Coast Travelers
Right off I-95, Santee is the halfway point for many families traveling between Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, and the Northeast.
✔ Great for All Ages
From grandparents to toddlers, Santee’s slow pace and outdoor activities make it easy to include everyone.
And when you have a location this good, you want a meal option that fits the vibe: easy, fresh, affordable, and convenient.
That’s where Craig’s Deli shines.
Why Craig’s Deli Is the Perfect Catering Choice for Reunions
Craig’s Deli has earned its reputation among locals, golfers, fishermen, and travelers for one reason: the food is always fresh and the portions are always generous. For family reunions, that combination matters more than anything.
Here’s what makes Craig’s the top choice for group catering in Santee:
1. Fresh Food Prepared the Day of Your Event
When you’re feeding 20, 30, or 60+ people, the quality of the food matters. Families don’t want reheated trays or pre-made sandwiches that have been sitting in a cooler.
Craig’s Deli prepares everything fresh the same day, which means:
- Crisp, fresh vegetables
- Soft bread
- Tender meats
- Freshly made salads
- Nothing soggy or dried out
- Zero corners cut
You can taste the difference right away — and so can your guests.
2. Options That Fit Every Taste and Every Age
Family reunions bring together people from all walks of life — kids, teens, adults, picky eaters, and folks who “just want something simple.”
Craig’s offers crowd-pleasing options that work for everyone:
✔ Cold Sandwich Platters
Piled-high turkey, ham, roast beef, clubs, and more — all cut into easy-to-share portions.
✔ Boxed Lunches
Perfect for lake trips, park shelters, or large groups on the go.
✔ Chicken Salad & Tuna Salad
Made fresh in-house, these are favorites for many families.
✔ Homemade Sides
Potato salad, pasta salad, macaroni salad, coleslaw, and other local favorites.
✔ Desserts & Sweets
Cookies, brownies, and other treats for kids (and adults).
✔ Drinks & Add-Ons
An easy way to complete the meal without extra shopping.
Instead of debating who’s cooking what, you can choose a spread everyone enjoys — without doing any of the work.
3. Perfect for Lake Houses, Parks, VRBOs, and Outdoor Spaces
Santee reunions often happen outdoors, and Craig’s catering is designed for exactly that.
Cold sandwiches and fresh salads are the ideal choice for:
- Lake Marion rentals
- Santee State Park shelters
- Backyards
- Picnic tables
- Boats and pontoons
- Campgrounds
- Community clubhouses
Nothing needs heating. Nothing melts. Nothing spoils quickly.
It’s the easiest, most reliable way to feed a crowd in the Santee heat.
4. Ideal for Large Families and Big Appetites
Reunions bring big appetites — and Craig’s is known for portions that don’t leave anyone hungry.
Whether you’re feeding:
- A big family with lots of kids
- A reunion of 40+ people
- A group that loves hearty sandwiches
- Guests spending all day outdoors
Craig’s makes sure every tray is loaded.
5. Affordable Food for Any Reunion Budget
Planning a reunion gets expensive quickly — lodging, activities, decorations, shirts, and travel all add up.
Craig’s Deli helps keep the food budget reasonable with:
- Large portions
- Fresh ingredients
- Simple menu options
- No overpriced “event fees”
You get great value without sacrificing quality.
6. Easy Pickup (or Local Delivery When Available)
Reunion days are busy. Someone is always arriving late, someone is grilling, someone is organizing kids — there’s a lot going on.
Craig’s catering is designed to reduce stress:
- Pick up your order fresh and ready to serve
- Or arrange local delivery when available
Everything comes neatly packaged, labeled, and ready to set out.
Why Cold Sandwich Catering Works Best in Santee
While some families consider hot catering, cold platters and boxed lunches work better in Santee’s environment.
✔ Hot food cools off quickly outdoors
✔ Cold meals travel better on boats and in coolers
✔ Easy for guests to grab and go
✔ No heavy sauces or messy cleanup
✔ Perfect for all-day gatherings
It’s the simplest, safest, and most refreshing option for summer reunions.
Tips for Planning a Smooth Reunion Meal in Santee
Here are a few simple tips families have learned over the years:
✔ Order a day ahead to guarantee timing
Craig’s prepares everything fresh, so submitting early helps lock in your preferred pickup time.
✔ Choose cold items for outdoor days
The combination of summer heat + outdoor activities makes cold catering the smartest choice.
✔ Use coolers for lake or park reunions
Sandwiches stay perfectly fresh in a cooler with ice packs.
✔ Order extra sides — they disappear quickly
Pasta salad and potato salad are always the first to go.
✔ Add boxed lunches for kids and teens
It keeps things simple and mess-free.
How to Place Your Family Reunion Catering Order
The process is simple:
- Estimate how many people you’re feeding
- Choose platters, sides, desserts, and drinks
- Submit your catering request
- Craig’s team confirms your order and portion recommendations
- Pick up your food (or arrange delivery when available)
A team member will follow up quickly with menu options and pricing.
Make Your Santee Family Reunion a Success With Craig’s Deli
Family reunions are about memories, laughter, storytelling, and spending time with the people who matter most. Nobody wants to spend the entire reunion in the kitchen or stressed over meal prep.
Craig’s Deli helps you:
- Save time
- Feed everyone easily
- Provide fresh, crowd-pleasing food
- Keep your gathering stress-free
No complicated menus. No overpriced catering. Just good food that brings people together.
If you’re hosting a family reunion in Santee this year, let Craig’s Deli take care of the food so you can focus on what matters — family.