Hickory Tavern is giving Carolinians more ways to come together this holiday season with Hickory Holidays, highlighting private celebrations, group dining, catering, and seasonal gifting at its 16 locations across North and South Carolina. From company parties and team dinners to family gatherings at the restaurants or catered celebrations at home and the office, the program builds on Hickory Tavern’s role as a neighborhood gathering place for the moments people want to share.
That focus comes as consumers continue to seek out more opportunities for real-life connection. OpenTable’s 2026 Dining Trends research found that 78% of Americans say dining out helps them feel connected to others, while reservations for parties of six or more increased 11% year over year in 2025. More than a third of consumers (36%) also said they want to see more group and private dining options in 2026.
“Gathering people together is at the heart of Hickory Tavern, and the holidays are one of the best times to do that,” said Tony Read, Hickory Tavern Brand President. “Whether it’s a company holiday party, a family celebration or a gathering at home, we want Hickory Tavern to be part of the traditions and moments people look forward to sharing each year.”
Gather at the Tavern
All 16 Hickory Tavern locations offer group dining and event opportunities, with spaces and configurations varying by restaurant and group size. For guests seeking a more dedicated setting, nine locations offer private dining spaces, including Sun Valley (Indian Trail), Cary, Harris (Charlotte), Holly Springs and Pinehurst in North Carolina and Indian Land, Rock Hill, Columbia–Woodhill and North Myrtle Beach in South Carolina.
For larger celebrations, partial and full restaurant buyouts are also available, accommodating approximately 100 to 250 guests depending on location. Private event menus include buffet and plated packages, including:
Buffet Packages
- The Handheld Huddle ($19.99/person): Choose two wraps, including shaved ribeye, blackened chicken, chicken Caesar or veggie, plus one side.
- The Crowd Pleaser ($25.99/person): Includes chips & queso and fried pickles, plus two mains such as Tavern sliders, Pow Pow Shrimp Tacos, crispy chicken tenders or toasted quesadillas, and one side.
- Game Time ($33.99/person): Includes house salad and fried pickles, plus two mains such as Food Truck Chicken & Rice, cedar plank salmon, Chicken Caprese or Mac & Cheese, and two sides.
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Plated Packages
- Fan Favorites ($18.99/person): Choose from entrées including the Classic Tavern Burger, Carolina Cheesesteak, Chicken Tenders, Fish & Chips, Pow Pow Shrimp Tacos, Chicken Sandwich or Power Bowl.
- The MVP ($34.99/person): Includes a shareable Pre-Game Combo Platter followed by a plated entrée such as char-grilled ribs, cedar plank salmon, Chicken Caprese or Tavern Mac & Cheese with shrimp or chicken.
Groups can also add favorites including the three-foot Wing Flight, pepperoni or BBQ chicken flatbreads, Nachos Deluxe, fried pickles, Pow Pow Shrimp, Loaded Mac & Cheese Bites, cookies and brownies. Alcoholic beverage offerings and packages are also available.
Private dining rooms offer A/V capabilities for watch parties, presentations and more. There are no room rental fees. Food and beverage minimums vary by restaurant and event, and deposits are required and applied toward the total event cost.
Hickory Tavern is also expanding its focus on private events with the recent addition of Julia Lain as Private Event Sales Manager. Lain oversees private event sales for the brand and brings several years of private event and hospitality sales experience, including previous event leadership roles at Puttshack and Invited.
From setup through service, Hickory Tavern’s event team handles the details so hosts can focus on their guests. Guests planning holiday gatherings are encouraged to book early, particularly for popular November and December dates. Private event inquiries for any Hickory Tavern location can be submitted at hickorytavern.com/book-an-event or by contacting Lain at [email protected].
Bring Hickory Tavern to the Holiday Table
For celebrations happening at home, at the office or somewhere in between, Hickory Tavern offers catering across all locations. Designed for both corporate and social gatherings, the program gives guests another way to bring Hickory Tavern favorites to the table wherever they choose to gather.
Catering options include buffet and plated packages, along with customizable add-ons such as Wing Flights, flatbreads, shareable appetizers, sides and desserts. Guests can build a menu to fit the size and style of their gathering. Orders can be picked up or delivered, with delivery radius and setup details varying by location.
Give A Little Tavern Time
For anyone checking names off a holiday gift list, Hickory Tavern gift cards offer another way to treat friends, family, coworkers, teachers, coaches and more to a meal or night out. From Black Friday through Dec. 31, guests who purchase a $50 Hickory Tavern gift card in-store or online will receive an additional $10 gift card. Hickory Tavern gift cards are also now available at seven Costco locations across North and South Carolina, where shoppers can purchase four $25 gift cards for $79.99.
For nearly 30 years, Hickory Tavern has served as a familiar gathering place for the moments that bring people together. Hickory Holidays carries that tradition into the season with more ways to gather, celebrate and share the Tavern with the people who matter most.
For private events, catering and holiday details, visit hickorytavern.com and follow @hickorytavern on Instagram and @TheHickoryTavern on Facebook for updates.
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