Chamber Member Exclusive Opportunity

Bring The Flavor, Bring The Fun!

Hey Member, Let’s Do This!

Restaurants, businesses, nonprofits, churches, and organizations are invited to become a Hospitality Host by serving complimentary sample-size food and/or beverage tastings for approximately 500 attendees from a designated porch. Hospitality Hosts are at the heart of the Porches experience, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere while showcasing their organization to hundreds of guests throughout the evening.

Hospitality Host Benefits

  • Exclusive hospitality location at a designated porch

  • Individual company sign displayed at your porch

  • Company recognition on printed and digital event maps

  • Social media spotlight leading up to the event

  • Two (2) complimentary Hospitality Host passes

Hospitality Host Guidelines

Hospitality Hosts Are Required to Provide:

  • Complimentary sample-size food and/or beverage tastings sufficient to serve approximately 500 attendees. To enhance the Porches experience, tastings are encouraged to feature Southern favorites, fall-inspired flavors, or other seasonal offerings.

  • Tables, chairs, linens, and décor for your hospitality space. Fall-themed décor is highly encouraged.

  • All serving supplies, including plates, napkins, cups, serving utensils, gloves, and any other items needed to safely serve guests.

  • Any equipment needed to prepare, transport, store, or serve food and beverages, including coolers, ice, chafing dishes, warmers, beverage dispensers, and other serving equipment, as applicable.

  • Extension cords, if electricity has been requested and approved.

Hospitality Hosts Menu Selection:

To provide guests with a diverse culinary experience, the Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce reserves the right to limit the number of Hospitality Hosts offering similar menu items. Preference may be given to unique, substantial, and locally inspired offerings that enhance the overall event experience.

Suggested Food Categories

  • Hearty Southern Favorites (Preferred)

    • Shrimp & Grits

    • Chicken Bog

    • Pulled Pork

    • BBQ Sliders

    • Fried Chicken Bites

    • Lowcountry Boil Cups

  • Savory Small Bites (Preferred)

    • Mini Sandwiches

    • Street Tacos

    • Pimento Cheese Crostini

    • Meatballs

    • Sausage Bites

    • Stuffed Mushrooms

  • Soups & Comfort Foods

    • Chili

    • Gumbo

    • Seafood Bisque

    • Potato Soup

    • Mac & Cheese Cups

  • Desserts (Limited Availability )

    • Cookies, Brownies, Cupcakes

    • Mini Cheesecakes

    • Cobbler

    • Ice Cream

  • Beverages (Limited Availability)

    • Sweet Tea

    • Lemonade

    • Coffee

    • Hot Chocolate

    • Cider

Hospitality Hosts are encouraged to provide a menu item that reflects the quality, creativity, and Southern hospitality that make Porches of Sumter a signature community event.

Store bought pre-packaged snacks or treats may not be approved as a primary hospitality offering.

Event Guidelines:

  • Hosts may begin setup as early as 3:00 p.m. and must be fully set up and ready to welcome attendees by 5:30 p.m. Hospitality Hosts are expected to remain open for the duration of the event.

  • Each Hospitality Host will be assigned a designated porch. While location requests are welcome, placement is determined by the Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce and cannot be guaranteed.

  • Electricity is available at select porch locations only and is not guaranteed. Requests must be submitted in advance.

  • Hospitality Hosts are encouraged to create a welcoming, interactive experience by engaging with attendees and sharing information about their business or organization.

  • All food and beverages must be prepared, stored, and served in accordance with all applicable health and food safety regulations.

  • Hospitality Hosts are responsible for keeping their area clean throughout the event and disposing of their own trash at the conclusion of the evening.

  • The Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged property.

  • Failure to comply with these guidelines or conduct yourself professionally and respectfully toward attendees, homeowners, volunteers, sponsors, fellow participants, and event staff may affect eligibility to participate in future Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce events.