The Southern Comfort began in 2005 as a special event coordination and catering company called "Sublime".  At that time, the members were:  Karima Aldrich, Dorene Flowers, Cheryl Goodman,
Sharrine Stover and myself.  We coordinated and catered events from weddings to funerals and everything in between.  Our church family at The Church Of The Open Door enjoyed our services so much that our
Pastor, Rev. Dr. Mark V. C. Taylor welcomed us to become the new church chefs.  Though this endeavor was quite delightful, it soon turned entirely too demanding for all of us as we all still had families to tend to as
well as full time jobs.

Fast forward to the year 2009 ...  My passion for cooking erupted again so I sat down with my husband Kirk and expressed that I wanted to get back into the catering business; he supported my decision.  
One thing changed, instead of focusing soley on the familiar recipes south of the mason dixon line, we decided to infuse flavors from South America and the Caribbean (incorporating my husband's Guyanese heritage and flavors of the bayou), hence we coined the phrase "Southern Fuisine". 
Through much thought and prayer, the name The Southern Comfort was birthed which pays homage to my Nana, the late Hulia Elizabeth Wright who was born and raised in Easley, SC.  The Southern Comfort also pays tribute to my late Great Aunt Sarah Lee Powlis (known for her amazing bread pudding and pound cake), my late Aunt Sylvia Garvin (who started cooking when she retired and mastered her remarkable coconut cake and apricot brandy pound cake) and my mother Denise who always loved to cook and entertain.
I started cooking a lot of their favorite dishes and desserts but made them my own by adding a little something something here, and changing a little something somthing there.  Then, I got bold and started creating my own recipes  :)
I got my foot back in the catering door by selling lunches to my co-workers ... a hit! 
Then we tried our hand at a Culinary Expo .. Success!  
Then we took a HUGE leap of faith and participated in an outdoor 4 day festival (International African Arts Fest in Brooklyn, NY) during a heat wave!!!!  The Lord definitely had mercy and showed us FAVOR!!!
Now, with my husband Kirk by my side, our little brother and Chef Chi Briggs and the support of our mothers Denise & Ingrid, daughter Jazsmine, and our family & friends ...
the sky's the limit! 

We are truly humbled at the outpouring of love and support.  With God's help and guidance, we will continue to bring you the best delectable flavors of the south and beyond!


Owners .. Kirk & Shawanna McDonald 

Head Chef ... Shawanna aka "Chef Biscuit"

Chief Operating Officer ... Kirk McDonald

Sous Chef ... Chef Chi Briggs

Food Prep & Server ... Jazsmine McDonald

Food Prep & Server ... Tristan Moore

Food Prep & Server ... Roger Smalls

Helpers ... Jasmin Douglas, Brittney Miner, Iquasha Williams