Business news: Silver Spoon owners want to target elegant events in Sumter

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David and Sheryl Witherspoon said they have had the idea of opening an elegant event center in the Sumter area for two to three years now.

After their own wedding and reception last year cost more than $20,000, they said they were bound and determined to open a venue to host both events with food in different package options for less than $10,000.

Fast-forward to January, and a local commercial Realtor with Coldwell Banker Commercial Cornerstone was showing them the former Bank of America building at the intersection of Liberty Street and Guignard Drive.

With the interior still laid out like a bank, the Witherspoons said they couldn't envision an event center-in-the-making.

"When I saw it and it had everything in it, I couldn't really see it," David Witherspoon said. "But, the Realtor said, 'Imagine, take everything out of here and bust some walls down.' Then, that's when I started seeing the vision."

After working on modifications since February, Silver Spoon Event Center is scheduled to open in about a month on Sept. 1.

The Witherspoons' niche, they say, is to treat everyone well, offering great service, quality and elegant decorating.

"The name of Silver Spoon, that explains itself," Witherspoon said. "We want to treat everybody as if they were born with a silver spoon. That's our goal."

They are targeting more elegant-type events, such as weddings/receptions, anniversaries, balls and birthday and retirement parties, instead of club parties.

He has a background in real estate, and Sheryl actually worked part-time for a number of years in an event business, and they say they think Sumter certainly has the market for at least another event center since those target events are always happening.

The front section of the center can fit up to 150 guests with 16 round tables.

The back section of the building can be used for smaller events, such as bridal showers and smaller birthday parties, and has seating for up to 75 people. Conference rooms can even be rented out by the hour, Witherspoon said.

The center offers a range of packages from just chairs, tables and no decorations or even without chairs and tables for $1,000 or less.

A Silver Package offers round tables, banquet chairs, chair covers, white tablecloths, standard white draping, speakers and microwave but without food catering provided for $1,400.

Silver Spoon is working with three local caterers and also offers a catering buffet package with or without waiters, servers and bartenders and LED lighting for up to 150 guests at $3,000 and $4,000, respectively.

A Silver Spoon Plus Package includes wedding and reception at the venue, buffet, hors d'oeuvres, desserts and specialized decorating for $6,500.