ABOUT US
A Trusted Catering Company in New Bern, NC
For over 30 years, The Flame Catering has been bringing people together with exceptional food, professional service, and unforgettable events. Based in New Bern, our team specializes in catering weddings, corporate functions, military events, nonprofit fundraisers, and private celebrations across Eastern North Carolina. From custom menus to full-service event planning, we handle the details so you can focus on creating memories with your guests. Our commitment to quality, creativity, and personalized service has made us one of the most trusted catering companies in the region.
Our Story
The Flame has been a part of New Bern's history for more than 50 years. Originally established as one of the area's most beloved steakhouses, The Flame became known for its welcoming atmosphere, exceptional food, and commitment to quality. More than 30 years ago, Chef Smoke purchased The Flame and began building on that legacy, transforming it into one of Eastern North Carolina's premier full-service catering companies.
Our Team
Our experienced team brings decades of catering and event planning expertise to every event. Each team member is passionate about food, presentation, and customer satisfaction. From chefs to event coordinators to service staff, we take pride in delivering a seamless and enjoyable experience for you and your guests. We listen carefully to your needs, customize menus to match your vision, and manage every detail with professionalism and care.
Chef Smoke
Owner/Executive Chef
My daddy told me to always work at something that I loved. I didn't realize that my 40+ year journey into the catering industry would begin as a kid in high school with my very first job as a kitchen assistant at the local hospital. It wasn't glamorous, but the lessons learned were priceless. As an apprentice chef and then executive chef for a large hotel I was able to gather experience in not only the culinary arts, but in leadership and event execution as well. My dream of business ownership turned into reality about 10 years later when I was able to purchase what was then The Flame Restaurant. Every restaurant has its own special set of challenges but mine felt like it had more than its fair share. When thinking back on those days sometimes I don't know how we survived! From the hard work and dedication of my team and myself The Flame has grown into the catering leader that it is today.
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Maybe I was born with it or maybe it developed somewhere along the way, but I truly have a passion for what I do and I promise to treat every event like it was my own.
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—Chef Smoke
Andie Godwin
Event Planner
Andie is an Event Planner with The Flame Catering, where she brings a passion for hospitality and thoughtfully curated events to every celebration. With more than 20 years of experience in the food and hospitality industry, including over three years with The Flame, she enjoys working closely with clients to design events that are both seamless and memorable. Known for her attention to detail and warm, personalized approach, Andie takes pride in helping bring each client’s vision to life. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and making memories with family.
Thyrone Moore Jr.
Executive Chef
With more than 40 years of culinary experience, Sous Chef Thyrone Moore has worked alongside Chef Smoke since the beginning, helping shape the quality and reputation of The Flame Catering. His expertise comes from decades of hands-on experience, a strong work ethic, and a passion for exceptional food. Known for his consistency and dedication, Thyrone plays an essential role in bringing Chef Smoke's culinary vision to every event. Outside the kitchen, he enjoys cheering on the Dallas Cowboys and spending quality time with his family and friends.
Myra Garner
General Manager
Myra Garner has more than 30 years of experience in business and hospitality. She earned her Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Management from East Carolina University. As the General Manager of The Flame Catering, Myra oversees daily operations and focuses on building strong community relationships. After working alongside Chef Smoke for more than 15 years, she understands the importance of teamwork and exceptional service in creating memorable events.
Outside of work, Myra enjoys cycling and spending time with her family and grandchildren.
Eli Rikker
Wedding Event Coordinator
With 17 years of experience in hospitality, Eli Rikker has worked across all levels of restaurant management across the east coast. They joined the Flame Catering team in 2025, where their attention to detail and friendly approach has allowed them to flourish. Eli focuses on wedding catering and loves being part of one of the most important days in a couple’s life, helping create a seamless and memorable experience for each couple. In their free time, they tend to an ever-growing houseplant collection and enjoys baking for friends and neighbors.
Serving Eastern North Carolina
Today, The Flame Catering proudly serves clients throughout Craven, Pamlico, Jones, and Onslow counties, providing exceptional cuisine and personalized service for weddings, corporate events, military functions, galas, fundraisers, private celebrations, and everything in between.
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Our mission has remained the same through every chapter of our history: to make every event memorable through outstanding food and flawless service. From intimate gatherings to large-scale celebrations, our experienced chefs, event planners, and professional service staff work together to create seamless events that allow our clients to relax and enjoy every moment.​
Ready to start planning your event?
For us, catering is more than preparing great food—it's about creating experiences, building relationships, and continuing a tradition of hospitality that has made The Flame a trusted name in New Bern for over five decades. We are honored to be part of life's most meaningful celebrations and look forward to serving our community for generations to come.
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Contact The Flame Catering today to schedule a consultation and begin designing a menu and experience tailored to your occasion.
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252-633-1193
