
WAXHAW, NC – April is halfway over. In two short months, families will be attending graduations, throwing parties, and shedding nostalgic tears as their graduates start the journey into adulthood. As residents of Waxhaw, Weddington and the surrounding areas begin to plan their parties and shop for gifts, the Tri-W news would like to make a few suggestions to parents’ lists that may not cross their minds.
A graduation party involves a lot of moving parts and some big decisions. Where should it be held? What food should be served? What kind of gift would be nice to give a student? While a party at the family homestead with grocery store deli platter and an envelope of cash are always classics, why not try out something a little different?

Jersey Mike’s, for example, has a variety of catering options to suit any party, large or small. They offer deals on sub boxes that can serve a dozen people, plus trays of cookies or brownies and tea by the gallon. They will deliver and set up your feast with no mess and no fuss. Get in touch with owner and local franchiser Anna Turovskaya for pricing and scheduling. “We would love an opportunity to take care of all your catering needs! No matter how small or big, we got you covered!” she promises. Call (704) 776-4847 or stop by 5922 Weddington Road to get started.
If a family’s senior isn’t a fan of sub sandwiches, consider a completely unique menu choice from Saveeda’s American Bistro. Owner Lincoln Sveda will make a meal based on individual favorites. The restaurant can cater to any event offsite, but they also have a nice venue in the Village Commons off Weddington Road. A party can rent the outdoor patio, a specific section of the indoor seating, or the entire location. “I don’t do a cookie cutter list of options for private events. People call with a budget in mind, and I make a menu to match. That way the food can match the personality of the customer,” Sveda shares. “Buffet, hors d’oeuvres, boxed lunches – any size group can be accommodated.” Call (704) 843-2420 to find out what Saveeda’s can make for you.

Another unique local option is Carolina Taps. A bar that serves out of a refurbished 1960s Shasta camper, Carolina Taps is both mobile and a great photo prop. Owner, Charlene Wagner, creates the entire drink menu from scratch, so she can provide a senior’s graduation party with non-alcoholic “mocktails” as well as a variety of sodas and bottled water. “I can make a completely non-alcoholic menu that reflects a senior’s favorite things. Whether its a TV show, a video game, a high school sports team, or future college – all the menu items, from a drink’s color to its name, can go with the party theme.” To be the talk of all the graduation parties this year, go to https://www.carolinataps.com/ to get a proposal.

If someone really wants to turn heads and start conversations, they can reach out to Lowe Neddo Funeral Home in Mint Hill. “We’re not just a funeral home – we’re a Life Event Center. We specialize in memories and life celebration,” explains owner Michael Neddo. “Our venue is available to rent for parties, and it’s a one stop shop.” A party at the Lowe Neddo venue can include a guest book, handouts, and mementos for guests to take home. They can also make a special video of the graduate, too. With their software, their team can blend music, videos and pictures into a presentation that can be played at the party.
Lowe-Neddo also offers 4’ by 6’ memory blankets as a sweet gift for a senior to take to college. This high-quality woven blanket can include a collage of pictures in color or black and white. It can also have names, dates, and logos to make it special for each family. “As a parent, you can’t be there at college with them, but this blanket could be the next best thing.” Neddo says. Call (866) 682-4043 for more information and pricing.