Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Summit Club?

The Summit Club is a private, Member-owned fine dining and banquet facility in the heart of downtown Columbia’s business district.  Due to our non-profit status, The Summit Club does not advertise.  Every Member has been invited or has heard through word of mouth to join and has had a current Member sponsor them for Membership.  This is the Members’ Club, so it is the Members’ responsibility to keep the club thriving through usage of the Club as well as Membership referral.

Why should we join The Summit Club?

The Summit Club is the perfect venue for your event, whether you are looking to have a reception, conference, business meeting or intimate dinner for two.  We strive to meet every need of our Members, priding ourselves in our fine cuisine, accommodating Club space, and our highly dedicated staff.  But you need to experience The Summit Club for yourself.  Please contact the Membership Director, Melissa Nichols, to reserve a tour of the Club.  It is sure to fulfill your expectations.  Since The Summit Club is Member-owned, this is truly the Members’ Club.  Exclusive to just Summit Club Members, we also have reciprocity with hundreds of other private clubs nationally and internationally.   Please note the Reciprocal Section on our website to view those clubs. 

Do I have to be a Member to come to The Summit Club?

Guests of The Summit Club have to be sponsored by a Member or Reciprocal Member, meaning a Summit Club Member or Reciprocal Member allows you to have your reservation or function under their Membership.  If the Member* is not present during the time of the reservation or event, there is a $10 guest fee.  It is up to the Member how the charges will be handled.

*This is only plausible with Summit Club Members, not Reciprocal Members.  Reciprocal Club Members must be present at the time of the reservation.

Where is the Club located?

The Summit Club is located in the heart of downtown Columbia, diagonal from the South Carolina State House.  We are on the corner of Gervais Street and Sumter Street.  The building in which we are located is called The Tower at 1301 Gervais, and we are the 20th floor.  At the top of the building is “Wilbur Smith” with a globe logo; on the first floor is Bank of America. 

• A.     From North by I-77 go South to 277 which becomes *Bull Street – go to Gervais Street – take a right on Gervais – go one and one-half blocks** – you will be next to the Tower at 1301 Gervais (Bank of America is on the first floor and Wilbur Smith with a globe logo on the top) – turn right into drive running adjacent to the building – go straight back to the parking garage – parking on the 3b and above.
• B.     From North (West) 1-26 East to I-126 which becomes Elmwood Avenue – go to Bull Street – take a right on Bull Street – See above*
• C.     From South (East) I-26 West to Exit 111B – right onto US1 (also called Augusta Highway/Meeting Street) which becomes Gervais Street (once you cross over the bridge) – at end of Capital block on right – turn left on Sumter Street – go one block – take right on Lady Street, go one block – Take right on Marion Street, go one block – take a right on Gervais Street, go one-half block – See above**
• D.     From West I-26 East – take Exit 64A to I-26 (76) – at end of ramp, go left immediately two lanes onto I-126 – See B above
• E.      From East I-20 West to 277 – See A above

Where is parking available?

There is a parking garage next to The Tower at 1301 Gervais that may be used by Summit Club Members and their guests, but they are responsible for any charges.  We do not own the parking garage and we do not validate parking tickets.  Members may choose to have their and their guests’ parking tickets charged to their monthly accounts.  Members and guests will not be charged for being parked in the parking garage beginning after 5:00 p.m.  The Receptionist will stamp the parking garage tickets for validity.  For further information, please contact Angela Duke, Accounting Manager.

What is the dress code?

Since every gathering at The Summit Club is an occasion, Club Members and their guests must dress in appropriate attire.

Appropriate daytime attire consists of collared shirt, neat pants and non-athletic shoes for gentlemen and similar attire for ladies. Coats worn over open collared shirts are especially approved dress. Men are not allowed to wear hats unless required for religious purposes.

Appropriate evening attire for gentlemen consists of a coat and collared shirt; a tie, while optional, is highly recommended. Ladies please dress accordingly.

In the Main Dining Room, Members and guests are encouraged to dress in their finest, although approved casual dress is acceptable. The proper atmosphere of this fine room shall be maintained, and Members are responsible to assure appropriate behavior and appearance of their guests and children.

No denim, tennis shoes or shorts are allowed in the Club at any time. Children are required to comply with all aspects of this dress code as well.

Club staff is instructed to strictly enforce this dress code. They should not be asked to grant exceptions.

How do I make reservations and how long in advance do I need to make them?

All reservations with 10 or less guests may be made through the Receptionist by email, reservations@sc.rr.com, online through the reservations request option, or by calling (803) 771-8767.  All other reservations must be directed to Stephanie Cuddington, Catering Director.

It is best to make reservations as soon as you know a definite date since the space available for Members is on a first come basis.  You can never make a reservation too far in advance.  For large events, the Club needs at least one week notice.  Events schedule last minute may be restricted to foods and beverages already in stock. 

Member parties without prior reservations will be accommodated on a space and staff available basis.  This may include adequate waiting time to service existing member reservations.

What type of technical equipment is available?

The Summit Club strives to meet all Members’ and guests’ needs.  We have an array of technical and audiovisual equipment, including LCD projectors, screens, conference phones, microphones, wireless internet, etc.  Most equipment has an additional charge.  Please speak to Stephanie Cuddington, Catering Director. 

What information do I need if I want to use a reciprocal club?

If you decide to use a reciprocal club, please contact the receptionist to have a Letter of Introduction sent stating that you are a Member of The Summit Club in good standing.  It will be faxed within 24 hours of the request.  The Letter of Introduction does not serve as a reservation request.  Every reciprocal club’s policies are different, so Members are asked to make their own specific reservations.  If you have any questions regarding reciprocal clubs please contact Melissa Nichols, Membership Director. 

How do I pay for my usage of the Club's facility?

Members have the option of either charging back to their Club account or paying upon departure.  If a Member decides to charge back to their account, they will be billed in their statement at the end of the month.  If a Member wishes to pay upon departure, the Club accepts credit cards (excluding Discover) and personal checks.  Please contact Angela Duke, Accounting Manager for any inquires. 

What is a service fee?

The Summit Club has a No-Tip Policy.  In order to maintain our committed staff, the Board of Governors announced a no-tip policy.  As of August 1, 2007, each food and beverage transaction automatically includes a 20% service fee.  This change was implemented due to upcoming labor law and minimum wage changes.