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CHARCUTERIE FOR EVERY CELEBRATION GATHER ‘ROUND & GRAZE FOUNDER KALEY CHANK CREATES BUSINESS IN THE PANDEMIC
Kaley Chank has been making charcuterie boxes and plates for her friends and family for as long as she can remember. Wherever there was a housewarming party, a holiday event, or a celebration, Kaley was likely there with a well- thought-out and — most importantly — scrumptious assortment of meats, cheeses, and more.
“I love how much food can bring people together, especially just mixing and matching a smorgasbord of cheese and meats,” Kaley says.
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When she was furloughed from her job as the event coordinator for Hunger Thirst Group due to COVID-19, Kaley had a revelation. As she was packing a box filled with yummy creations for a friend, Kaley thought she just might be able to pack and sell the boxes. That was the inception of Gather ‘Round & Graze, a charcuterie board service mailed to customers’ doors. After the initial idea, Kaley found a commercial kitchen to operate out of and became food ServSafe certified. She’s also taking cheese and wine courses to build her knowledge.
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district also recently pushed back the start of school to Aug. 24 to help our community better prepare.
It’s reassuring to see the school board is taking our expert concerns seriously. I commend the efforts being taken by HCPS so far, but I believe there have been missteps leading up to this moment, and there is more we could do to ensure the safety and protection of our children. As pillars of the community, hospitals and schools have a duty to protect our most vulnerable populations. And I believe our community as a whole must share that responsibility. As both a doctor and a dad, I can’t help but be frustrated by the rate at which members of our community and nation refuse to wear a mask. When you tout personal freedoms over the safety, protection, and well-being of others, you put our children, neighbors, our community, and our society at risk. Like drinking and driving or not wearing your seatbelt, refusing to wear a mask is reckless. I plan to continue working with our local districts and professionals to ensure our community stays safe. I hope you do your part as well and wear your mask.
The response, Kaley says, has been welcoming.
“Who knew the world needed charcuteries delivered right to their door,” Kaley says. “It’s been great how the community has welcomed me with open arms.”
In addition to ordering your own custom-made charcuterie box, Gather ‘Round & Graze also offers specialty packages. Father’s Day boxes came with cigars and candles, while the Fourth of July box was packed with sweet cupcakes and Sour Patch Kids. Each box also comes with a handwritten card, thanking customers for their business and wishing them a happy celebration. Kaley says her supportive network of friends, her business partner and boyfriend, Danny, and the community’s referrals have been helpful in propelling her venture into entrepreneurship. Hunger Thirst Group’s owner has also mentioned they would be willing to work with Kaley and support her in this business endeavor, even as she returns to her original job.
Kaley expected nothing less from the St. Pete community.
“I just love the sense of community and the local love everyone has for the small businesses,” Kaley says. “It’s just a really cute, tightknit family, and everyone wants everyone to succeed.”
Stay safe,
Learn more about Gather ‘Round & Graze on Facebook.
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