Vision comes in multiple forms for entrepreneurs. Gina and Evan O’Rourke have always been visionaries in one form or another. When people drank coffee in diners and restaurants, young Gina and Evan dreamed of opening a coffee shop. Gina was serving her household guests from a charcuterie board before that single-plated cornucopia of food became popular.
In March 2021, opening a shop of charcuterie boards began to form in her mind. As she looked at the crowd gathered outside of a food shop where she was waiting for some of her favorite food, the word “Gather” came to mind. It’s exactly what people do around foods they enjoy. They gather around charcuterie boards.
A mere four months later, Gather, the first licensed charcuterie vendor in town, was operational. They had acquired business and food service licenses, supplies, a website and space in a shared kitchen. The O’Rourkes move quickly.
They move quickly on production, too. While most caterers will ask for a couple days’ notice, if you call Gather by 6:00PM on Friday, you can pick up your order at noon on Saturday. The cellophane-wrapped, basket-like creation is easy to carry from their shop at 300 E. 2nd Street.
All Gather collections are cold or cool foods, but they can be savory or sweet, vegan or gluten-free. Their ingredients are fresh, organic and usually served on palm leaf trays. A charcuterie board could be the typical cold cuts and cheeses, fruits, veggies, and tea sandwiches. You could also order a S’mores tray, a tray of hot chocolate toppings, goat cheese truffles and more.
Actually, the “more” is sometimes hidden. For example, one of Gather’s customers loves olives, so Gina hides additional olives under a sunflower garnish.
Sometimes, being surprised is delightful.
The “more” can also be in plain sight as a large, plentiful and gorgeous Grazing Table. That’s not a table full of multiple plates of offerings. Think of your table as the charcuterie board. Gather can create one for thirty-five people or more. From edge to edge, the table is full of tasty delights designed specifically for gathering.
If you have a bridal shower, a celebration of life, a retirement party or simply a large family reunion, gathering around a Grazing Table adds to the camaraderie and enjoyment. Food and fun always pair well and delight guests. One of Gather’s customers called while still on her honeymoon to tell Gina that the Grazing Table had been the highlight of their wedding reception.
For something smaller, order a Charcuterie Cone, a small Picnic Box, the Sweetheart Box, Date Night Box, or the charming Children’s Tea Sandwiches that are cut into different shapes. One of the smaller orders is also a good gift for a grieving family. Grazing as they gather is sometimes easier than heating a casserole.
The vision of Gather’s owners continues. They’ve taken the emerging trend toward Butter Boards and made them their own. Imagine a peanut butter and chocolate hummus board with pretzels, etc. There are other sweet or savory options. Beyond the platter, Gather also offers craft cocktail kits to go. The kits are freshly-dried fruit, herbs and flavored turbinado sugar in a Mason jar. Add your own spirits and let them infuse for a few days. Serve as you wish or use one of the recipes Gather provides.
Gina and Evan also envision their own storefront. They’ll get there someday. Gathering is an age-old human activity. Food is a necessity.
TIPS TO CREATE YOUR OWN GRAZING TABLE
While Gather prepares a Grazing Table on site, there are a few secrets to creating one yourself.
Place the table so guests can walk around it and cover the surface with food-safe butcher paper. Build height into your display for the best look. Follow the usual charcuterie rules:
1. Provide 2 oz. of meat and 2 oz. of cheese per guest.
2. Fill with really fresh local products.
3. Remove anything bruised or blemished.
4. Keep it all bite-sized.
5. Keep damp items away from crackers.
For something less challenging, try one of Gina's Private Charcuterie Classes.
GatherCharcuterie.com