Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Settle.
Hi Melissa , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hi! I’m Melissa Settle, owner/operator of Grazing Parlor. It feels surreal to say that, and has been quite the journey redefining myself after spending sixteen years in the classroom as an educator. I sort of feel like I pursued my purpose for so long, and now I’m getting to pursue my passion…FOOD! But not just any food. I have strong desires to fuel my family’s bodies with wholesome, nutritious meals and want to give our community a quick, accessible option that supports local food vendors here in Jacksonville, Florida. I have a long history of farmers in my family. Shout out to farmer Bill, my dad, in Prospect Tennessee who is probably tending to Bee Farms somehow, someway right now. “There’s always something to do on the farm” was a saying I grew up hearing and knowing to be true. My family farm has been a working cattle farm since 1919; and partnering with local farmers and businesses to source fresh produce for Grazing Parlor is a full-circle moment for me. And who doesn’t LOVE charcuterie?! From the youngest to the oldest, pickiest to adventurous, charcuterie is a crowd pleaser to all. Since our launch 6 months ago, we have been embraced by all of Jacksonville and really encouraged about our concept of bringing build-your-own boards and boxes to the 904. Our motto is To Feast. To Share. To Enjoy. So gather your friends and family, let us make y’all some boxes, and delight in the blessings of food and fellowship!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’m learning it’s the “Who You Know” game. And I’ve been thankful to have met some resourceful people early on in building my business. People who were willing to offer advise, expertise, and time. People who were willing to shoot over a quick email or text that would lead to more connections. It is challenging starting a brand from the ground up. I knew the product itself wouldn’t be the difficult part….premium cheeses and meats, local fruits and veggies…are you kidding me?! But getting in front of the right people, being seen and known, that is hard. I’ve learned that marketing and exposure may not always be a financial profit but definitely has its return on investment.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
There are definitely other great charcuterie catering companies out there, but Grazing Parlor is unique. And what makes us unique is the product we serve. When you order from Grazing Parlor, you are helping more than one local small business. Our pickles and olives are sourced from Olive My Pickle over in San Marco that have the incredible Pickle Factory. Our honey comes from North Florida Bee Co. that has over 100 hives in St. Johns and Duval County. Our jams and jellies are made by the fabulous Little Black Box Baked Goods which offers the most delicious, most unique fruit spreads in town. Our sourdough crackers and loaves by All You Knead. Fruits and veggies grown right here in Florida (besides the grapes…too sweet because of the heat). It’s really important to me to support local. And I feel that is also important to most of Jacksonville. We love to find our go-to establishments and we are faithful to them. Not only does our product make us unique, but the way we serve it does too. We are proud to say that we had the first mobile charcuterie cart in Duval County, our beloved Dolly CARTon. Charcuterie carts are definitely a trend that is popping up everywhere now. It is such a fun, interactive way to meet the dietary needs and palette preferences of each individual.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
You’ve asked the wrong person 😉 I’m the one that gets up $1.00 at the blackjack table and cashes out. But my better half, my husband, balances me out. He has such a heart to live this one life to the fullest and has been the best encourager and supporter for me to follow this dream of mine. And following your dreams always takes risks. The most major risk will probably be financial, but there are also layers of risking rejection, failure, and identity. Being a previous educator, I want to be a life-long learner so I always try to seek wiser counsel and educate myself through various measures. I have a good advisory team around me that helps me make savvy business decisions. Chat GPT is my best friend. Podcast on branding and marketing. Books and articles on established, successful restaurateurs. Saying all of this makes me wonder if my biggest risk is asking and seeking help from others, in hopes that it will be trustworthy and beneficial.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.grazingparlor.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grazingparlor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565072619585
- Other: https://linktr.ee/grazingparlor
