Here’s a thought for your next group gathering: Why not trade out the pizza, chips and veggie plates for something a little different?
Suburban Graze has been using pop-up events to sell its customized charcuterie boxes that are ready to be served at your next Chicago Bears playoff game party, baby shower or other occasion.
“I felt inspired to turn part of our family’s journey into something I could share with others,” Jessica Vorakoummane Henryson said of what led to the launching of the business she runs with husband Scott.
That journey involved time spent in Japan and travels by car across the United States to military bases in California and Virginia, where Scott was stationed during his 21-year career with the U.S. Marine Corps.
Instead of loading up on the usual gas station snack foods, Henryson said they would put together their own charcuterie spreads. It helped make their kids curious eaters and spurred their imaginations as they made up stories about where the meat, cheese, fruits, nuts and other items came from, she said.
“This gave them a sense of grounding,” Henryson said. “Everywhere we went, we connected through food. Local meats, cheeses and specialty items became our way of discovering new cultures and spending meaningful time together,” Henryson said.
After Scott retired from the Marines, the couple bought a home in Pingree Grove in September 2024 so they could be close to their families. Both Scott and Jessica grew up in Elgin.
On its Facebook page, the business is described as a way to “build your bites. A mobile charcuterie cart company that encourages guests to create their personal grazing board. We set up with a variety of meats, cheeses & accompaniments. Then you pick what you want on your board.”
The genesis for it stemmed from two experiences, Henryson said.
She would make charcuterie boards for family and friends’ get-togethers and was frequently told how expensive it was to buy one at the store or through a caterer, she said. And while waiting in lines at food trucks, she would often think how much easier and quicker it would be if customers could just buy pre-made charcuterie-style foods.
The next step was meeting with Ula Borodzinska, owner of downtown Elgin’s Martini Room, where Henryson once worked, and proposing they sell charcuterie-style boxes that patrons could purchase and nibble on during the bar’s weekly Wednesday martini flight nights, she said.
They went over so well that the boxes are now regularly available as part of the Martini Room’s midweek promotion. She’s also putting together a grazing table for a murder mystery night the bar will be holding in February.
An email to the Plank Road Tap Room led to selling charcuterie at the rural Elgin establishment’s bingo nights and bourbon tasting events. They’ve also sold their goods at Elgin’s annual Fringe Festival events and at Riverlands Brewing Company in St. Charles.
Prices range from $10 to $30 depending on how many cheeses, meats, “fusions” and accompaniments the customer seeks. Fusions are things like goat cheese-stuffed dates and proscuitto/mozzarella. Accompaniments are categorized as fresh (bell peppers, cucumbers, grapes, blueberries), salty (olives, dill pickles, spicy mix, asparagus), sweet (dried mango, chocolate pretzels, dried apricots) and nutty (cashews, pistachios, honey roasted medley).
“We are continually humbled by the support and enthusiasm we receive,” Henryson said.
That support includes customers who have requested they put together larger charcuterie spreads, she said.
Scott manages the behind-the-scenes operations for Suburban Grazing while he works as a stay-at-home dad, she said. She works full time for a small company in Elgin doing customer service, shipping and logistics.
Daughter Valarie, 10, and son Xander, 8, also play important roles as de facto focus group members charged with testing out what items to include in the spreads.
“They can be opinionated, particularly when it comes to cheeses,” Henryson said. “They have adventurous palates, especially for kids. When given a choice, they would prefer eating at a ramen place than a McDonald’s any day.”
Having worked as a server for Soldier Field skyline suites during Chicago Bears games and in food service for press and players at Chargers games when the team played in San Diego, Henryson said she has given some thought to what she might serve at a game-watching party.
A Bears-themed charcuterie might include blackberries and blueberries and a sharp cheddar cheese, she said. Most likely it would feature dates stuffed with cheese and wrapped in bacon, a popular staple in a Suburban Graze lineup, she said.
Her only requirement is at least five days’ notice so she can plan and shop for the items needed.
“To get in touch, I encourage residents to follow our Facebook and Instagram pages and to engage with all local businesses online,” Henryson said. “Like, share, comment and spread the word. Those small actions make a big difference for entrepreneurs like us.”
Mike Danahey is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
