When a love of cheese and a business idea combine, you know it's going to be something 'grate'! Owner of Table and Graze, Michelle, shares her 'grassroots' story below.

Q. How did your grassroots story start?

A. Table and Graze was established in 2017 and was inspired by a personal love for all things cheese and gourmet! We have always loved entertaining and believe that food is more than something you just consume – it can be the very essence of a gathering, something special to share. So, after putting together countless grazing boards for friends and family, it was suggested by one of them that perhaps we should do it for a living!

Q. How would you define your business/service as local?

A. Table and Graze is based in Wagga Wagga NSW and covers much of the Riverina providing grazing tables for events, weddings, parties, and celebrations! We often cater for many large local festivals, corporate catering events, and other markets. Our family business is operated by myself, husband Michael and daughter Millie. I was born and raised in Wagga Wagga and have been lucky enough to call this city my home for most of my life.

At Table and Graze we try and support other local businesses wherever possible, including Wollundry Grove Olives, Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory, Riverina Grove, Wagga Fruit Supply, Three Hives Beekeeping, and Wagga Catering Equipment just to name a few. Most of our customers are within Wagga Wagga and nearby surrounding areas, however we do travel all over the state, as well as Victoria and the ACT for larger events. We feel very fortunate to be able to employ several casual staff on an ongoing basis, all of whom are Wagga locals and love cheese almost as much as we do!

Q. How have you pivoted during this time of Covid-19? And, have you experienced an increase in ‘shopping local?’

A. The last few months have certainly been challenging with Covid-19 restrictions in place. We have unfortunately had to postpone or cancel all our bookings over the next few months for grazing tables and large events. However, our grazing boxes and platters have never been busier, and we have experienced substantial growth in this area of our business, with many people choosing to shop and support local, rather than perhaps purchasing items online.

Q. Why is it important for consumers to root for local?
A.  Supporting local businesses puts the cash back into the local economy, and assists to provide jobs for local suppliers, growers and staff. When you purchase local, you are also supporting someone’s dream - giving them testimony that the hard work and long hours have all been worth the effort! By continuing to shop local this will see Wagga Wagga and surrounding communities thrive and navigate through these challenging times that we are all now facing.

Q. What’s next for your business/service? 

A.  At Table and Graze we plan on expanding to cover more areas throughout the region, including Albury/Wodonga, Canberra, and some visits to smaller towns in areas that may not get an opportunity to try our product otherwise. We are also looking at new and fresh ideas for our grazing tables and are excited to show these off once we are back into it!

Head to Table and Graze's website for more on this great business.

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