Fans of charcuterie boards and other graze-style shareable foods will want to check out a new food concept opening in mid-December in the Grand Central District.

Graze Craze, a brand founded in 2018 that began franchising last year, is coming soon to 2220 Central Avenue. It will be owned and operated by Alex Gonzalez, a native of Pensacola Beach and University of West Florida graduate who developed an affinity for cheese plates and charcuterie boards while studying abroad and traveling in Europe.

Gonzalez has been a St. Pete resident since 2011 and plans to open multiple Graze Craze locations in the area.

“I chose St. Pete because we're known for welcoming new ideas and concepts,” she says, “and with our busy, food-centric lifestyles, it just made sense to offer a convenient charcuterie option to the community. And let's face it: We know good food when we eat it.”  

The Graze Craze menu features four regular charcuterie boards and a rotating selection of seasonal boards, such as the Fall Board and Gameday Board. There are options for vegetarians and adherents to the Keto diet, as well as a dessert board.

The shop caters to a wide variety of customers, with seating for groups but also grab-and-go items, such as a handheld charcuterie board for one in a cup, for people on the move.

“My store will focus a little more on quick pick-up items such as charcuterie cups and single-serving boards — that way, patrons passing by who are heading to their next destination can pop in and grab a bite,” Gonzalez says. “I will also be the only location serving packaged beer and wine. The bulk of our business will still be boards that serve small to large parties.”

Takeout grazing boxes for one to four people are also available.

“The thing that sets Graze Craze apart from other charcuterie options is that we can accommodate anything from a quick lunch on the go or a picnic for two to large event grazing tables,” Gonzalez says. “We use farm-fresh produce, and house-made ingredients such as flavored hummuses, artisan bread, dips, etc., and even offer delivery at no cost.”

The downtown St. Pete Graze Craze, she adds, “will be the only Graze Craze in an urban setting. The rest of the stores are in strip malls.”

“I plan to open two more locations in the St. Petersburg area,” she says. “Those locations will be determined by our customers’ needs and the ordering trends we identify, but I'm hoping to open one in St. Pete Beach.” 

Graze Craze is hoping to open in December at 2220 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg’s Grand Central District. For more information check out their website.