🧀 Say Cheese...

If none of the Easter side hustles in last week’s newsletter were your jam🍓, this week’s might be just for you.

Almost literally…

🥖 What’s a Charcuterie Bar & Why People Are Obsessed

Charcuterie bars are a gourmet food experience that combine high-end ingredients, aesthetic presentation, and social appeal—making them a must-have for events like weddings, corporate gatherings, birthdays, and date nights.

Unlike a typical catering setup, a charcuterie bar is interactive. Guests can customize their boards, choose from an array of meats, cheeses, fruits, and spreads, and enjoy a visually stunning centerpiece for their event.

Why is there demand for it?

1. Experiential dining is on the rise – People want more than just food; they want a memorable experience.

2. Perfect for social media – A beautifully arranged charcuterie table is Instagram gold.

3. High-end feel, lower cost than full catering – Hosts get a luxurious vibe without paying for plated dinners.

4. Versatile for any event – From corporate networking to bridal showers, charcuterie fits everywhere.

If you can set up aesthetic, high-quality charcuterie experiences, people will pay top dollar for it. Let’s break down exactly how to do it.

💰 How Much Does It Cost to Get Started?

You don’t need a storefront to start a charcuterie bar—just good branding, the right ingredients, and smart marketing.

Here’s a basic funds breakdown to get started:

• 🧀 Ingredients for practice & initial gigs – $200–$400

• 🍽 Serving boards, trays & utensils – $100–$300 (Check out these affordable bulk options)

• 📦 Packaging & disposable cutlery (for take-home orders) – $50–$150 (Etsy is awesome for this)

• 📝 Food permits & licensing – $50–$500 (varies by state)

• ✨ Branding & logo – $20–$100 (Use Canva or hire a freelancer on Fiverr)

• 🌐 Website & booking setup – $10–$30/month (Use Squarespace or Wix)

Total Startup Cost: $500–$1,500

You can start small with minimal investment and reinvest profits to grow your business.

📅 What to Use for Bookings?

Clients need an easy way to book your charcuterie services.

The best tools for this:

• Calendly – Free and simple for appointment-based bookings.

• HoneyBook – Best for invoicing + contracts + bookings (great for scaling).

• Square Appointments – If you want to collect deposits upfront to secure bookings.

Set up a booking link and add it to your Instagram bio, website, business cards via QR Code, and ads.

IMPORTANT NOTE: it’s recommended to have people fill out a form with the desired charcuterie type, people amount, type of event, dietary restrictions, and so on prior to setting a final date.

📣 How to Market It (and Get Booked Fast)

Charcuterie is visual—which means Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest are your best marketing tools.

Top Marketing Strategies:

1. Instagram Reels & TikToks – Show behind-the-scenes of your setups, board styling, and event transformations.

2. Local Facebook Groups – Offer introductory discounts to moms’ groups, wedding planners, and event organizers.

3. Pinterest & SEO – Pin your boards & website photos with keywords like “luxury charcuterie board for weddings.”

4. Wedding & Event Planners – Partner with The Knot or local event planners to be their go-to charcuterie vendor.

Pro Tip:

Market your charcuterie bar as a luxury experience, not just food. People don’t pay for cheese—they pay for the aesthetic, service, and convenience.

📦 How to Create Packages & Price Correctly

Your pricing should reflect ingredient costs, labor, and setup time. Here’s a basic structure:

Standard Pricing Guide:

• Small grazing box (for 1–2 people) – $25–$50

• Medium charcuterie board (for 4–6 people) – $80–$150

• Large event grazing table (for 20+ guests) – $350–$1,000+

How to Charge Properly:

• Charge per person or per board – Factor in ingredient costs, delivery, and setup time.

• Add premium upsells – Custom boards, vegan/gluten-free options, edible flowers, personalized name tags.

• Require deposits upfront – Use Square to secure bookings and avoid last-minute cancellations.

📈 How to Scale & Make Even More Money

Once your charcuterie bar gains traction, you can expand into high-profit add-ons:

1. Corporate Contracts – Offer weekly charcuterie delivery for office events and happy hours.

2. DIY Charcuterie Kits – Sell pre-packed kits that customers can order online.

3. Charcuterie Workshops – Host classes on how to make beautiful boards (perfect for team-building events).

4. Monthly Subscription Boxes – Sell a “cheese of the month” club with premium gourmet cheeses & meats.

5. Affiliate Partnerships – Partner with local wineries, breweries, or coffee shops for cross-promotions.

🎨 Where to Get Affordable Branding & Logo Design

Branding is essential, but you don’t need a big budget to look professional.

• DIY: Use Canva for free templates.

• Freelancers: Hire affordable designers on Fiverr or Upwork.

• Printing: Get business cards & promo materials printed cheaply at Vistaprint.

So you don’t procrastinate, we even got started on a logo for you…

Honestly, what’s better than getting paid to play with cheese and snacks all day? 🧀💰