Derek and Andrea Johnston share their journey from enjoying a charcuterie board on their first date to founding The Gathering Board, a successful charcuterie business started during the pandemic.

• Started business without formal planning after discovering no similar services existed in their area
• Built their website in three days and received their first non-friend order while grocery shopping
• Initially operated as a "bootleg" business until securing proper licensing and a commercial space
• Gained traction through Facebook group "Cherokee Connect," generating 500 website visits overnight
• Adopted Gordon Ramsay's quality standards after Andrea watched Hell's Kitchen while recovering from a broken jaw
• Expanded from small home delivery boards to event catering, now representing 75% of their business
• Secured their liquor license to provide full-service events including charcuterie and their signature "Pasta Baby" dish
• Partner with Rally Foundation for childhood cancer research, raising $20,000 through donated services
• Now employ a manager plus several staff members after five years in business
• Maintain the same high standards for every client regardless of size or profile

Follow the same high standards for all your work because you never know when a small job will lead to a major opportunity – many clients try a small order before booking a wedding or large event.
andrea@thegatheringboard.co

https://www.instagram.com/thegatheringboard.co/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/thegatheringboard.co/?ref=_xav_ig_profile_page_web#

www.thegatheringboard.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-johnston-70a8271bb/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-johnston-4806746a/

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