SLO County mom launches snack box business with 11-year-old son. ‘It’s been a whirlwind’
A San Luis Obispo County mom and her 11-year-old son have launched a new business offering sweet and savory snacks.
Little Grazer’s menu promises “food for every mood,” ranging from charcuterie boards to brunch boxes, according to owner Sara Smith.
Smith said, people order boxes for many occasions — from bachelorette parties to picnics at the beach. Little Grazer offers pickup in Atascadero or delivery in San Luis Obispo County.
The charcuterie boxes feature meats, cheeses, fresh produce, artisan crackers and other sweet and savory snacks, plus a choice of honey, jam or lemon curd. The boxes come in three sizes, serving up to nine people, and range in price from $38 to $75
Other options include the Brunch Box, which features breakfast favorites such as bacon, pancakes and fresh fruit, and the Sugar Cube, a selection of sweet and savory snacks that can be delivered anywhere in the United States.
Smith purchases some items for the boxes wholesale and also sources foods from local small businesses. She said her favorite treats to add include French-style macarons from Boy Mama Bakes in Paso Robles.
Smith and her husband, Scott Wodin, moved to San Luis Obispo County in 2018. They live in Atascadero with their three children: 11-year-old Bradley, 2-year-old William and 8-month old Grace.
The coronavirus pandemic forced the family to stay at home, Smith said, especially when she was pregnant. To keep busy, Smith and her oldest son experimented in the kitchen.
“Most of the time, Bradley and I would end up with these little grazing boards, or charcuterie boards,” Smith said.
Smith began gifting the charcuterie boards to family and friends over the holiday season.
“I was in a little gift exchange with a mom’s group and we put together one of the boxes to bring as a gift,” Smith said. “It really grew from there. It’s been a whirlwind.”
On Christmas Eve 2020, Smith sold her first orders.
Little Grazer is a “from our family to yours” business, Smith said, as Bradley helps put together boxes and William serves as a taste tester for new products.
“Of course you can still take a box to the winery with your girlfriends or give it as a gift to an executive, but if you brought it home to your 2-year-old kid, it’d still be awesome,” Smith said.
Smith prepares orders in a small commercial kitchen in a detached studio on the family’s property in Atascadero.
Wodin watches the younger two children as Bradley joins his mom in the kitchen.
“That time he knows is just for me and him, not the 2-year-old and the baby,” Smith said. “It’s been a really great bonding experience during these stressful times.”
To purchase a Little Grazer box, board or table, visit www.littlegrazerslo.com.
