It almost didn’t happen. About a week after Hurricane Helene hit, Clint and Cheryl Hardy were supposed to sign franchise papers to open a Graze Craze location at The Shoppes at Blue Ridge in Evans.
“Looking around at the destruction, there was every reason not to move forward but we felt the opportunity was too good to pass up,” said Clint Hardy.
Clint and Cheryl worked at SRS and in cyber security for a combined 75 years. When Clint retired, he kept looking for something to do. Cheryl had a passion for creating, between the two of them, the buy-in to the Graze Craze franchise was a perfect fit. They had a soft opening on February 13 and business has been brisk since then.
The charcuterie business has grown by leaps and boards in the past few years. According to Chicago-based Nielsen Perishables Group, charcuterie types of packaged lunch meats reached $561 million in 2019, up 8.1%. Today charcuterie boards are sold in grocery stores, restaurants, and by franchises like Graze Craze.
“I think the popularity might be because it’s healthy but also can offer a variety including cups for one, bowls for two, or boards to feed as many as you want. Graze Craze dips, the breads, and the cookies are all made fresh daily,” said Clint.
The Hardys are active in the community as members of the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and support several different causes and organizations, including breast cancer awareness and the Red Cross. Their three sons all played baseball, and their youngest went on to play at a professional level, including being part of the Savannah Bananas during their inaugural season. Baseball has always been a huge part of the Hardys’ lives, so they plan to use Graze Craze to support area little league teams.
“We are also excited for the upcoming Masters tournament. When we mentioned to Graze Craze President Cory Hibbard that we weren’t sure we could handle the demand, he rented a house and is sending help during the Masters week.”
Graze Craze Augusta is open for online ordering, pick-up, catering, and local delivery Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. For more information, visit www.grazecraze.com/augusta-ga, call 706-842-6171, or go to 4118 Evans to Locks Road in Evans.
Editor’s Note:
Mitzi Oxford is a veteran broadcaster and features writer who also worked at the same television station in Columbus, Georgia as Augusta’s Brad Means! If you have a South Carolina story idea for Mitzi, please email her at mitzioxfordcreative@gmail.com.
