Amazing grazing
November 2, 2020
Food is the medium for CLT Cheese Chick’s artistic cheese and charcuterie creations.
by Cathy Martin
When Tori Tippen wanted to get to know people after moving to Charlotte in 2017, she’d invite friends she’d met online to her house for “girl dates.” That’s where Tippen, a software engineer at Microsoft, first started showing off her custom cheese boards.
“I think of it more like cheese art,” says Tippen, a native of Sebastian, Fla. After meeting SkillPop founder Haley Bohon through an event at Red Ventures, Tippen’s previous employer, she started teaching classes so others could learn her techniques. “I sold out of every single class,” Tippen says.
Out of that success, CLT Cheese Chick was born, with the tagline “Embrace your inner Brieyoncé.” Through her website, customers can order traditional or seasonal-themed snack boxes and platters, with prices ranging from $25 to $150. Larger grazing tables run $250-$300. A brunch platter brimming with fresh fruit can be customized with bagels, doughnuts or waffles. Pickup is available at designated locations in Cotswold and near the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Tippen sources almost all of the cheese from Orrman’s Cheese Shop, and most of the produce comes from local farmers markets. She also caters weddings and baby showers, with an option of cheese and charcuterie “cones” ideal for social distancing. Last month, she launched elevated “boho” picnics. Last year’s Thanksgiving season was so busy, Tippen plans to add staff this year in order to fill even more orders. cltcheesechick.com, IG: @cltcheesechick
