FEBRUARY 2026 40 Charcuterie Bar & Co Taylored Charcuterie Caldwell County BBQ Minnow Sushi & Cocktails I t doesn’t matter who or what you’re celebrating – a sports team, your significant other, your family, yourself… there’s never a wrong time for meats, cheeses and accoutrements when it comes time for snacking. The charcuterie board is a place to keep said snackies in easy reach – and these Valley businesses can help you plan a spread for the big game or a night in, whatever your heart desires this February!  tayloredcharcuterie.com Taylored Charcuterie debuted in January 2022 after owner Taylor Hicks started making boards for her own parties and events. She started posting on social media that she was offering charcuterie boards and began receiving requests from people she didn’t know. After learning the legalities of owning a charcuterie company and obtaining all the right paperwork (plus a commercial kitchen space to rent out), Taylor was in business. “I decided to expand my scope of delivery because honestly I have a hard time saying no!” Taylor said. “If I can make your event special then why wouldn’t I do everything I can to make it happen? A customer can find someone closer to them, but they see the value and artistry in my product.” Everything about Taylored Charcuterie is customizable. The company can provide anything from individual cups, boards, grazing tables, charcuterie letters/numbers, breakfast boards, and workshops. Grazing tables have various add-on options such as florals/greenery and elevated risers with four different styles to choose from. “I love a good theme and making your charcuterie board match the aesthetic you are trying to achieve, whether that’s matching the color scheme with food safe florals or adding little touches to make it obvious what theme you are going for,” Taylor said. Her favorite theme thus far would have to be “a cutie is on the way” for a baby shower where she created a grazing table spread on elevated risers that incorporated fresh citrus throughout. “Since it’s February and football watch parties are happing, I would use spicier meats such as calabrese or peppered salami, seasoned nuts, robust cheeses such as an aged gouda or gloucester onion chive, and style the salami into the shape of football for a special touch,” she said. There’s another side of Taylored Charcuterie called Taylored Barkuterie, which is charcuterie for dogs. Taylor started networking with dog treat companies in the Valley and proposed bringing different vendors together to create a sample platter AKA a BARKuterie board. “I like to call it a ‘Taste of Arizona’ for your dog. The idea is your pup gets to try a sample of a treat from these different companies and find what they like; then you can look up who made the treat and buy a whole bag from that vendor,” Taylor said. “I enjoy supporting other small businesses!”  charcuteriebarandco.com Charcuterie Bar and Co is the brainchild of best friends and Valley residents Chanel and Sarah. Officially launched in June 2024, the business grew from a shared love of charcuterie and a vision: make food feel like an experience, not just a spread. With no formal roadmap, the pair jumped in headfirst, researching, binge-watching TikToks about mobile businesses, and leaning on friends for guidance. “We wanted to create something that instantly elevated a girls’ night or a fun day with friends. Most of our nights out were spent at places like Postino or cute wine bars,” Chanel said, “and we started asking ourselves why this experience has to live somewhere else. We wanted to bring that vibe directly to people in a way that felt personal, interactive, and a little extra (in the best way).” While a storefront wasn’t part of the original plan, recent conversations about a potential Arcadia location in the future means that this duo has big dreams and goals in store. Charcuterie Bar and Co’s signature service is the Charcuterie Cart. Complete with on-site setup and a curated selection of meats, cheeses, and accompaniments, the cart allows guests to build their own boards from a rotating selection of 12 options. “Guests are served by our staff on either a keepsake mini board or a disposable box with a lid perfect for mingling,” Chanel said. A brunch menu caters to daytime events, and traditional boards are available for classic occasions. The business also expanded its offerings with a Cake Cart in partnership with SweetNess Cakes & Treats, giving guests the chance to customize mini cakes with the same interactive energy as the charcuterie experience. “The most popular board is the personal mini board, hands down. People love being able to build from the 12 options on the cart,” Chanel said. “It turns food into an experience, and everyone gets exactly what they want.” Local sourcing is a priority, with ingredients selected from area vendors whenever possible to support the community. Themes are another favorite part of the process, from Sarah’s Valentine’s boards with custom macarons to Chanel’s girls’ night setups. “We had custom mini macarons from a local baker that were almost too cute to eat and I still think about how delicious they were,” Sarah said. Looking ahead, Chanel and Sarah are focused on growth, new menus, themed carts, and continuing to create moments that feel thoughtfully designed for every guest, whether at a private party, corporate event, or celebration in between.  If you’re throwing a party for that upcoming football game, here are a few spots offering snacks and catering options. Minnow Sushi & Cocktails (4501 N. 32nd St., Phoenix) is offering sushi platters, available for pickup on February 8. Designed for sharing, the trays feature a mix of specialty and classic rolls, bento boxes, nigiri, and sashimi, all prepared fresh and packaged for easy hosting. The Big Fish Party Platter feeds six to seven guests. Preorders are required. eatminnow.com Pedal Haus (730 S. Mill Ave., Tempe) is celebrating with drink specials until 3 p.m., half-off chicken and cauliflower wings all day, team-themed Jell-O shots, and a free celebratory shot for guests wearing the winning team’s colors after the big game. pedalhausbrewery.com Tracy Dempsey Originals (1323 W. University Dr., Tempe) is leaning into comfort-forward favorites with a lineup of snacks. The menu includes caramelized onion dip, pimento cheese, the ever- popular “naughty dip,” sweet-and-savory snack mix, ham and cheese sliders on house-made Parker House rolls, and pepperoni and veggie supreme galettes. Orders must be placed by February 1 for February 7 pickup. tracydempseyoriginals.com It’s a bit of a drive, but good BBQ is worth it! Caldwell County (8315 W. Washington St., Peoria) is bringing back its once-a-year smoked wings, available by the dozen or two dozen and paired with buffalo, Alabama white sauce, or BBQ ranch, alongside larger preorder options that include ribs, house-made jalapeño cheddar sausage, family meals, and sides. Orders are accepted online and must be picked up day-of. caldwellcountybbq.com