What started as a hobby for Jacksonville resident Allison Blaue quickly evolved into Char Above the Bar, a thriving charcuterie business that allowed her to leave her corporate job and pursue her passion full-time.
Blaue’s journey began in 2022 after a two-week trip to Italy, which inspired her to launch her own business. She taught herself through online videos, perfecting a unique approach, and made her debut with a grazing table for a friend’s wedding.
“It was time to go big or go home at that point,” she said.
Since launching on social media, Char Above the Bar has become popular across the Northeast Florida area. While bridal and baby showers have become their bread and butter, they also service private events, weddings, birthday parties and much more.
“We’ve had great support from the local community,” Blaue said.
Her Italian-American heritage heavily influences her craft, inspired by memories of her grandmother’s elaborate spreads of meats, cheeses, fruits and antipasto.
Offering both grazing tables and charcuterie boards, Blaue’s business tailors options for different gatherings. While grazing tables are ideal for larger groups and offer a wider variety of foods, the classic charcuterie boards are perfect for the more intimate gatherings and still pack a punch in terms of delicious snack options.
Blaue is committed to reducing food waste, making it a mission at Char Above the Bar. Her team has developed a formula to help minimize excess and ensure sustainability.
Her approach to crafting the beautifully arranged boards and tables combines client ideas with her creative instincts. She’s happy to create a similar design to ones that clients find online, but at this point in her business, Blaue said that most of her clients trust her to create something wholly original.
“It’s kind of like the way an interior designer works,” she explained. “I can walk into a space and see the vision.”
Char Above the Bar serves all of Northeast Florida and has recently expanded into Central Florida, with plans for further growth. Blaue enjoys hosting workshops, teaching clients how to craft charcuterie boards and pair wines, and offers private lessons as well.
Reflecting on her favorite part of her business, Blaue noted how it has become a creative outlet that lets her incorporate family values and traditions.
“Being raised in an Italian-American family like mine, food and drink and family and friendship is everything to me,” she said. “I’m very blessed.”
