A new Timmins business has an eye for detail and is bringing a new luxury experience to town.
The Northern Grazing Co. offers specialty snack boxes, grazing tables, and charcuterie. Only months into its existence, owners Molly McTiernan and Michael Cook are already eyeing ways to grow.
Launching a business wasn't necessarily on the menu for 2024.
Fuelled by a passion for entertaining, it's long been McTiernan's dream to create with food and share her love of grazing and charcuterie.
This past year, her mom unexpectedly died. The loss was the motivation needed to chase her dreams.
"I just thought, you know what, life's so short. And it's something that ... is therapeutic for me. Just realizing how fragile and short life is, I want to make the most of it, do what I want to do and do what makes me happy."
With help and encouragement from her children, they posted about the grazing boxes on social media in mid-January.
"As soon as we put it on Facebook, people started to order and I was able to get my feet under me because you know, you're nervous ... and then like Valentine's Day was insane," she recalled.
A section of their basement was quickly renovated into a kitchen where orders are prepped and packaged. They're already talking about expanding the space to accommodate the number of requests.
The health unit inspects the kitchen and The Northern Grazing Co. is a fully licensed caterer.
When making an order, most people tell McTiernan what they want.
Generally, the orders include crackers, cheese, fruit, and baking.
The list of companies they work with is a who's who of some of the fresh food available in the region.
The baking is from Woodland Bakes, One Crumb Cookies by Jess and Jules' Cookies. The meat comes from Dabrowski's and Acres of Dreams, the cheese is from Cochrane, and each order includes That's My Jam from Sudbury. Orders can also be dairy-free, gluten-free or vegetarian.
They've recently started working with someone who does laser cutouts.
It means that with at least a week's notice, your order can be personalized, whether it's for real estate, your favourite teacher or dancer, or to celebrate a special occasion.
"That's where I absolutely have fun. That's, you know, kind of my art outlet where I can create with the boxes and boards," she said.
Both working full-time jobs, Northern Grazing is a passion project that's fit in with early mornings and late nights.
When Cook is off work for a stretch of time, lunch service is available and delivered to you.
"We're super thankful to the community just for supporting us ... when we drop an order off and just to see people, the look on their faces when they get it," she said, adding that they often receive messages within the hour commenting on the attention to detail.
Following dreams doesn't stop at snack boxes.
The pair is already working to offer luxury picnics this summer.
Imagine a table low to the ground with oversized cushions to sit on.
"We're gonna do everything very much like a bohemian feel to it. Then you can book it just that if you want to bring your own food, or we can supply the grazing for it," said McTiernan.
Having seen similar experiences in bigger centres, McTiernan wanted to help bring it locally.
It's perfect for a girls' night, proposals, date night and more.
To get in touch with The Northern Grazing Co., check out their Facebook page or email [email protected].
