Today we’d like to introduce you to Corey Parker.
Hi Corey, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey in the food world started when I was 16, working at the local Sonic in my hometown. After high school, I went on to NCTC and juggled two waitressing jobs so I could save up to attend a university. After two years of hard work, I headed to Texas State University (Eat Em Up!) to earn my bachelor’s degree in Advertising & Mass Communication. During my time at Texas State, I worked full-time at Gruene River Grill in Gruene, Texas where I was a waitress and bartender. That’s where I truly fell in love with the hustle, the energy, the people that the food industry brings.
After graduating, I transitioned into the marketing industry and now work as a Marketing Manager at a marketing agency. I truly enjoy what I do, but I’ve always felt a pull to do something more, something that connects back to the part of me that loves high energy and bringing people together.
One day, I saw a video of a charcuterie cart in California, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I thought it was the coolest idea and I absolutely love charcuterie! Owning a charcuterie cart is something I could truly see myself doing. I kept talking about it to my husband, my mom, and my friends. I prayed about it, wanting to make sure that this was the right path because I knew starting a business wouldn’t be easy. After three months of feeling that pull, I finally decided to take the leap and get started.
Sunny and Board Charcuterie was born out of a passion for community, connection, and good food. I truly believe that food brings people together, sparks conversation, and creates memories. That’s exactly what I want Sunny & Board Charcuterie to provide to our clients and anyone who experiences our services! Therefore, every charcuterie cart and board we put together is made with care, creativity, and a little sunshine.
My hope is that when people experience Sunny & Board, they feel the joy, warmth, and positivity that inspired it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The biggest struggle I’ve faced was simply getting started. I had zero experience with launching a business, and I had no idea about the licenses, regulations, and hoops you have to jump through to start a catering company. Before I applied for my LLC, I spent months researching, calling my local health department, and reaching out to other charcuterie businesses for guidance. Also, finding a cart I wanted to invest in was a challenge! I wanted one that was luxurious, top tier. I wasn’t going to settle for anything I’m not absolutely in love with and also something I wouldn’t want at my own personal events. So all in all, getting started was definitely a learning curve, but it made the foundation of my business strong and legitimate.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Sunny and Board Charcuterie?
At Sunny and Board Charcuterie, we specialize in our mobile charcuterie cart. It’s perfect for weddings, bridal and baby showers, corporate and holiday parties, retirements, real estate openings, birthdays, brunches, and backyard gatherings. Basically any celebration that you need an appetizer for and want it to be a unique, interactive experience.
We offer two package options, featuring either 6 or 12 assortments of meats, cheeses, dips, fresh fruits and veggies, nuts, sweet treats, and crackers. One of the biggest things that sets us apart from a standard charcuterie grazing table many are likely familiar with is our built-in cooling system. The charcuterie spread will stay perfectly chilled throughout your event. Never warm or soggy. Being in Texas, the cart has certainly been put to the test and it has never failed!
When you book with us, you’ll also have 1–2 Sunny & Board team members on-site to ensure everything stays fresh, sanitary, and styled. We manage the food so there is no cross-contamination between guests, and we maintain the presentation so you don’t have to worry about a thing. With that said, all of our food is prepared in a commercial kitchen so we can consistently meet proper food safety standards and deliver the highest quality experience.
We provide a level of thought and care I believe is unmatched. We will always try and align with your theme, style, and vibe of your event, and we’re happy to get creative. While charcuterie is our specialty, we can absolutely transform the cart into a brunch cart, candy cart, and more, just ask!
Beyond the cart, we also offer standalone charcuterie boards in multiple sizes, mini boxes, letter/number arrangements, and charcuterie cups.
I’m incredibly proud of the Sunny & Board brand, not only because I built it from the ground up with no roadmap, but also because I created it while pregnant and working a full time job, on top of being a mom to my son. I officially launched Sunny and Board a few weeks after my daughter was born. I was so ready to get started!
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The cart industry is booming right now, so I feel like I joined the vendor world at the perfect time. My hope for the next 5–10 years is that Sunny & Board becomes a well-known brand throughout the DFW area and grows into something I can commit to full-time. With two kids under two, I dream of having the freedom and flexibility to work for myself while being fully present in my family’s life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sunnyandboard.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnyandboard/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunnyandboard
Image Credits
Mikaelan Photography
