“It’s really just a nickname that was catchy,” Patel said. “It’s always been a name of trade for me.”
YaYaYum Boards specializes in artisanal grazing boards. The business offers classic or deluxe cheese charcuterie boards, a meat lover’s board, a seasonal fruit board, dessert boards, brunch boards and holiday-themed boards. Patel also sells grazing tables, which can span 30 square feet and feed 250 people. Prices range from $12.75 to $3,200.
The first charcuterie board Patel said she ever had was a $5 meat and cheese tray from Walmart. In college, Patel said she and her friends made charcuterie boards for “The Bachelor” watch parties.
After Patel graduated from The University of Arkansas in 2019, her mom suggested she try selling her boards online.
“I thought it was a crazy idea,” Patel said.
Patel began by posting ads on local social media pages. After working out of her parents’ house for about a year and a half, Patel’s business became successful enough that she purchased her storefront in July 2020.
With Grapevine’s many local businesses and its history with wine, Patel said it was “really great” to open a store in its historic downtown.
“Grapevine is a great community, I really love it,” Patel said. “I mean, the wine and the cheese—that just pairs perfectly together.”
Patel said she likes to create what she calls perfect bites, combinations that taste amazing. It is important to try different flavors together, she said.
“I’ve noticed when people eat perfect bites, they do a little dance,” Patel said.
One of her combinations features brie, honeycomb and prosciutto. Another has blueberry vanilla goat cheese, dark chocolate and honey.
Patel recently began hosting workshops in the space, and she said she plans to rent out the space for classes and other events.
“Our boards bring people together,” Patel said. “It’s more than just what’s on the board. It’s about creating the conversation that goes with it.”
YaYaYum Boards, 112 E. Texas St., Grapevine. 817-722-6057. www.yayayumboards.com Hours: Tue.-Wed 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Thu.-Fri 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
