Overland Park welcomed a new culinary destination this week when Graze Craze opened its first Kansas City metro location in the city’s downtown district. The franchise, owned by husband‑and‑wife team Ron and Christine Pitts, brings a Florida‑originated concept that emphasizes fresh, handcrafted snack boards for a variety of occasions.
Hand‑made boards for any event
Graze Craze specializes in made‑to‑order charcuterie boards and boxed spreads that can be sized for a single serving or scaled up to feed as many as 200 guests. The menu includes a “classic” board featuring cured meats, cheeses, vegetables, fruits and crackers, as well as a “sweet” board loaded with chocolates, fresh fruit, cookies and sweet dips. For those seeking lighter or breakfast‑style options, the shop offers a vegetarian board and a brunch board that includes pastries and breakfast meats.
Fresh‑made staples on site
Co‑owner Christine Pitts highlighted the shop’s commitment to quality, noting that many of the components are prepared in‑house. “We make all of our hummuses, our breads, our cookies,” Pitts said. “We bake all of those here, and we make our jellies and jams all here in the store. It’s all the real stuff, so it makes a huge difference in quality.” Smaller‑scale spreads such as the two‑person “grazer” and the single‑serving “char‑cutie‑cup” provide convenient snack options for individuals or couples.
Local roots and community response
Ron Pitts brings three decades of United States Army service to the venture, while Christine Pitts has a background in ministry at her local church and a long‑standing interest in crafts—a skill set she says translates well to the art of assembling attractive food displays. “This is a craft as well, being able to create beautiful food for people,” she explained.
Early feedback from Overland Park residents has been positive. The Pitts family reports that customers appreciate having a “healthier alternative” to the typical snack trays seen at workplace events and parties. “Being the first one in Kansas, people aren’t really sure what Graze Craze is, so there is a lot of curiosity out there,” Christine said. “The reception has been really warm and welcoming.”
What’s next for Graze Craze?
With the downtown Overland Park location now operating, the franchise plans to serve a broad clientele that includes corporate meetings, holiday gatherings, picnics and everyday meals. The owners hope the shop will become a go‑to spot for families and professionals seeking high‑quality, customizable snack solutions.
Graze Craze’s entry into the Kansas City metro market adds to the region’s growing food‑service landscape, offering a fresh, locally‑produced option that aligns with the community’s desire for quality and convenience.
Original reporting: Johnson County Post (Overland Park) — read the source article.
