Iman Hobbs Browne

Graze Craze helps clients celebrate gatherings, gifting and everyday moments with elevated charcuterie boards and boxes artfully arranged with meats, cheeses, fruits and veggies, housemade dips and baked goods. Iman Hobbs Browne opened Graze Craze Redondo Beach in May—the first Los Angeles location of the international brand. She  is a former TV journalist and talent acquisition executive.

What are the latest trends in your industry that you’re loving?

I absolutely love that charcuterie has become part of the mobile cart scene. It has been so much fun showing up to events with our Graze Craze “Char-cutie Cart” and interacting with people over small bites of delicious food. I’m also excited that our charcuterie-making classes are becoming more popular, as folks realize that charcuterie is so much more than just meat and cheese. These classes demonstrate that charcuterie can be a fun and creative experience. And it’s OK to play with your food!

How does authenticity play into your business model?

Graze Craze is a service-oriented business that relies on the personal connections we make with our customers. We invite people to “Celebrate Everything” with elevated charcuterie that’s beautiful, delicious, convenient and accessible. If we provide an authentic, memorable experience for a customer, that person is more likely to return to us and even refer a friend or family member.

We were recognized by BusinessRate as the #1 charcuterie caterer in Redondo Beach two months after we opened—an award based solely on organic 5-star customer reviews on Google. That meant the world to me as a new business owner because it shows that we are connecting with our customers in a meaningful way.

Tell us about your team.

I am blessed to have a small but mighty team of four grazologists who have been with me since day one. Each member is kind, creative and genuinely cares about the quality of their creations. I love seeing the pride they take in handing their boards and boxes to customers—who always comment on the beauty and presentation of the food.

Photographed by Fabien & Laura Castro