CATERING TO LOCAL TASTE BUDS. Nick and Brittany Hughes, an Eau Claire couple in the mental health and health industries, decided to launch Northwoods Grazing as a way to join family or COVID pods together over one common interest: delicious local food.

Northwoods Grazing, a new catering service in Eau Claire, began in the middle of a global pandemic as a way to bring people together. Confused? Don’t be.  

Nick and Brittany Hughes – Menomonie residents who work in the mental health and healthcare industries – missed hosting parties and get-togethers complete with cheese platters, chips and dip, meats, and all kinds of yummy goodies, and they wanted to create a way for families to (safely) gather for game nights, movie nights, or quiet get-togethers amid the pandemic. Thus, Northwoods Grazing was born.  

“It’s kind of our creative outlet,” said Brittany Hughes.

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We Love how many local farmers and producers there are in this area, and we wanted to help highlight their products.

Nick and Brittany Hughes

Owners of Northwoods Grazing

The couple’s focus is on quality local food, with individual boxes and platters available for couples and families to share meats, cheeses, sandwiches, fruits and veggies, honey, nuts, and other local goods. Since the business started in November, they’ve explored different local producers: Cady Cheese Factory & Shop, Eau Galle Cheese, Marieke Gouda, Cut Rite Meats – the list goes on.  

“(We) decided to start Northwoods Grazing as a way for us to work on something together that would be a creative outlet and also bring a unique service to the Chippewa Valley,” the pair said. “We love how many local farmers and producers there are in this area and wanted to help highlight their products!”  

The pair also wanted to create opportunities for families – after a long day of virtually working and learning – to enjoy time together. Since this is a side-gig business, most of their platters and goodie boxes are centered around special events, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, the Super Bowl, and – most pressing – Valentine’s Day. In February, they plan to offer a “sweethearts box” with a mix of savory and sweet goods.  

Though they enjoy creating boxes for single servings through boxes intended for 8-12 people, the Hughes are excited to cater special events such as weddings and baby showers with full-table setups.  

Check out more about the business and order a custom box at facebook.com/northwoodsgrazing.