ALACHUA – After spending decades in aviation and business ownership, Pam Landis is charting a new course — this time through handcrafted charcuterie boards and community gatherings.
Landis recently opened Graze Craze in Alachua Town Center, bringing a new food and catering option to the city while beginning a second career built around hospitality and personal connection.
The 1,200-square-foot business, located at 15652 N.W. U.S. Highway 441, Suite 2B, specializes in customized charcuterie boards and boxes designed for everything from corporate events and parties to gifts and everyday entertaining.
The shop recently celebrated its opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in partnership with the Alachua Chamber of Commerce, drawing local business leaders, residents and community supporters.
Landis, a former helicopter pilot and longtime entrepreneur, previously owned and operated a flight school for 25 years before making an unexpected move into food and hospitality.
The transition, she said, grew from a desire to become more connected to the community she calls home.
“It is my desire to love on people,” Landis said. “I wanted to be more of a part of our community, and having a place that we can do that thru food, and fun place to come to.”
The idea took shape after Landis found herself at a crossroads late last year as the local helicopter industry slowed.
“In November I had some time off and I was looking at my life and realized that the helicopter world in Gainesville had slowed down,” she said. “I was talking to my kids and my friends and they all joked around about the ‘snack boards’ I make… you should make that a business they all said.”
Landis said that search led her to Graze Craze.
“So, I looked around, found Graze Craze and met some of the team and found my new home,” she said. “This group is a family and they welcomed me in.”
While aviation and decorative food displays may appear worlds apart, Landis sees similarities between the two.
“Flying and making charcuterie is very much the same, you follow procedures, you have check lists and if you follow those … you make a beautiful board and you fly safe,” she said.
She said years spent operating a business in a fast-paced environment also prepared her for the demands of opening a new venture.
“But my favorite part is how my teams always tell me ‘best boss ever,’” Landis said. “With that statement, I am glad I get to encourage others in business. Encouraging women is so important to me.”
Landis said selecting Alachua as the location for the business was a natural fit.
“I grew up in Gainesville, and I now live in High Springs. I drive through Alachua every day and I just love the community and the town,” she said. “It reminds me of why North Central Florida is so charming.”
She said the community response has reinforced that decision.
“Oh my goodness, the community has been so welcoming and so encouraging,” Landis said. “The other tenants in the center have all come and welcomed us and just have shown why this town is where we are so glad to be a part.”
For Alachua Chamber President Shelley Vickers, the opening reflects broader business growth occurring in the city.
“As President of the Chamber, I believe the opening of Graze Craze Gainesville-Alachua is another exciting sign of the incredible momentum, growth, and diversification happening in our community,” Vickers said.
Graze Craze offers curated boards featuring premium meats and cheeses paired with fruits, vegetables, crackers, dips and desserts designed for events and gatherings. Options range from signature charcuterie arrangements to vegetarian and dessert-themed selections.
Landis said one of her favorite offerings is the wine pairing board.
“Who doesn’t love a good charcuterie and wine,” she said.
If she had to create a board representing Alachua itself, Landis said it already exists.
“We already have it, the Vegegrazian,” she said. “We have the best local produce right here. Our farmers are amazing and you should see the Farmers Markets around here.”
Looking ahead, Landis hopes the business grows beyond a storefront and into a place where people gather.
“I would like to see charcuterie classes, wine tastings and who knows, maybe a store on the south side of Alachua County to bring all this yumminess to Marion County too,” she said.
Graze Craze is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with weekend service available by appointment.
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