BY JACKIE FENDER for WEEKLY VOLCANO 12/26/25 |
There’s something special about a really good charcuterie board. It invites you to linger, to share, to graze, pun intended. It quietly says, stay awhile. Now, downtown Tacoma has a new place dedicated entirely to that feeling.
Graze Craze, now open at Ninth and Pacific, is the latest addition to Tacoma’s ever-evolving food scene and one that feels tailor-made for the way this community gathers. With thoughtfully arranged boards, high-quality ingredients, and a concept that prioritizes connection and convenience, Graze Craze offers food meant to be shared.
Owned and operated by Army veterans Adrian and Jennifer Garib, Graze Craze Tacoma is anything but accidental.
“We weren’t looking to open just another food business,” Jennifer says. “We wanted something we could build intentionally, something creative, but also operationally sound.”
That intention is evident in every detail, from carefully paired flavors to the way the business fits seamlessly into the downtown neighborhood. Graze Craze sits comfortably between casual and elevated, offering an experience that feels refined without feeling formal.
Adrian said choosing downtown Tacoma was a deliberate decision, noting, “Tacoma supports local. People here care about quality, creativity, and businesses that put thought into what they do.”
“Downtown has energy,” Adrian explains. “There’s foot traffic, offices, residents, visitors, and being at Ninth and Pacific puts us right in the middle of it.”
The walkable location makes Graze Craze an easy stop for pickup orders, while delivery options make it just as convenient for gatherings elsewhere. Surrounded by other small businesses and longtime local staples, the space feels like it belongs, another thread in the fabric of downtown occupying a need otherwise unmet.
And while you will not find dine-in seating, that is entirely by design. Graze Craze is built for food on the move.
“The idea is that the food goes where you’re going,” Jennifer says. “Home, work, events, celebrations.”
The menu reads like a love letter to entertaining. Whether you are hosting a small get-together, contributing to a potluck-style gathering, planning a corporate meeting, or sending a thoughtful gift, the boards are designed to make hosting feel effortless and a little elevated.
Who doesn’t love a charcuterie board? The answer, apparently, is no one.
The owners point to what they found to be their most popular option, the Gone Grazey board, which offers a little bit of everything and is often the go-to recommendation for first-timers.
“There really isn’t a typical order,” Jennifer says. “People usually come in with a purpose, a meeting, an event, a gift, and we help them match the right board to that need.”
Vegetarian options, sweet boards, and one standout deserve special mention, the Brunch Board. Featuring a mix of sweet and savory breakfast items, it is perfect for morning meetings, bridal showers, or anyone who believes brunch should always be shared.
Graze Craze also excels at scale. With enough notice, the team can accommodate large catering orders, full table displays, and corporate events with ease. Pricing includes the board or box, ingredients, and presentation, leaving one less thing for hosts to worry about.
Adrian and Jennifer bring decades of experience to the table, both literally and figuratively. Adrian spent more than 20 years in Army aviation in leadership and training roles, while Jennifer’s background is in health care operations and project management. Those careers shape how Graze Craze operates, organized, detail-driven, and focused on doing things the right way.
“We care about quality, consistency, and being a good addition to the downtown business community,” Jennifer says. “We’re here for the long haul.”
While they are currently very hands-on, working alongside their staff every day, the goal is growth that is sustainable, not rushed. And Tacoma, they say, is the perfect place for that.
“This is our community,” Jennifer adds. “People here care about quality, creativity, and intention, and Graze Craze fits that mindset.”
Graze Craze Tacoma is currently offering pickup, catering, and third-party delivery through the holiday season, with plans to transition to direct local delivery in the new year, allowing for even more control over timing and presentation.
The public is invited to officially welcome Graze Craze during its ribbon cutting and grand opening on January 14 at 4 p.m.
Whether you are planning your next meeting, hosting friends, or simply looking for a beautiful board to share, Graze Craze is a reminder that food does not just feed people. It brings them together. And really, that is something Tacoma does best.
Graze Craze Tacoma, 118 South Ninth Street
Tacoma, WA 98402 | Open Mon.–Fri. 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. | grazecraze.com/locations/tacoma-wa
