Writer / Melissa Gibson
In 2021, Presley Pullen did a charcuterie fundraiser for an animal rescue nonprofit in Chicago. It was so successful, the group did four figures in three hours, and it occurred to Pullen that they might have something here.
“I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. I have great work ethic but I’ve always found ways to do my own thing. I’ve worked with animals; I was a full-time pet nanny in Chicago,” Pullen said.
She moved to Brownsburg later that year and started selling charcuterie boards out of her home. The community was overwhelmingly supportive, and Brie and Bartlett was born.
After a few moves, Brie and Bartlett landed at their storefront at 123 E. Main St., Brownsburg.
A charcuterie board is a food arrangement with a variety of meats, cheeses, fruits, crackers and more, designed in a beautiful display. They can be small for an appetizer or as large as the entire meal. They’re used at the family dinner table and as large spreads at a wedding or holiday get-together.
Though Pullen said she believes anyone can learn to do anything they want to do, some might disagree.
The beautiful displays require a bit of creativity, along with understanding flavors, colors and shapes.
“I like to wing it,” Pullen said. “I’ll rearrange a board five or six times while I’m making it because I see the colors and shapes go better together this way or that way. Sometimes we’re doing something seasonal and going for a specific theme. I like it to look whimsical and chaotic but cohesive.”
As Brie and Bartlett grew, Pullen began offering a small menu of soups and sandwiches, desserts and a full-service coffee bar.
“We call the sandwiches toasties. They’re like grilled cheese sandwiches with ingredients we already have and use. I love it when people try something they’ve never tried before,” Pullen said.
Despite the hard work and long hours Pullen has put in as a business owner, she’s grateful for all the support and positivity she’s experienced in Brownsburg.
“I meet some of the most interesting people. We have regulars and I’ve loved getting to know them and experience their stories, but as the business has evolved, I love my team too. All of my girls remind me of me in some way. They’re very sunshiny people and this business has attracted my tribe – my best friends for the past several years,” Pullen said.
There’s a lot in store for the Brie and Bartlett team this fall.
There are holiday specials, including long coffin-shaped boards for Halloween, day-before-Thanksgiving-themed offerings and hot cocoa charcuterie boxes in the winter months.
She’s also launching the Grazy Train by Brie and Bartlett.
It’s a new charcuterie food truck, bringing the charcuterie to you.
“I’ve joined some food truck vendor communities. We’re offering catering, charcuterie, coffee and dirty sodas,” Pullen said.
They’ll also launch themed charcuterie boards customers can choose from when they pick up or dine in at the shop in Brownsburg, including Picnic in Paris or Greek Goddess, among others.
“I got really lucky. I love working, being creative, being active and productive. I need to enjoy what I’m doing and I really do. I’ve loved becoming a part of this community,” Pullen said.
Visit brieandbartlett.com for more information or follow on social media for Grazy Train details.
