Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Malizia.
Hi Tony, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Carolina Charcuterie Company officially launched on October 1, 2020 — right in the middle of the pandemic. Like many others, I lost my job during COVID. And after spending some time doing nothing but sipping margaritas by the pool (no regrets there), one particularly “spirited” afternoon led to making a charcuterie board just for fun. Turns out, that board sparked something more than just a snack — it sparked the idea for an entirely new business. The charcuterie craze was just starting to catch fire, and I decided to jump in.
The very next day, I got to work. I gave myself two months to make it real — legally and professionally. I secured a commercial kitchen, got my business license, liability insurance, and passed the health department inspection. The moment everything was in place, I launched a Facebook and Instagram page — and on the very same day, I received my first order.
Shortly after, I was contacted by the owner of the local chapter of BNI (Business Network International), and joining that group was a game-changer. With the support and referrals from that network, my business began to grow steadily. What started from a kitchen turned into a storefront where we now offer wine and a build-your-own charcuterie experience with premium meats, artisan cheeses, and all the accompaniments.
Before launching this business, I spent nearly 20 years in the hospitality industry — most notably as Director of Sales for Hyatt for almost 13 years. That background helped me understand service, events, and how to create an experience that feels personal and memorable. Now, I get to bring that same spirit of hospitality into every board we build.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not a smooth road — but it’s been worth every bump. In the beginning, the biggest challenge was simply being everything — the shopper, the charcuterie maker, the social media manager, the customer service rep, the dishwasher… all of it. Wearing every hat in the business can be overwhelming, but over time I found more balance and better systems that helped me breathe (and sleep).
I never felt like giving up — not once. But I did notice something interesting. When I started, there were maybe one or two of us doing charcuterie locally. Then suddenly, ten more popped up. Most of them eventually closed because they realized this isn’t just laying out cheese and calling it a day — it’s real work, and you have to love the grind and the details. I do.
Opening the storefront was probably the biggest challenge and also the most rewarding. It came with all the headaches you’d expect — build-outs, licensing, setup — but now I have a place where customers can walk in, build their own boards, and even pick up a bottle of wine to enjoy later. While in-store visits are growing, about 90% of our business still comes through online orders, which keeps us busy behind the scenes. It’s been a journey, but one I’ve poured my heart into.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Carolina Charcuterie Company is more than just cheese and meat — we’re about creating experiences that feel personal, elevated, and fun. We specialize in custom charcuterie boards, grazing tables, and curated charcuterie boxes, but one of the things we’re most proud of is our monthly Charcuterie Club. Each month, members receive a themed box delivered right to their door, including two artisan meats, two specialty cheeses, and a carefully paired wine. What makes it really special is the letter that comes with it — we dive into where each item comes from, how it’s made, and why it pairs so beautifully together. It’s a mini tasting journey in a box — with items we don’t normally carry in-store.
We’re known for our customer service — and that’s no accident. After nearly 20 years in the hospitality industry, I’ve learned how to genuinely take care of people and make them feel seen. We listen to our customers, get to know their preferences, and deliver consistently beautiful (and delicious) boards that reflect their style or event.
What sets us apart? We’re the only build-your-own charcuterie experience in the Midlands of South Carolina. Think of it like the Chipotle or Subway of charcuterie — but elevated. Customers can walk into our shop, choose from a variety of charcuterie meats, cheeses, and accompaniments, and create their own custom board. We also offer a curated selection of wine available for purchase to pair with their creations at home. It’s interactive, fun, and perfect for a girls’ night, date night, or a solo treat-yourself kind of day.
At the end of the day, I’m most proud of the community we’ve built — the people who support us, share our creations, and keep coming back for more. We’re not just serving charcuterie; we’re building connections one board at a time.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I’m a big fan of Gary Vaynerchuk and his podcast, The GaryVee Audio Experience. I like how direct and unfiltered he is — he doesn’t care what people think, and that honesty is what makes him so motivating. He’s constantly reminding you to stop making excuses, take action, and own your journey. He’s helped me navigate both life and business challenges, especially when it comes to not getting in my own way. I really connect with his approach of “you’ll never know unless you try” — it pushes me to take risks, trust myself, and keep moving forward. Plus, he has my type of humor — sarcastic, blunt, and honest — which makes everything he says hit even harder in the best way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.carolinacharcuterieco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolina.charcuterie.co/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolinacharcuteriecompany/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/carolina-charcuterie-company-irmo
- Other: https://g.co/kgs/nwsB5ne
