In the heart of Davidson, North Carolina, a mother-daughter duo is redefining the art of gathering through beautifully crafted charcuterie and community-driven experiences.
Table & Board, founded by Julie Wilkinson and her mother Mary Lou, has quickly become a beloved staple in the Lake Norman area.
What began as a creative outlet during the pandemic has blossomed into a thriving small business that blends exceptional food with meaningful local connections.
In this article, we explore the story behind Table & Board—its origins, offerings, community impact, and the passion that fuels every board they build.
Table & Board – The Inspiration
Table & Board was born from a love of food, a passion for gathering, and a spark of creativity during uncertain times. Co-founded by Julie Wilkinson and her mother, Mary Lou, the business began as a humble pandemic hobby. Like many, Julie found herself experimenting in the kitchen — assembling charcuterie boards for friends, family, and Sunday dinners that became miniature celebrations in their own right.
Though charcuterie began as a creative outlet, it quickly gained traction. The demand for her stunning, made-from-scratch boards grew rapidly.
By 2021, Julie and Mary Lou made the leap into entrepreneurship, becoming officially licensed and launching Table & Board. One year later, in December 2022, they opened their charming brick-and-mortar location in Davidson, North Carolina—a fitting home for a concept centered on tradition, flavor, and community.
Photo credit: Cayce Blackley – @livinginlakenorman
Next-Level Charcuterie
At its core, Table & Board is about more than just food—it’s about creating moments. The business specializes in custom charcuterie boards, grazing tables, and light catering for events of all kinds. From elegant weddings to casual corporate lunches, their offerings are as versatile as they are visually stunning.
Julie and Mary Lou’s philosophy is rooted in freshness. Every order is made to order—there are no grab-and-go items. While that means customers can’t simply pop in for a pre-made board, it guarantees a premium product every time. Each board is thoughtfully curated with seasonal ingredients, cheeses, meats, and vibrant produce that not only taste amazing but look like edible works of art.
The Table & Board team also offers interactive workshops, where guests learn the art of charcuterie in a relaxed, hands-on setting. These popular events have become a cornerstone of the business. From girls’ nights to date nights, corporate team-building sessions to birthday celebrations, each workshop delivers a uniquely immersive experience. Attendees leave with new skills—and a board they can proudly claim as their own.
The product lineup ranges from handheld charcuterie cups and cones to boxes, picnic baskets, large boards, and even grazing tables for large events. Recently, Table & Board expanded its menu to include lunch boxes and ciabatta sandwiches, available in options like prosciutto di parma, grilled chicken, and caprese. These additions have become go-to choices for real estate open houses, business meetings, and casual gatherings.
Whether it’s a thoughtfully crafted board or a personalized workshop, every offering reflects the same guiding principle: fresh ingredients, beautiful presentation, and a passion for bringing people together.
The Perfect Location
The heart of Table & Board beats in the historic Ice House Building on South Main Street in Downtown Davidson. It’s a space full of character—over 100 years old and steeped in local history. Once used for storing and selling ice before refrigeration, the building now houses the warm, inviting charm of Julie and Mary Lou’s food-centered vision.
Securing a brick-and-mortar space wasn’t easy. The search took nearly a year, with numerous dead ends in a highly competitive real estate market. But when the Ice House space became available, everything clicked. Though it required a significant renovation—including the construction of a full commercial kitchen and ADA-compliant facilities—it was the perfect fit.
Transforming the former management office of the building into a fully functional kitchen was no small feat. Unexpected challenges emerged, from jackhammering century-old floors to updating every square foot to modern building codes. But Julie and Mary Lou met the task with determination, leaning on advice from experienced family members and seasoned contractors.
The storefront now serves as both a production space and an intimate event venue. Inside, the shop accommodates 8–10 guests for in-person workshops, while the patio offers additional space for seasonal events.
From its historic bones to its modern culinary purpose, the Davidson location reflects everything Table & Board stands for: honoring tradition, creating something fresh, and welcoming the community to gather around the table.
Community & Collaborations
Community is more than a value at Table & Board—it’s woven into every board, box, and event they create. From the very beginning, Julie and Mary Lou embraced the idea that their business could be a collaborative force in the Lake Norman area.
Before opening their Davidson storefront, Table & Board partnered with The Percantile coffee shop in Concord, using their kitchen space during off-hours. That grassroots start laid the foundation for the many creative partnerships that followed.
One of their earliest and most consistent collaborators has been Old Town Public House in Cornelius. There, Julie hosted monthly workshops that quickly became community favorites. These events introduced hundreds of guests to the art of charcuterie while supporting a beloved local venue.
Today, Table & Board continues to work with a network of Lake Norman small businesses. Whether it’s a casual girls’ night or a corporate team-building session, these partnerships help elevate the experience for attendees.
These relationships are more than good business—they’re a reflection of Table & Board’s core identity: community-focused, creatively driven, and committed to building something special together. It’s no wonder the business has become a favorite not only for food lovers, but for fellow entrepreneurs across Lake Norman.
Locally Sourced
Freshness is everything at Table & Board—and that commitment starts with sourcing. Julie and Mary Lou take great pride in partnering with local growers, artisans, and makers to stock their boards with the best ingredients the region has to offer.
Even the presentation is thoughtfully local. Many of the wood boards used for serving are handcrafted locally. These custom boards add a rustic elegance to Table & Board’s offerings—and reflect the care and craftsmanship that goes into each order.
Julie’s approach to sourcing reflects her broader philosophy: support the community, prioritize quality, and build strong relationships with those who share her values. By keeping her supply chain local, she ensures freshness and flavor—while also contributing to the vibrant network of small businesses across Lake Norman.
Photo credit: Cayce Blackley – @livinginlakenorman
Vino
As Table & Board continued to grow, Julie and Mary Lou saw an opportunity to elevate the customer experience even further—by offering wine and beer pairings to complement their signature boards. But obtaining a wine and beer license in North Carolina proved to be one of the more complex challenges of their journey.
The licensing process involved 25 back-and-forth revisions with Raleigh before final approval was granted. It was a tedious and time-consuming task, but one that opened new doors for the business.
Today, Table & Board offers a curated selection of approachable wines and North Carolina craft beers. The new additions pair beautifully with their boards and enhance their workshop experiences—because what goes better with charcuterie than a crisp glass of wine?
This evolution is a testament to Julie and Mary Lou’s dedication to detail and their willingness to invest in quality across every aspect of the business.
Photo credit: Cayce Blackley – @livinginlakenorman
Some Startup Business Advice
Beyond food and wine, Julie also shares some of the most valuable lessons she’s learned as an entrepreneur—wisdom that resonates with anyone starting a venture:
“Just get started.”
That simple advice came early in her journey and continues to guide her today. She emphasizes that perfection isn’t necessary. The important thing is to take action—get licensed, build your website, lease your space, and refine as you go.
Julie reminds fellow entrepreneurs that you’ll learn the most by doing, not waiting. Whether it’s navigating a tricky build-out, coordinating events, or creating a brand from scratch, momentum matters more than perfection.
In just a few years, Table & Board has grown from a pandemic hobby to a cornerstone of the Lake Norman food scene—proof that bold steps, strong partnerships, and a clear vision can lead to something truly meaningful.
From handcrafted boards to hands-on workshops, Table & Board is more than a culinary experience—it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and connection.
Julie and Mary Lou have built something truly special in Davidson, serving not only exceptional food but also unforgettable moments.
Whether you’re planning a gathering, looking to learn something new, or simply craving something fresh and local, Table & Board is ready to welcome you to the table.
Table & Board
416 S Main St
Davidson, NC 28036
(704) 964-5101
Hours: Tuesday-Wednesday, 11AM-2:30PM; Thursday-Friday, 11AM-5PM; Saturday, 10AM-2PM; Sunday-Monday, Closed)
Listen to Julie tell the story in episode 175 of The Best of LKN podcast!
FREE Download: Discover the BEST local small businesses!
About the Author:
Jeff Hamm is the creator and producer of The Best of LKN podcast, blog, YouTube channel, and email newsletter.
When he isn’t working, you can usually find him boating, cycling local greenways & trails, and taking walks with his dogs Sam and Maisy.
Jeff Hamm
Allen Tate Realtors®
Charlotte & Lake Norman, NC
www.LKNreal.com
Buying or Selling a home in the Lake Norman area?
Sign up for my monthly REAL ESTATE newsletter: