October 14, 2025

Husband-and-Wife Entrepreneurs Laurel And Greg Otey Bringing First Charcuterie Board Franchise To Richmond Area

RICHMOND, VA (October 14, 2025) – Husband-and-wife entrepreneurs Laurel and Greg Otey are bringing the first Graze Craze franchise, a national concept which specializes in customizable charcuterie boards, to the greater Richmond area. The Otey’s have signed a lease with Continental Realty Corporation (CRC) to open their new Graze Craze location at Gayton Crossing, a 160,000 square foot shopping center located at 9782 Gayton Road in Richmond’s West End, in January 2026. Kristin Perry, Leasing Manager, Commercial for CRC represented the landlord, and the tenant was represented by Thalhimer and Franchise Real Estate, LLC.

In recent months, Continental Realty Corporation, a Baltimore-based real estate investment and management company, has attracted Gayton Foot & Back Center, Point & Flex Pilates Fitness, Skinfluence Face and Body and Taste of Brazil to the shopping center situated at the signalized intersection of Gaskins and Quioccasin roads.

Graze Craze offers an assortment of charcuterie boards, boxes, and tables using premium meats, cheeses, fruits, and vegetables and pairs them with house-made dips, jams, and sauces. Options range from “Char-Cutie-Cups” to larger boards which serve approximately 20 people. The national franchise recently celebrated its 100th location with –existing stores in Arlington and Charlottesville Virginia. The Otey’s plan to open two additional locations in the greater Richmond region, expanding the brand’s footprint across Central Virgina.

“Who doesn’t like meat and cheese,” Laurel Otey responded when asked why the couple chose this franchise concept. “You could make a charcuterie board yourself or visit the local grocery store but, in either case, the final product would not be very good or fresh,” added her husband, Greg. The couple further explained that they expect 70 percent of their business to come from the corporate world, and the remaining 30 percent deriving from the direct-to-consumer purchases. They listed opportunities such as business catering, sporting events and tailgating, weddings, and private get-togethers.

Charcuterie boards shot up in popularity during the pandemic based on their simplicity, variety of foods, and aesthetics. “Picking the perfect piece of cheese or meat while gathered around a kitchen island is extremely social, but assembling a great board is usually a chore that no one wants to take on,” Laurel Otey added. “That is where Graze Craze comes in.”

The couple brings a highly-diverse business and corporate background to this venture. Laurel has worked in the interior design and architecture industry, served as a health coach and family wellness educator, as well as the retail sector. Greg is pivoting from his 20-year career with the federal government and the couple has three daughters waiting in the wings at home to lend their hands in the business.

“Each of these experiences have taught me something different, including customer service and time management,” Laurel said. “Because we are both gluten-free, we are sensitive to the needs of customers and Graze Craze has many options for this demographic.”

For the Otey’s, Gayton Crossing was a “love-at-first-sight” experience. “The unique architecture provides a smalltown, Main Street appeal and the tenant mix include many small business owners like ourselves and they have been extremely welcoming,” Greg Otey said. “Everyone has been supportive and willing to share ideas. The location midway between Short Pump and downtown Richmond was exactly what we were looking for.”

A longstanding fixture in the community since 1981, Gayton Crossing is shadow-anchored by the national supermarket chain Kroger and features more than 30 restaurants and retailers including Bank of America, GOLD’S Gym, Goldfish Swim School, Jos. A. Bank, KidStrong, Starbucks Coffee, Virginia ABC store, and The UPS Store. The property features eight access points and a surface parking lot accommodating nearly 700 vehicles.

More than 100,000 people reside within a five-mile radius of Gayton Crossing, including more than 75,000 households with an average household income exceeding $135,000. In addition, the daytime population within this same radius is nearly 235,000.

The median home value in Richmond’s West End is $520,000, and the existing residential pipeline is expected to add more than 1,500 homes within a five-mile radius of Gayton Crossing. Household incomes are projected to increase by more than 11 percent within a three-mile radius over the next five years.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Graze Craze to Gayton Crossing,” said Kristina O’Keefe, Vice President of Commercial. “Their innovative take on charcuterie, including pairing premium ingredients with convenience and creativity, offers something truly unique for both corporate clients and everyday shoppers. Graze Craze complements our vision of bringing fresh, high-quality, and community-driven concepts to the center.”

Headquartered in Baltimore and founded in 1960, Continental Realty Corporation is a full-service commercial real estate and investment company focused on acquiring and operating retail and multifamily properties. The privately held firm owns and manages a diversified portfolio of retail centers consisting of over eight million square feet of commercial space and more than 10,000 apartment homes across 14 states, with a portfolio valued at nearly $4.2 billion. For additional information, visit www.crcrealty.com.