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Locally owned, community driven: Inside Graze Craze Gulf Breeze

| Staff Reporters
In an area where “local” truly matters, Graze Craze Gulf Breeze is redefining what that word means. While the name may be part of a growing national brand, the heart behind the business is unmistakably homegrown. Owned and operated by Holley by the Sea residents Jocelyn and Paul Sanders, Graze Craze Gulf Breeze was created not as a corporate venture, but as a way to serve the community they love with food that brings people together.

“Yes, we’re a franchise,” Jocelyn said, “but we’re not corporate.” She and her husband chose Graze Craze to bring a well-crafted, thoughtfully developed food concept to the community while creating a business of their own. Jocelyn comes from a nutrition background and brings that passion to her menu, keeping health at the forefront. Her house made ranch is made from a fresh cottage cheese base with hints of dill, cutting preservatives out of the equation every chance she gets. 

When the Sanders signed on in 2022, the brand had only had about 40 locations nationwide. They spoke directly with the founders, felt connected to the mission, and saw an opportunity to create something special — right here in Gulf Breeze. They opened their doors Feb. 2024 in the Winn Dixie Plaza in Gulf Breeze. 

The Sanders family moved to the area in late 2016 and quickly put down roots. Their children attend local schools, their lives revolve around the community, and Jocelyn’s husband—now a civilian contractor at Hurlburt Field after retiring from a Navy helicopter career—can often be found helping behind the scenes, running deliveries, managing IT, or chatting with customers. “We’re as local as it gets,” Jocelyn said. “We’re not a conglomerate. We’re a family.” 

That local mindset shows in everything Graze Craze Gulf Breeze does. While the franchise provides a core menu of artfully arranged charcuterie boards, the shop’s sandwiches and salads were developed entirely in-house to fit the tastes and needs of the community. Many customers are surprised to learn they can stop in for a fresh lunch, grab-and-go boxed meals, or kid-friendly options—something Jocelyn felt strongly about as a parent herself. 

Catering is another cornerstone of the business, from weddings and office lunches to community events and holiday gatherings. Unlike many small charcuterie operations, Graze Craze Gulf Breeze operates out of a full commercial kitchen, allowing them to accommodate same-day orders and large-volume requests when possible. “People sometimes think we’re doing this out of our house,” Jocelyn laughs. “But we can make a lot happen in our shop, and fast.” 

For Jocelyn, charcuterie is about more than food—it’s about connection and mindfulness. A licensed mental health therapist by training, she sees grazing as a slower, more intentional way of eating. “You’re present. You’re choosing each bite. It’s social, it’s thoughtful, and it brings people together.” 

From the beginning, giving back has been part of their vision for the business. Over the past year, Graze Craze Gulf Breeze has supported local charities such as Children’s Home Society, cancer fundraisers, and veteran and mental health awareness events like Challenge 22. “It’s been fun to be able to give back to the community through some of the causes that we feel are near and dear to our heart,” Jocelyn said. 

At its core, Graze Craze Gulf Breeze is less about a brand name and more about showing up as part of the neighborhood—something the Sanders family is committed to every day. Whether you’re planning a gathering or simply looking for something fresh and local, Graze Craze Gulf Breeze invites neighbors to stop by and experience this welcoming eatery for yourself. 

 

Graze Craze Charcuterie Boards & Boxes 

3329 Gulf Breeze Pkwy 

850-733-9114 

orders.grazecraze.com/order/graze-craze-gulf-breeze-fl