By Lisa Carolin
Business Name: Maxine’s Table
Business address: We don’t have a physical address, but we operate out of Robin Hills Farm.
Business email, telephone number: Email/ hello@maxinestable.com
Business hours: We don’t have a physical location, but we accept orders and requests anytime.
Business website: www.maxinestable.com
Andi Harvey and Brooke Ahlstrom started their business, Maxine’s Table, two-and-a-half years ago. The two transplants to Chelsea met at a local bar, and after seven years of friendship, they decided they wanted to start a joint venture.
“I’ve always loved to host and entertain and frequently made charcuterie boards and intricate spreads, and Brooke was great at the business aspect and sourcing products, so in December of 2020, amid the pandemic, we created this little charcuterie business,” said Harvey. “We were both new to the area when we met, and have loved raising our children in this town, so it was important for us to also contribute to the great sense of community we felt.”
They started Maxine’s Table with charcuterie boards, but have since transitioned the business to hosting more workshops, social hours, and events in the Chelsea area.
Their business does not have a brick and mortar building, so they support other businesses by hosting events at rotating locations.
“Our workshops and social hours are exactly what we were looking for as stay at home moms – an outing and experience filled with laughter, friendship, cocktails, and of course, cheese,” said Harvey. “We want everyone who walks in the door to sigh with relief that they are among friends, and are about to have a blast.”
In addition to running Maxine’s Table, maintaining households, and caring for children, the women each work additional jobs. Harvey is a graphic designer, and Ahlstrom works for her husband’s prosthetics company.
“To say we are busy would be an understatement,” said Harvey. “Time away from our jobs and our families is very precious. When we get the chance, we want to share charcuterie and wine with our girlfriends, and we want others to do the same.”
If you attend a workshop run by Maxine’s Table, you’ll learn how to make charcuterie boards and spreads, talk about cheese, enjoy a cocktail, lots of laughs, and what Harvey refers to as “cautious crassness.”
Maxine’s Table also offers a Catering & Grazing menu for large events.
“We are beyond grateful for the welcome the City of Chelsea has given two transplants and are honored to be able to work and live in this great community,” said Harvey. “Not only have Chelsea residents and patrons been amazing to us, but the local businesses that we collaborate with are packed with incredible people and a ton of support. We’re beyond grateful for this community embracing our cheesy little idea.”
