This Charlotte catering service gives back — and offers bulk food for COVID prepping

Jennings Cool
·4 min read

What started a decade ago as an in-home operation has grown into a unique brick-and-mortar restaurant and catering business that not only feeds its customers — it blesses others.

Brown Bag was created in Knoxville, Tenn., by former Qdoba manager Peter Brown, who perceived a lack of healthy catering options and grew it into a brick-and-mortar shop. A Charlotte location opened in the Stonecrest Shopping Center in 2018, and has been impacting the lives of hundreds of people in need in the Queen City since then with its Brown Bag Blessings.

With 24 hours notice, Brown Bag will strategically plan and prepare a healthy yet simple meal for six people or less for pickup at zero cost. But, here’s the catch: There isn’t one.

The Brown Bag Blessing is intended to bless families going through sickness, loss, surgery or difficult seasons in general. Through this initiative, Brown Bag strives to bring encouragement and support to the community while removing the stress of meal preparation during tragedies and tough times.

Just over the past four months alone, the company has prepared 67 Brown Bag Blessings to feed over 335 people in Charlotte.

“I love what we do here because I believe food should bring people together,” said Christy Warren, front house manager at Brown Bag. “We truly make a difference in the community by our heart for others and excellent service, and it has been amazing to see people encouraged by a simple meal.”

Peter Brown’s idea when creating Brown Bag was to offer healthier catering options.
Peter Brown’s idea when creating Brown Bag was to offer healthier catering options.

She said the Brown Bag Blessings have helped individuals in all walks of life. A homeless and pregnant couple living out of their car and to a family who lost their father in a freak accident are just a couple of examples where Brown Bag has stepped in with no hesitation.

Andrew Howard, left, Christy Warren and Dan Mathewson of Brown Bag.
Andrew Howard, left, Christy Warren and Dan Mathewson of Brown Bag.

Those who receive the Brown Bag Blessing also receive a card that says the following:

“Our desire is to show the love of Jesus Christ through our food and our service. One of the ways we do this is the Brown Bag Blessing. You are receiving this meal because someone cares about you and wanted to show that by delivering a warm meal. At Brown Bag, we aren’t a charity, and we certainly aren’t perfect. We’re a group of folks in the food service industry who want to love the way Christ did. We hope this blessing provides little relief for you, and if you have any questions, call us at (980) 242-9197.”

Due to COVID-19, Brown Bag has also taken strides in helping the community. Along with its bold and honorable initiative of providing comfort to those in need, Brown Bag also offers catering services, bulk pickup options and an in-store menu to fuel its ministry. Currently Brown Bag is offering 15% off all bulk orders, deliveries for orders of $75 or more and a promotion where kids eat free with purchase of an adult meal.

The salmon burger with grilled asparagus and berry slaw at Brown Bag.
The salmon burger with grilled asparagus and berry slaw at Brown Bag.

The catering menu includes items such as the Fajita Bar, Baked Potato & Chili Bar and Grilled BBQ Chicken with Smoked Gouda Macaroni and Cheese. Brown Bag also offers several bulk menu options such as chicken and steak pans, vegetable pans and a variety of salad pans, which makes life easier for all the meal-preppers out there.

Andrew Howard serves up a salad in the window at Brown Bag.
Andrew Howard serves up a salad in the window at Brown Bag.

Another great option for parents constantly on-the-go who still strive to provide healthy meals for their families is a Brown Bag for 5. This pre-prepped meal package includes grilled chicken (substitute steak for an upcharge), rolls, a choice of salad and a side for $40. For dessert, you could even request to have Banana Pudding thrown in the mix for an upcharge, as well.

Although catering is its primary focus, the Brown Bag restaurant is open for lunch on weekdays.
Although catering is its primary focus, the Brown Bag restaurant is open for lunch on weekdays.

Although the business is primarily focused on catering, Brown Bag is open for lunch during the week from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., when it serves items such as a Salmon Burger, Grilled Steak Sandwich and Chargrilled Chicken Teriyaki.

To learn more about Brown Bag and how to contribute to its mission or how to be a blessing to someone in need, check out the website for more information.

Brown Bag

5231 Piper Station Drive

Instagram: @brownbagcharlotte

Catering

(980) 242-9197

Monday-Friday: 7 a.m.-6 p.m.

Restaurant

(980) 242-9136

Monday-Friday: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.