Like many couples, Donnie and Celeena Bedore enjoy getting out and experiencing life’s simple pleasures together. For them, that often means visiting wineries and breweries in their free time, usually accompanied by snacks such as cheese, crackers, and more.
Then one day, inspiration struck: Why not turn their shared enjoyment into a business that others could enjoy as well?
In 2022, they opened a Graze Craze franchise in Fort Worth—and have since expanded with a second location in Plano.
“We wanted to open a product-based business, and this was charcuterie, which had always been a part of our social setting,” Celeena explained.
Graze Craze offers a unique and affordable option for people looking to host a party, cater for a work event, plan a romantic lunch for two, or simply treat themselves. The business features house-made and farm-fresh ingredients, with fully customizable assortments to suit any taste or occasion.
The Fort Worth location is at 4750 Bryant Irvin Rd., Suite 808, and the Plano location is at 1101 Ohio Drive, Suite 116.
“Our most popular, best-selling product would have to be our large Classic Gone Grazey,” Donnie said.
This signature charcuterie-style grazing platter is designed to please a crowd with a balanced mix of savory, sweet, and fresh elements. It includes five types of meats, four varieties of cheeses, and a selection of fruits, vegetables, crackers, and breads—all accompanied by house-made hummus, dips, and jams.
It didn’t take long for Celeena and Donnie to make a strong impression on the national leadership. They’ve earned the Board Boss Award two years in a row and were also named Mentor of the Year.
While working as a husband-and-wife team isn’t for everyone, Celeena said they’ve found a rhythm that works.
“We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and we play to those. We don’t veer into each other’s lanes,” she said. “That took a while to learn, and it can still be a challenge sometimes—but we love it!”
This isn’t their first successful business venture together. They also own Tx Black Belt Academy in Fort Worth, which they started in 2008, and they launched Fully Promoted, a custom embroidery and screen printing business, in early 2023.
As for Graze Craze, Celeena said they’d like to open three more locations if the opportunity arises.
Both Donnie and Celeena are 48 and originally from Watauga. They have three adult children—sons aged 26 and 24, and a 22-year-old daughter—as well as one grandchild.
“Our boys run the Tx Black Belt Academy, and our daughter helps out at both the academy and Graze Craze. Our daughter-in-law manages the Fort Worth Graze Craze location,” Celeena said.
When they’re not working, the Bedores love to travel and are self-proclaimed foodies.
“We try to dine out as much as possible and travel out of the state—and even the country—whenever we can,” Donnie said.
“Donnie and I have an amazing history and story to tell,” Celeena added. “All of our success has stemmed from some of the hardest times we’ve gone through as a couple. We love what we do, and we just want to share that love with others through all of our businesses.”
