Mistie Kramer, a seasoned small-business owner and the owner of Velvet in Verse, a bookish lifestyle brand that creates apparel, gifts and accessories for readers, has introduced a new food truck to the Cumberland County mobile food scene. 

Through vending events, she found that some of her favorite moments weren’t just selling products; they were creating experiences and bringing people together around a shared interest. This inspired her latest business endeavor. “Once Upon a Bite was born from that idea. As an avid reader myself, I loved the thought of combining food with storytelling and creating something that felt both nostalgic and interactive. We wanted to offer more than a typical charcuterie business. We wanted guests to feel like they were transported into a story via the elevated foods we serve,” shared Kramer. 

Once Upon a Bite launched in early 2026 and has continued to grow through local markets, festivals, private events and community partnerships throughout the Fayetteville area.

Once Upon a Bite is a family-run business. While Kramer oversees much of the creative direction, branding and overall vision, her husband, mom and a few close friends help bring everything to life. From event execution and day-to-day operations to brainstorming menu ideas, everyone plays an important role.

“As owners of multiple small businesses, having a strong support system is invaluable. Their help allows us to keep everything running smoothly while continuing to grow and evolve. It’s truly a collaborative effort, and Once Upon a Bite wouldn’t be what it is without them,” remarked Kramer.

Being a mobile business, their location changes throughout the week depending on events and partnerships. You’ll often find them at local markets, breweries, bookstores, community gatherings and special events across the region. The business’s schedule of events can be found on their social media pages.

Storytelling is at the heart of everything Once Upon a Bite does. Rather than simply naming menu items after books, they wanted the entire menu to feel like a literary experience. That’s why their charcuterie offerings are organized into chapters such as The Prologue, The Plot Twist and The Epilogue.

“We also focus on creating approachable, crowd-pleasing combinations that feel elevated without being intimidating. The goal is to make guests feel like they’re enjoying a small escape, whether they’re grabbing lunch at a market or celebrating a special occasion.”

The charcuterie offerings remain some of their most popular menu items because they invite guests to become “authors” of a story. Rather than simply choosing ingredients, customers get to build a narrative through food by selecting flavors, textures and pairings that create a unique experience all their own.

“One of our most popular signature creations is The Night Court. Inspired by one of the most beloved fantasy book series in recent years, it combines sweet, savory, creamy, and slightly spicy elements that hit every note. Much like the story that inspired it, it’s bold, memorable and layered, making it a favorite among both readers and food lovers alike.”

Although the business is still young, Kramer has long-term plans for growth and expansion.

“Our biggest goal is to continue growing within the book-loving communities that inspired Once Upon a Bite in the first place. We love serving at book fairs, author events, literary festivals and other gatherings where readers naturally come together, and we’d love to expand our presence at those types of events throughout North Carolina and beyond,” shared Kramer.

The team is also excited to bring their unique blend of storytelling and food to more private events. Whether it’s a book club gathering, a bridal shower, a bachelorette party, a wedding or a themed celebration, they love creating menus and experiences that feel personal and memorable.

“Ultimately, we want Once Upon a Bite to become a destination brand that people seek out not only for great food but for the unique experience that comes with it,” added Kramer.

Kramer’s favorite part of the work that she does is seeing people connect and being a part of or facilitating that connection. Whether it’s friends sharing a charcuterie board, someone discovering a favorite new flavor or a customer lighting up when they realize a menu item references a story they love, Kramer finds those moments incredibly rewarding.

“Food has a unique way of bringing people together, and combining that with storytelling makes it even more meaningful. Creating those experiences through a culture that holds such a special place in my heart, is by far, my favorite part of what we do,” shared Kramer.