People You Should Know

Martha's Kitchen

BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

Apassionate cook and lover of people, Fairhope native Martha AnnMerritt Taylor has everything that makes a great restauranteur—just without the background in hospitality or the actual desire to own a restaurant. Still, her undeniable talents in the kitchen are appreciated by those around her, and that talent has become the foundation for a different way to share her love of food with people.

Literally blossoming from the simple salami roses she used to make, Martha’s idea to start a catering company took shape in February of 2021, just after Valentine’s Day. A former secondary language arts teacher in St. Croix, St. Thomas, and Utah, Martha found herself wanting to try something new when she returned home to Fairhope—though that something was something she never saw coming. “I have been in the kitchen for as long as I can remember, learning from my mother and grandmothers,” she notes. “When I was growing up, people always asked me when I was going to start a restaurant, but a sit-in restaurant was never something that really interested me. I never considered that there were other ways of doing something I loved.”

Officially launching while the world was still deep in a pandemic, Martha May’s Charcuterie and Catering faced some tough challenges right out of the gate. Still, Martha rose to the challenge and found how to use it to her advantage. “During COVID, I wasn’t able to do large grazing tables for gatherings, but I honestly think that was probably the best thing for me,” she says. “I push myself really hard to make people happy, especially my clients. I’m not sure I would have been ready to do 400 person parties right off the bat, but when COVID restrictions lifted, I had had plenty of practice and experience and was ready to cater larger events. I also think my business survived COVID because while restaurants were closed, I was still able to deliver a little bit of luxury or something special for date nights or family nights in. Birthdays and date nights were actually really big for me during COVID, because people still wanted to do something special, even though they couldn’t go out, and not everyone loves to cook.”

Talent aside, it took a great deal of courage for Martha to start her own company. Fortunately, she had some great inspiration for becoming a boss. “My mom could tell I just wasn’t really happy with my current career, and she encouraged me to try pursuing something I was really passionate about,” notes Martha, who will soon be opening a brick-and-mortar in Daphne. “She said to try doing something that would really make me happy. I had never really thought of doing something just because it brought me joy. I took that advice and ran with it. This business would not be possible without my family's constant advice and emotional support.”

Family is actually something deeply rooted in the company—so much so that many of Martha’s family members are also part of the business in some way. “My mom does anything and everything and goes above and beyond,” Martha explains. “My dad does all of my legal work, and my brother developed my website. My sister Patricia and partner Stephen put up with me and my tiredness and crankiness and venting , and they also jump on any other task I ask them to do. They’re always happy to help, and that means so much to me. My stepdad also gave me the inside scoop on commercial appliances—like what to buy or not buy. And my fur baby, Kiwi, keeps me sane.”

Being the community-minded woman that she is, Martha finds ways to give back and pay forward her success—especially in supporting other women-owned businesses. “I work regularly with Southern Charm Picnic Co and absolutely love their work,” she says. “The owner, Monica Gray, has become one of my closest friends. We have so many exciting projects coming up. A few other amazing female-led companies I love working with are Better Together Laser Artistry for all of my signs, Dana Lee Davis Photography, Lily’s Rose Photography, Toni and Goode Weddings, Jenna Laine Weddings, The Veranda at The Preserve, Anonyme Cruises, and Little Point Clear.”

Martha also donates to many local children’s charities, including the Bay Affair, a fundraiser for Bayside Academy. “That was really fun for me since it’s my high school alma mater,” she explains. “I have also donated charcuterie boards and gift cards to several school sports teams and PTA fundraisers. As a former teacher, students and school employees alike have a special place in my heart. I’m an animal lover, as well, so I personally donate monthly to the Humane Society, which is an amazing cause.”

As long and hard as the work can be sometimes, Martha’s love for her work is clearly evident in all that she does. “I really love getting to use my creativity and my love for food—especially cheese!” she says. “I work insane hours, but I really enjoy what I do. I also love being my own boss. It has all been a huge learning curve, and continues to be every day, but it has been so worth it. Most of all, I love getting to share my art in a way that people can enjoy not only with their eyes, but also with their taste buds and stomachs.”

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