Queen Of The South Charcuterie Board

Image Credit: Queen Of The South Charcuterie

Going from a dream to a thriving business is no easy task in the restaurant and catering world, but a downtown Osoyoos sensation has accomplished that in just four short but fierce years. Queen of the South Charcuterie and Tapas took a vision, curated a dedicated following, and blossomed into a much-loved foodie destination, all thanks to sheer determination—and fantastic food.

Melissa Genberg, also known as the "Queen of the South," began with a laser-focused vision: to create a tapas and charcuterie venue that would satisfy her passion for artisanal deli creations. Fuelled by grit, gratitude, and a whole lot of love, Genberg's dream has come to fruition.

Transforming a Sandwich Empire Into A Charcuterie and Tapas Sensation

From humble beginnings in the basement of her home to becoming one of Osoyoos' most beloved culinary destinations, Melissa Genberg has successfully carved out a name for herself and her now thriving business.

Queen Of The South Charcuterie team

Image Credit: Queen Of The South Charcuterie

Melissa started small, testing the waters by crafting gourmet charcuterie boards out of her home-based business. Thanks to fresh ingredients, creative flair, and a whole lot of hustle, the business took off fast.

Before long, her sought-after charcuterie boards demanded a larger production venue, so Melissa took the leap and expanded into a location in Osoyoos' industrial park. From there, the Queen's menu evolved to include sandwiches, soups, and more—all spiced up with her signature sassiness.

The trajectory of Queen of the South ramped up quickly from there, and before long, Melissa acquired her very own permanent storefront on Main Street, the location Queen of the South proudly calls home today.

Serving Up Bold Flavours - And Even Bolder Vibes

Queen of the South has developed a reputation for delicious, made-from-scratch menu items and a fun-loving, high-energy atmosphere. That combination means they are now a local institution—over 750,000 sandwiches have been served to date, and countless gourmet charcuterie boards have been created.

Queen Of The South Charcuterie chicken wrap

Image Credit: Queen Of The South Charcuterie

With that kind of popularity, Melissa's enterprise is now far from a solo one. Queen of the South employs a powerhouse team of 22 women, ranging in age from 14 to 76. This past winter, the business proudly kept 16 full-time women employed—an accomplishment that's as rare as it is admirable in a seasonal town like Osoyoos.

From fresh-baked goods to house-made soups, every bite is made from scratch at the team's main street location. The scrumptious fresh baking lineup includes daily creations from talented team member Brenda, and the kitchen wouldn't run without the dedication of Tara and Carla, the "Queens of the front line." The dynamic duo keeps the front line firing with flawless execution, turning out soup, sandwiches, and tapas like the badass culinary warriors they are.

The two women are the backbone of the kitchen, adding spice and creativity to everything they do.

Meanwhile, behind the bar, Jade is the Barista Queen, slinging the best darn coffees and latte art around. Her lattes are legendary, and her vibe matches the Queen's energy—bold, sassy, and unforgettable. And, of course, there's Michelle—the dynamo who keeps the wheels turning behind the scenes.

Michelle relocated from Vancouver to join Melissa in realizing her dream, and Michelle's fingerprints are on everything from permits to promotions to planning. Her skills, smarts, and steady presence helped keep Queen of the South on track through the wildest and wackiest episodes of such rapid growth. "Without her," says Melissa, "I'd have lost my marbles by now!"

The team at Queen of the South comprises a diverse mix of ages, backgrounds, and stories—and it's that blend that gives the eclectic café its energized, one-of-a-kind vibe. Julie, Melissa's right-hand woman since day one, is the bakery wizard behind every cake and dessert.

Liv, a charcuterie Queen in her own right (second only to Melissa herself), drives in daily from Rock Creek and helps keep the custom-crafted boards beautiful and the incredible energy flowing. Melissa is deeply rooted in her Portuguese heritage, and injects that passion into every corner of the café. Fluent in Portuguese and raised around food, she credits much of her work ethic to her father, owner of the iconic Tony's Meats and Deli in Penticton. His lessons, especially those about treating your team like family—are now part of Queen of the South's team mission statement.

Building a Successful Business Takes a Strong Family

Community is everything, Melissa says, and her team gives back regularly to their community through sponsorships, donations, and local support. Customers aren't just customers—they help name the sandwiches, enter contests, dance in the café, and generally share the love every step of the way.

"It hasn't always been easy," Melissa says. "There've been tears, stress, and days where it all feels like too much. But the good always outweighs the difficulty. We laugh, cry, and dance through it—together."

Behind the scenes is Melissa's steady rock, her incredible husband, a patient advocate who's stood beside Melissa through every high, every low, every late night, every meltdown—and every moment of celebration. Alongside him are their four amazing kids, who have put up with long hours, missed dinners, and a mom who has had to juggle it all. "I love them all very much," Melissa says. "None of this would be possible without their love, patience, and support."

As the Queen's story continues to unfold, one thing is crystal clear: this isn't just a café. It's a community. It's a family. And it's a whole damn vibe. Be sure to stop by this summer!

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