Fast 15: Mallory Files

Mallory Files had many career paths she thought about pursuing. There was a time when she wanted to be a lawyer, a teacher, a neurosurgeon, and she even had a mind to enter politics and run for president someday.  

All of those dreams faded when her sister was tragically murdered. Following the trial of her  sister’s killer, Files felt lost, and it was suggested to her that she do something in the creative space.  

She had created a Valentine’s Day charcuterie board for her then-boyfriend and now husband, and making more appealed to her. That’s when Ozark Charcuterie and Wine Bar was born.

The company did catering jobs for three years before it opened a brick-and-mortar establishment. That goal was realized on Sept. 13, 2024, when the restaurant opened.

“I thought to myself, ‘I’ve got to go and do this,’” she said. “And so, I did.”

Strategically, she decided to keep her offerings simple. Patrons can choose from two sizes of charcuterie boards.  

A massive pretzel, small bites, bread and oil plates, fresh plates and others are available. A selection of 25 wines are offered, along with three beers on tap, sparkling wines and non-alcoholic drinks.  

“I didn’t want to ever bite off more than I could chew,” she said.  

The bulk of her business is still catering, and the company does that throughout Northwest Arkansas. Occasionally, a large enough order will come in, and they will travel out of the area. But it has to be substantial, she added. 

The brick-and-mortar store has a seating capacity of 52, and she has 12 employees. The challenges of running a business are never-ending, but Files said she likes the challenge.

“One of the biggest challenges is not knowing what to do next,” she said. “You just have to make decisions. There’s no blueprint for what I’m trying to do.”

One of her focuses is to be a content creator on social media. She has more than 120,000 followers. She tries to reach out to other businesses and even local high schools to promote her business and message.

Ultimately, she wants to become an expert in her field and even become a public speaker on topics such as her business and female entrepreneurship.

“I’m going to make the next great decision,” she said.