Party platters enhance any occasion

Michelle Shoup, a Dalton graduate and longtime deli tray technician, has taken her talent of assembling unique customized party platters to the next level and has founded Goudy Park Platters.

DALTON  She doesn’t use a paint brush – or wave a magic wand for that matter. She doesn’t even use a ruler. Although it sure looks like she does.

Michelle Shoup has a God-given talent, eye for aesthetics, and her attention to detail is unmatched.

Her motto summarizes her new business perfectly: “Where the trays are more than food – they’re works of art.”
Most importantly, she cares about her customers. She works hard to make sure the platters they receive for their special occasion – whether the trays are full of deli meats, cheeses, crackers, berries, fruits and veggies or other items – are of the highest standard.

For more than 30 years, Shoup has been making deli trays. The Dalton High graduate learned by observing when she first began working at Kidron Town & Country. Soon she took off with it and was able to try different things and perfect her technique. Shoup also gained more experience and practice when she worked at 3D Meats and the Cheese Shoppe in Apple Creek before turning her passion for platters into her own business.

Shoup puts much care into each tray and she has taken a picture of each one. Based on photos she has taken over the years she is able to tell customers she has made more than 1,300 trays.

Michelle Shoup’s Mom, Diana, has helped her open her business as well as her Dad, David and her aunt Debbie – all Dalton High School School graduates.And there’s a story behind the business’ name: Goudy Park Platters.

Located along southwest Lebanon Road, the business name is a tribute to the Goudy family who are among the founders of the township. Michelle Shoup said she idolized her grandparents Lloyd and Beulah Goudy.

“I wanted to honor them,” she said.

Diana and Michelle Shoup said the beautiful rural area where they live in Dalton has a park feel. Michelle’s great grandfather built the house she lives in. Diana Shoup said her father was the first school bus driver for the career center when it opened.
Shoup has different cuts of cheeses and vegetables and she carefully folds and rolls deli meats and layers them artistically.

It’s not unusual for Shoup to alternate colors and types of meat and cheeses. Round and rectangle platters with their colorful creative designs almost resemble patchwork quilts.

The “pièce de résistance” of each creation is the centerpiece. When Shoup was starting out she learned that the center of the platter draws the eye. She learned how to peel tomatoes and make flowers. Soon, she wondered if she could make salami or trail bologna look like a flower. Next, she experimented with cookie cutters and made cheese and fruit into different shapes tailored to the occasion and theme.

Shoup offers different sizes ranging from small to large – starting at $35 for veggie trays and $40 for meat and cheese trays.
Shoup has lists and forms available so that customers can see their options when ordering. Shoup also will try to accommodate special requests. She shops local and makes sure to pick the finest and freshest ingredients.

Shoup also hopes to offer some new items in the future such as box or sack lunches for businesses. People are welcome to provide their own tray if they wish. Shoup said she also is working on offering charcuterie boards.

Also, customers can be assured that their trays are made in impeccable conditions as Shoup has a dedicated building at her home to assemble the trays and she has been certified and inspected with all certificates required on display from the county and state.

Mother’s Day is coming up, Father’s Day is not too far behind, and Memorial Day, Fourth of July and other summer occasions as well as weddings, graduation parties and reunions all beg for a colorful festive platter tailor-made for any occasion. Give Shoup at least a day’s notice and she can put together an exquisite tray to meet your needs and enhance your next special occasion.

Call or text 330-465-0033 or email [email protected]. Keep an eye on Goudy Park Platters’ Facebook page as Shoup intends to add a gallery of photos soon.