Gracie’s Tamales is a woman-owned, family-run business in Waitsfield. Owner Grace Holter learned to make and love tamales at her childhood best friend’s house, where her grandmother would hold tamalada parties that brought family and friends together to make tamales. Inspired, Grace brought her passion for bringing people together with tamales to Vermont. “I started out just sharing them with friends and family, but now 20 years later, I sell them at farmers’ markets and in over 20 stores.” Grace explained.

Since the start of Gracie’s Tamales, Grace’s three children and husband have helped her make and sell tamales. Now that her children are adults, they come home for the summer to work in the kitchen and vend at the farmers’ markets for her. Family and community are at the center of Gracie’s Tamales. Whenever possible, local and fresh ingredients are used in the tamale-making process. Grace utilizes All Souls masa harina, Vermont Bean Crafters, Cabot Creamery cheese, and local meats.

The rising cost of food is Grace’s biggest challenge. In the last year, the price of her corn husks has more than doubled. As a mother of five, she has always prioritized making good, healthy food affordable. Her guiding philosophy is to continue making a healthy food product that she is proud of, using local and organic ingredients.