Submitted photo Rotary President Phillips Kolsun welcomed Kristin Kissee, owner of A’la Board Plates & Platters to the Rotary Club of Elkins.

ELKINS — Kristin Kissee, owner of A’la Board Plates & Platters addressed the Rotary Club of Elkins while providing a delicious lunch for the group.

Kissee and her husband moved to Elkins from Idaho in 2023 when he

accepted a position with the Monongahela National Forest.

While living in Boise, Idaho, Kissee ran the same business and has been able to translate that experience to her current shop.

A’la Board opened in September 2024 and moved to its current location at 212 Davis Avenue (the blue building beside the Tygart Hotel) last August.

“I’ve had some really great feedback since I’ve been there. I’ve gotten to know some amazing people,” said Kissee. “It’s been very welcoming downtown. I’ve picked up on some things that people really want to see.”

Kissee believes it is important to work with her business neighbors and support their businesses.

“I feel that’s how we all thrive. I truly couldn’t be where I am today without our community, our other small businesses,” added Kissee.

Kissee specializes in the grazing tables that are seen at larger events. She focuses on creating something beautiful out of food.

“When it comes to food, we eat with our eyes first,” said Kissee. “It doesn’t always have to be different; it doesn’t always have to be fancy. It’s more about bringing us together.”

One of Kissee’s biggest challenges in transitioning A’la Board from a

homebased business to a store front is balancing her family and business responsibilities. Another challenge has been establishing operating hours for the store.

Generally, A’la Board is open from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. However, the bad winter weather has had an impact on the practicality of maintaining those hours. Currently, the store is open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, with occasional closings due to catering obligations.

The store has a self-serve coffee bar and baked goods for breakfast. Lunch offerings include grab-and-go items such as salads and sandwiches; there is no published menu.

“It [the menu] changes weekly, utilizing fresh grown and local ingredients. I try my best to keep things local,” said Kissee. There is a small place to stay and enjoy lunch in the store for those who would like to do so.

Catering comprises a great deal of A’la Board’s business and, unlike the store front, it isn’t adversely affected by the bad weather. During the holiday season, A’la Board was able to be a part of many tables and gatherings and that momentum has continued into the new year.

“We have some really great upcoming events, and we cannot wait to share with the community. I truly am trying to bring a new perspective to continue to revive downtown, It’s going to take all of us and I’ve found that there are so many people who want good for our town, community and businesses but aren’t quite sure how to execute it but they do have a puzzle piece for it, and I think that’s something really exciting,” concluded Kissee.

“We want it to thrive and we want to be successful, but we can’t all do it alone, we need each other.”

Questions regarding menus and opening hours can be directed to Kissee at 253.548.5681 or at Kristin@alaboardplatesandplatters.com. More information, including a more detailed description of A’la Board’s offerings and online ordering, can be found at www.alaboardplatesandplatters.com.

Rotary is a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in their communities, and in themselves.

Visit www.Rotary.org to learn more about Rotary International, visit the club’s Facebook page – Rotary Club of Elkins – or contact 2025-2026 club president Phillips Kolsun at phillipskolsun@gmail.com for more information about the Rotary Club of Elkins.