Founding owners of Epicure Catering, Cammie Buehler and Andy Schudlich, have decided to transform their business after 18 years of hosting weddings and managing the venue at Cherry Basket Farm in Omena. The farm and event space will be listed for sale by Memorial Day weekend, with 2020 as their last summer of hosting events at Cherry Basket.

These plans have been in motion for some time, Beuhler tells The Leelanau Ticker, but due to the pandemic hitting and booking timelines, they were unable to share this news until now. “We will follow all guidelines as they relate to gatherings this summer,” notes Buehler. “That being said, we are very excited to bring our signature farm to table cuisine and excellent hospitality to our summer 2020 events.”

Going forward, the pair plan to focus on culinary consulting and private and travel chef services.

The two will operate their new venture from Northern Michigan. “This is home for us. Our clients, friends and families are here and our love for Leelanau only grows," Buehler says.

"We began this venture by cooking for intimate in-home parties and by hitting the road with our clients, cooking for their vacations. Due to our wedding business and the long timelines required for booking such events, we've had to turn away most inquiries for freelance event and private chef work. It is a part of our business we are excited to revisit.”

She adds, “Working in tandem with the incredible local vendor community, building collaborative systems with our team, acting as stewards of the farm, and elevating the importance of local food have proven to be the greatest honors of our career. Andy and I have followed our hearts through this journey and this decision to shift gears is no different.”

 Buehler tells The Leelanau Ticker that there are countless people, projects and events which have touched and shaped their path in Leelanau County over the last two decades. “Hours spent lovingly restoring the property, and spending time with our families and the Epicure team will be our most cherished memories of Cherry Basket Farm. The couples who have chosen to wed at the property have been a wonderful part of the farm’s legacy, as well.”

She adds, “Some of our favorite events have been those we’ve produced with local nonprofits, namely the Leelanau Conservancy, FLOW and the Michael Chetcuti Foundation, as these events are ticketed and draw a different cross section of guests. We still hope to offer a Michael Chetcuti Foundation event or two in the 2020 season.”

Photos: Left, Weber Photographers; Right, David Tsay Photo