by Lisa Moore photo by Meredith Jones

Beverly McLaughlin, owner of Beverly's Gourmet Foods, has an important goal in mind.

“I want to feed the localvores, vegetarians and health conscious Charlotteans.”

McLaughlin has been teasing the healthy taste buds of satisfied customers with her vegetarian and vegan prepared foods for several years. She lovingly whips up mouthwatering salads, homemade soups, tofu and pasta dishes, salads, quiches, dips and more.

Devoid of processed foods, artificial coloring, artificial flavorings and preservatives, McLaughin’s creations are made strictly with fresh, whole foods. Favorites include roasted vegetable lasagna, tomato basil pie, Granny’s vegetable soup, edamame salad and pimento cheese.

Her delicious products can be found at Mecklenburg County Market, Healthy Home Market, Berrybrook Farms, Dowd YMCA, Atherton Mills Market and Pickles Farmer's Market. Customers can also order online for pickup at the Mecklenburg Market.

Developing the weekly menu is a labor of love. “My regular customers appreciate my variety and creativity. I plan my menu around the fresh, in-season ingredients,” says the mother of three.

McLaughlin, a vegetarian, came by her passion for natural food honestly; her family helped start the Mecklenburg County Market, the oldest farmers market in North Carolina.

“I grew up picking vegetables and eating them later that night. To this day I have no desire for processed foods,” she says.

For more information visit www.BeverlysGourmetFoods.com.