When it comes to bringing people together, co-founders Alli Kisner and Emily Begnaud have found a recipe that goes far beyond food. Through their downtown Lee’s Summit business, Madison Social, the longtime friends are creating beautiful charcuterie experiences and intimate events designed to spark conversation and connection
The story behind Madison Social began with an unexpected friendship. Kisner and Begnaud met through Great Beginnings while raising children with disabilities. As they got to know one another, they discovered they had grown up just minutes apart in Iowa and now live only a block from each other in downtown Lee’s Summit.
“What started as a shared passion soon became a business dedicated to creating beautiful, thoughtful food experiences that make gatherings feel special, welcoming, and memorable,” says Kisner.
While Madison Social is not a traditional walk-in storefront, its historic downtown space has become a sought-after setting for private events and curated experiences.
“The space truly comes alive through private rentals and curated pop-up events,” Kisner says. “It’s a place meant for gathering, celebrating, and creating memorable moments.”
At the center of the business is charcuterie, a trend that continues to resonate with hosts and guests alike because it transforms food into part of the event itself.
“Charcuterie feels both beautiful and effortless,” Kisner says. “It naturally invites people to slow down, gather around, and engage with each other while they graze, talk, and explore different flavors.”
Every Madison Social board begins with carefully selected meats, cheeses, and seasonal accompaniments. The team thoughtfully balances flavor, texture, color, and presentation to create displays that are as eye-catching as they are delicious.
“Presentation is always just as important as taste,” Kisner says. “We focus on contrast, flow, and little details that make the board feel alive and artful.”
The intimate venue is especially popular for bridal showers, baby showers, birthdays, corporate gatherings, client appreciation events, workshops, and styled dinners. No matter the occasion, the focus remains on creating meaningful experiences.
One memorable event featured a class reunion where the grazing table quickly became the center of the evening. Guests gathered around, shared stories, and lingered long after the event began. Another favorite was a bachelorette celebration paired with a hands-on charcuterie workshop that sparked laughter and creativity.
Those moments reflect what sets Madison Social apart. Kisner describes the company’s approach as highly intentional, with every ingredient carefully chosen.
“We often say our charcuterie is ‘eatable, not just edible,’ because we’re selective about everything that goes on our boards,” she says. “Each experience is designed as a journey through flavor, texture, and balance.”
As entertaining trends continue to evolve, Madison Social is seeing growing demand for interactive experiences, from draped grazing tables to mobile charcuterie bars. Hosts are increasingly looking for thoughtful details and design-forward experiences that feel personal and memorable.
For Kisner and Begnaud, that trend aligns perfectly with the vision they built Madison Social around from the beginning, creating beautiful spaces, unforgettable food, and opportunities for people to connect. Whether celebrating a major milestone or gathering for a simple night with friends, Madison Social brings a thoughtful touch to every occasion and creates experiences that are uniquely special to you.