Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Baehre.
Hi Heather, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I had been working in corporate America for 15 years but always dreamed of owning a wine and cheese shop. When the last company I worked for was downsizing, I took the risk and opened my own business. In September 2017, I opened the Rockford Cheese Shop in downtown Rockford, MI.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Overall, it has been a smooth road. We have a great town with a lot of regulars that have kept us going in slower times. As for most businesses, COVID was definitely a struggle. During that time, we were able to offer meal kits and deliveries to help keep us moving forward.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At the Rockford Cheese Shop, we offer over 120 cheeses, as well as anything else you may need to make an amazing cheese and charcuterie board. We love to work with customers to find items they love that make the perfect pairing for their occasion. Customers are able to sample the cheese to get an idea of what they like, and we cut to order off of the wheel. We help them pair the cheese with crackers, fruit, nuts, meats, wines, and more.
I believe our service and connection with our customers is what sets us apart from others. We believe that food brings people together. By creating a connection with our customers, we can help them create the perfect cheese board, find the perfect cheese for a recipe, or experience a new flavor they never knew they loved.
One of the most fun aspects of our jobs as cheesemongers is creating beautiful platters or grazing tables for people’s gatherings, parties, or events. We are able to bring joy and love to people through food art.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Cheese has been around for centuries and will continue to be a staple for consumers. The trend for cleaner, less processed foods is definitely continuing to grow. Specialty food stores are already ahead of that trend.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rockfordcheeseshop.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therockfordcheeseshop/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockfordCheeseShop/
