Hidden Gems: Meet Lindsay Kennedy of Dolcetto, Cheese, & Specialty Goods

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsay Kennedy.  

Lindsay, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have always been a firm believer that if you do not love what you are doing, you need to get out of the way of someone that might want your opportunity. I used to have a very serious career that I loved, but I unfortunately got burned out. I decided to go into wine professionally at that point. I spent the last decade learning the ins and outs of the industry with a dream to own a wine shop in downtown Farmington. I knew Farmington was where I belonged and wanted to be a bigger part of my community. I began my MBA about 2 years ago to learn if it is possible to provide benefits to my team members, why small businesses typically do not, and to create a better foundation to be able to be a successful business owner. I graduated this past weekend and am able to offer pto (paid time off) and retirement matching to my team members. Much to my surprise, my passion for food and beverage lead me to a series of events that made owning a wine and cheese shop much more logical than starting a wine-exclusive shop. 

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?
Not at all. I had hoped to own my own business about 6 years ago but I hit some major barriers that made it very difficult for me to work at all, let alone run a business. Once I overcame those challenges, I ended up working in distribution for about a year to make enough money to be able to afford a business. I was working at least 60–70-hour weeks while in grad school to make my dreams come true. Fortunately, taking over an existing business is much less expensive than launching a startup in this situation. This information was learned through my MBA program. Somehow, I managed to be in the right places at the right times. 

We’ve been impressed with Dolcetto, Cheese, & Specialty Goods, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We have an amazing selection of over 100 artisan cheeses, wines, foods, and fun kitchen goods. You can actually sample any of our cheese before purchasing and our team is trained to help you find fun pairing ideas and new experiences. Our shop is very community-focused. While my background is in wine, our wine collection is filled with very unique wines with great stories. My favorite wineries focus on caring for their team members and giving back to their communities. Our name, Dolcetto, is one of my favorite grapes as it translates to “Little Sweet One” which is a term of endearment from the producers of the grape. It is very humble although it is grown next to some of the most prestigious Italian wines. The producers present their Dolcetto when they go to each other’s homes as a sign of respect and to show their dedication to everything they do, from the ground to the bottle. I am so humbled that we are part of our guest’s happiest moments and many of their saddest moments. It is such an honor to be part of these moments through the products we provide to them. It is not something we take lightly. 

A few months ago, we launched our Perfect Bite Club, which provides specially curated pairing experiences for our members. I am blown away by the number of members we have gained in such a short amount of time. The club is for true food and wine lovers that are ready for an adventure. 

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I believe very strongly in community. I think as a business owner it is so important to look into your community and recognize the importance of partnerships. We are so fortunate to have so many wonderful businesses in Farmington. Each of these makes our community stronger and more successful. I remember watching a talk about partnerships in school and the speaker referred to the ecosystem and how the more complicated ecosystems tend to also be the healthiest. We are building our complicated ecosystem by getting bread from the bakery for our grilled cheese kits, offering snack packs for the coffee shop, partnering with the record shop for Record Day, partnering with the smoothie bar for grilled cheese and the brewery for our cheese and cracker sets. We are constantly looking for ways to help support other businesses in town and help new businesses navigate joining our community. We are stronger together. 

When looking for a mentor, I think it is very important to think about what your own values are and where you want to go. Once you know that, look out into the world and see who is on that path as well or already there. I reached out to the local brewery when I learned they already provide full benefits to their team. I truly believe the way he cares for his team is the right way to do business. 

Pricing:

• Our cheeses are cut to order starting at a 1/4 lb so it is easy for our team to accommodate most budgets. Our cheese ranges from $9-$47/ lb.
• Wine: Our wines currently range from $10-$70
• Home goods: we have cute serving items, cheese knives, charcuterie boards… these start at $1 and go up
• Charcuterie boards: fully customizable starting at $30

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dolcettofarmington.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/dolcettofarmington
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/dolcettofarmington