An artisanal cheese shop is opening this fall in Armour Yards. Capella Cheese, which will offer over 250 artisanal, handmade cheeses from small and local cheesemakers, is slated to open at 255 Ottley Drive NE.
Capella Cheese is co-owned by Clay Jackson and cheese expert and former Star Provisions manager Raymond Hook, who will curate the entire cheese selection. Cheeses will be sourced from small-batch cheesemakers who use sustainable cheese-making practices, many of which will be sold exclusively at Capella Cheese.
“We wanted to build a cheese shop that was suitable for selling cheese from the best cheesemakers in the world,” says Hook. “Our goal is to create the best possible environment to hold and sell cheeses.”
The 3,500-square-foot space will feature a cheese counter, a 12-foot cheese case and three transparent cheese storage rooms, and will be a place where customers can not only shop a wide selection of cheese, but can learn about the art of cheesemaking. Hook will cut all the cheese to order and will tailor his recommendations based on customers’ individual needs. He also plans to eventually offer cheese-tasting events.
“By nature, specialty cheese tends to be a bit pricier, but we’re doing a really good job of singling out and finding high quality products that are super affordable,” says Hook. “Whether you’re a cheese novice, or experienced, or super adventurous, we will have something for everyone.”
In addition to Capella Cheese’s expansive cheese selection, the cheese shop will sell cured meats, breads, flowers, and other specialty foods.
Capella Cheese is expected to open in November. Whether you consider yourself a cheese connoisseur or simply a cheese-lover, you should head there this fall for your daily dose of dairy.
