Sweet dreams are made of cheese
Living in a small town like we do in Madison offers many joys and advantages. The friendliness, the lack of traffic, the quality of life. Admittedly, we do lack some things they have in larger cities, like more shopping and restaurant choices. But those are small sacrifices I’m more than willing to make for the many, many things in the plus column. Except for cheese.
A great selection of high quality cheeses is one of those big city perks that I know many people in Madison really pine for. It’s one of those topics I’ve heard discussed so many times I’ve lost count. I’ve even had multiple friends talk about opening a cheese shop, although no one ever followed through. Until now. Paula Bell heard the call, and she’s stepping up to fill the void!
You may know Paula from her other business ventures, like the Grime Scene store on Main Street, or her cleaning business JazzyB’s. She’s a dynamo of energy and ideas, and it’s no surprise she’s taking on cheese with the same gusto and creativity.
Her new business is in the Trolley Barn shops on west Main Street, and she’s actually taking over two spaces across the hall from each other. “On the west side we have a made to order charcuterie shop called Cheesy Come,” explains Paula. “And on the east side is our retail store Cheesy Go, where you can buy and take home our lovely artisan cheeses and meats. Oh, and there will be fresh baked goods, too.”
So just in case you didn’t put the two together, the combined operation is called “Cheesy Come, Cheesy Go,” and the name is quite indicative of the playful and upbeat business style Paula projects. “We’re all about the customer experience,” she explains. “Our focus is great products, great service, and coming away with a smile on your face. We build relationships, that’s our business model.”
The charcuterie side is open now, and the retail cheese shop will be open Feb. 1. “We’re going directly to the artisan cheese producers for our stock, and having it shipped in super fresh. We have suppliers in Indiana, of course, but also Wisconsin, New York state, even from the U.K. Our meat comes from the Smoking Goose Meatery out of Indy … they have something like 800 selections!
“These are the same meats and cheeses you can get on the charcuterie side, assembled to your liking, with various fruits and breads. It makes a great take-home meal, or we have a few tables where you can sit and eat. I really like the quaint atmosphere here in the Trolley Barn. I believe the old Barn has a lot of life left in it, and I think if it were a person it would be smiling at what’s going on here today.
“The community reaction to the cheese store has been amazing. The lady who makes the keys at Lowes called me out and asked, Hey, are you the new cheese lady? She was so excited. Some women at Walmart stopped me too. It feels like we hit an untapped market here in Madison, and folks are being very supportive.
“I’m partnering with Clearcreek Creations for baked goods in the shop, so you’ll be able to get fresh breads to go with the cheeses. Oh, and something special we’re doing, healthcare workers will always qualify for a 10% discount in our shop. I believe they deserve our respect and support.
“Finally, if you are looking for something fun to do on Valentine’s Day, we’re hosting an event we’re calling ‘City of Love – Trolley Barn After Dark.’ It’s a ticketed private tasting with two seatings, at 5 and 7, with pairings of wine, cheese, chocolate and fruit. Tickets are available at MadTixEvents.com.”
HOT TIP OF THE WEEK:
Did anybody else get out for live music last weekend? It was a classic Saturday night in Indiana’s Music City. Mad Paddle was completely packed and full of energy. Red Bicycle Hall had a sell-out crowd enjoying an amazing performance from Laid Back Picker . It was Obscure Neil Young night over at Thomas Family Winery which is always a hoot. Plus there was music at Rivertown Grill and several other places. The temperature was above freezing for a change, and there were people walking between venues, laughing and enjoying the night out. If you haven’t experienced our downtown music district yet, you need to make plans and do it soon. I talked to a couple visiting from central Indiana, and they asked me, “How does Madison do this? Our town has a few bars, but it’s nothing like this. This is so cool!” Yes new friends, it really is so cool. That couple assured me they plan to come back often. How ‘bout you? Are you going to join the fun this year?
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