Our Story
Located on 302 W University Drive, in beautiful Rochester Michigan, The Cheese Lady Rochester is a haven for those who love fine cheese, excellent pairings and superlative customer service.
Founded in 2016, the store is now owned by Barbara Marriner, who fell in love with the cheese shop when she first arrived in the US with her family in 2017 from her native North East England. Looking to use her consultancy experience in a small local business, she was delighted to also find an opportunity to explore her love of cheese (and background in science).
Barbara Marriner ACS CCP®
Owner, The Cheese Lady - RochesterOur Story: Global Passion and Expertise Meets Local Flavor
Barbara says ‘Every day I am privileged to meet people who share my love of fantastic cheese and pairings from around the world. It’s a dream to showcase the fine artistry, science and history that have brought these superlative products to our door. I thank the Rochester community for welcoming me, and in turn, my team and I welcome you to our store! We will be honored to just find just what you are looking for, plus a wee spot of extra WOW!’.
The extra WOW is routed in providing tip top advice on cheese selection (including sampling to narrow down the 200 cheeses on offer!), gift giving or simply pairing cheese with some of her fabulous range of comestibles to delight and amaze your guests. Hand in hand with excellent customer service, the store is a haven for those who love cheese. Charcuterie, crackers, jams, nuts, chocolates, candies, oils, vinegars, olives, pickles are all available in store.
Barbara was recently awarded the Certified Cheese Professional Certification by the American Cheese Society. This is a prestigious credential for individuals demonstrating exceptional expertise in all facets of the cheese industry. To earn this, candidates must meet extensive work experience requirements (4000 hours) and pass a rigorous exam covering cheese knowledge, production, history, regulations, and best practices.
Barbara said ‘This ACS CCP® designation signifies my deep love and understanding of cheese, and my commitment to maintain and elevate the standards of knowledge and service in the cheese industry for the benefit of all of our customers. I’m excited to join the 1000 strong fellow CCPs Worldwide and I thank my brilliant cheesemongers for the support and you ALL for the opportunity to serve and talk about cheese!”
Our Beautiful Historic Store in Rochester Downtown Area
The store also boasts a Gift Parlour – jam packed with all manner of cheese merchandise and gifts items – and can provide gift baskets and certificates for personal or corporate use.
Custom made charcuterie and cheese boards are available to order for both personal and corporate use, ranging from 4 people to 100+
Classes – Barbara is excited to offer classes both on cheese and, in conjunction with local community based collaborations – classes on paring cheese with Wine, Tea, Beer and even Bourbon! All upcoming events can be found in the events section of this website – with private and corporate classes also available.