Jaybird Superette

In three words or less: what does being a cheesemonger mean to you?

Accessibility. Passion. Joy.

I’ve always said if I was working in food, I’d be at least 50% happy. Thankfully, working in cheese makes it much closer to 100% happiness. Owner of Jaybird Superette in San Diego, hopefully opening this summer.

Instagram: @Hannahbkinns

Schaller & Weber

In three words or less: what does being a cheesemonger mean to you?

Passion. Education. Magic.

I started working in artisanal cheese shortly after meeting my friend’s father, "Max McCalman", as a 17, with no clear direction. Learning and working with him has sparked a lifelong obsession with the industry. Sixteen years later, I’m more passionate than ever. By day, I curate the cheese, charcuterie, and accoutrement selection for Schaller & Weber. In my free time, my cofounder and I are growing an artisanal cheese box company. Our main goal at “wedgely.co” is to bring the best hand curated artisanal cheese to the American market, and expand cheese education. Sharing this craft with a wider audience continues to inspire and drive me daily.

Instagram: @cheffiala

Van Hook Cheese & Grocery

In three words or less: what does being a cheesemonger mean to you?

Sharing, Caring, And Pairing

Maya's love language has been cheese ever since they were a child. Any time there's a birthday or special occasion, you know Maya will be volunteering to make the cheeseboard. As a cheesemonger, they love sharing knowledge and helping to educate customers on where their food comes from, building community through their favorite food!

Instagram: @punkybrujx

Van Hook Cheese and Grocery

In three words or less: what does being a cheesemonger mean to you?

Community, Ingenuity, Compassion

Hi, my name is Mike Doyle! I was fortunate enough to fall into cheese and cheese has given me a whole new view on life. The community that is built around cheesemakers and cheese stores has shown me the ingenuity so many people have live and thrive in this world. I am happy to be part of a community that can connect my community with the land of our country and many others.

Instagram: @michadoy

Greene Grape Provisions

In three words or less: what does being a cheesemonger mean to you?

Spread Cheese Love!

Hi, I'm Evan and I started working in cheese in 2020. In 2019 I attended my first CMI; in 2021 I carved my first Mimolette into a scarecrow and broke my first Parm wheel; in 2022 I started working at the cheese counter of a small independent provisions store, in 2024 I earned my ACS CCP status. And in 2025... still writing the book!

Instagram: @eesssjay

St James Cheese Company

In three words or less: what does being a cheesemonger mean to you?

Rehoming Good Food

I've worked with food all my life, started in cheese at the Weaver Street Market in NC in 2007, got my CCP while working at the Fox and The Crow in CO, still learning so much at St James Cheese in LA. When not behind the counter I live music, good food and drinks and friendly people. Luckily I live in New Orleans so it all right out the front door

Instagram: @Jaklicq

Di Bruno Bros

In three words or less: what does being a cheesemonger mean to you?

Service, Education, Art

Jamie Meyers is an accomplished cheesemonger with a profound passion for food and service. Educating customers and sharing the stories behind every cheese is her greatest joy.

Instagram: @baker_street_fox

Marché

In three words or less: what does being a cheesemonger mean to you?

Affection For Curds

I’m closing in on a full decade working in cheese and I fall more in love with it every day. I cut my teeth working at Pastoral in Chicago during a time of big transitions in my life: I had been studying journalism at Columbia College and working part-time in a grocery’s deli department. I burned out of both, but also wanted to keep working and figure myself out. A world of intense passion enveloped me, one driven by incredible people. Every avenue of human experience, observed in studying cheese. And I’ve still got so much more to learn!

Instagram: @molly.hess.75

Main Street Cheese Company

In three words or less: what does being a cheesemonger mean to you?

Community, Education

Living in NYC for 14 years, and after inspiring six weeks immersed in the culinary wonders of Florence, Jordan returned to her hometown with a love for artisan food. These experiences flavor every corner of her shop in Downtown Somerville NJ. She’s a champion for community connections, partnering with local businesses, hosting events, and sourcing products from nearby producers to keep it local.

Instagram: @jordannaaash

Caputo's Market and Deli

In three words or less: what does being a cheesemonger mean to you?

Learn, Share, Cheese!

My introduction to great cheese was through my Grammy and Poppy, and it was love at first bite! From my cheese club in high school, to my current work as a cheesemonger and educator, cheese is fundamental to who I am. I love to learn about cheese and use it to connect with my community and create memories.

Instagram: @foodandwineknight

Tony Caputo's Market & Deli

In three words or less: what does being a cheesemonger mean to you?

Nourishing Body + Soul

I have been the full-time affineuse for Tony Caputo's Market & Deli/A Priori Distribution since 2013, but I learned the art of slinging cheese at Liberty Heights Fresh, where I was a monger and department head/buyer. As Caputo's affineuse, I wear several hats, which keeps things interesting even when they're tedious.

I have an MFA in Creative Writing that I don't use, but I got a ton of teaching experience at the U of U, and that is a great asset for cheese classes.

Instagram: @antoniahorne

Town and Country

In three words or less: what does being a cheesemonger mean to you?

Let Them Taste

After working in grocery for fifteen plus years I fell into the world of cheese. I never expected how it would change my life, what I would learn, the connections I would make, or the happiness I could put on peoples faces. It’s truly been eye opening.

Instagram: @Goldenismyname

Wegman’s

In three words or less: what does being a cheesemonger mean to you?

Sharing Cheese Passion

I’ve now worked in cheese for 10 years now! I’m a cheese manager for Wegmans in malvern pa. Like alot of fellow mongers, this career was unplanned but a true love and passion was found! I have spent the past 10 years growing my knowledge and love for cheese. The best part of my role is growing the next generation of mongers and cheese lovers!

Instagram: @Delcos_cheese_monger

Whole Foods Market- Boulder Table Mesa

In three words or less: what does being a cheesemonger mean to you?

Cheese Or Die

Over 8 years in cheese and still going strong! Started out as a cheesemonger at Whole Foods and now a Specialty Team Leader. Finally achieved my goal of becoming a Certified Cheese Professional, after covid delays, in 2022. When not slinging queso at work, I enjoy eating cheese while reading Fantasy books. My special skill is being able to identify cheeses solely by the rind. Grilled cheese enthusiast with abysmal cheese pulls but excellent weird combinations.

Instagram: @TheCultofBrie

Cowbell Fine Cheese

In three words or less: what does being a cheesemonger mean to you?

Shared Delight

My name is Birch Clark (he/they) and I was born, raised, and currently reside in Portland Oregon. I am from a family of cooks and have been a lover of cheese since I requested a wheel of parmigiano reggiano for my 8th birthday. When I'm not cheesemongering at Cowbell Fine Cheese you can find me in class studying film at Portland State University, reading in a local park, and heaping affection onto my spoiled one eyed cat Greebo.

Beautiful Rind

In three words or less: what does being a cheesemonger mean to you?

Connecting Food & People

I've been a Chicago-based cheesemonger for the past 10 years. I started at Whole Foods, which I left after a year to go to independent shops. I first went to work at Pastoral and went from an entry-level cheese associate to become the director of operations at their busiest location before I left to open an independent specialty market in Lincoln Square as the General Manager. I have been the General Manager at Beautiful Rind for the past 2.5 years, and I've loved going back to running a solely cheese-focused business. I am passionate about food in general, and pairing people with great food and beverage.

Instagram: @kfreemire

Murray's Cheese

In three words or less: what does being a cheesemonger mean to you?

A Way Out

Carl Sonnefeld is a standup comedian and long distance hiker. He needed something to do between gigs and between hikes. His main goal is to make cheese in a cave with some old guys after he's done hiking the Hexatrek in France. But he didn't know which cheese he wanted to make, so he got a job at Murray's to eat all of the cheeses and narrow it down.

Instagram: @Snarlincarl

Talbott & Arding

In three words or less: what does being a cheesemonger mean to you?

Edible Storytelling

Max comes from a long line of people passionate about food. He loves learning the stories that make great food so special, and sharing those stories with anyone who will listen. After spending 15 years working in restaurants, Max found his true passion in cheese.

Instagram: @Thegyrohero

Spitfire Cheese & Sundry

In three words or less: what does being a cheesemonger mean to you?

Everything

I started my cheese journey at the bottom in Murray's Cheesebar. Amd now I work for my friends at Spitfire. A new and wonderful cheese shop.

Instagram: @Aint_nobody_like_p

France 44 Cheese Shop

In three words or less: what does being a cheesemonger mean to you?

Maintenance And Matchmaking.

Sophia is a monger, cheese buyer, and educator at the France 44 Cheese Shop in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She moved to Minneapolis in 2019 and has worked at France 44 for just as long. Originally from Carroll Gardens in Brooklyn, she cut her teeth at her neighborhood cheese shop Stinky Bklyn. She has her WSET 3 in wines and was one of the 2024 l'Amuse interns. In her free time she gets excited about travel, baseball, and the culinary universe.

Instagram: @sophiagates

Rockford Cheese Shop

In three words or less: what does being a cheesemonger mean to you?

Passion, Dairy, Stories!

Anna Anel (they/them) is a cheesemonger, manager, event coordinator, and educator at the Rockford Cheese Shop. Whether working behind the cheese counter or developing new classes, they are always excited to share delicious cheeses, the dreams that inspired their creation, and the work and passion of the cheesemakers. Anna has a creative eye for details and loves to host cheese parties and design grazing tables.

In their free time, they enjoy cooking, reading books about cheese, and playing with new flavor pairings. Anna also loves spending time with their rescue dog, Ginger, a four-year-old Pit Mix.

Instagram: @annamariecharcuterie

Cheese and Charcuterie

In three words or less: what does being a cheesemonger mean to you?

Sharing Fun Facts

I'm a cheese professional with over 23 years in the industry, including a long-standing career as a cheesemonger at Wegmans. Currently serving as the Event Operations Manager for a small business, I bring a deep passion for cheese, a love for learning, and a joy in sharing knowledge with others. I specialize in teaching workshops, curating cheese boards, and connecting with the Rochester community through engaging, hands-on events. What I enjoy most is the meaningful interaction with our Rochester Community—there’s nothing better than creating something beautiful and delicious to bring people together.

Instagram: @Cairahh

Dorothy Lane Market

In three words or less: what does being a cheesemonger mean to you?

Gratitude And Love

My name is Baxter Hignite, I was born and raised in Dayton, Oh. I've worked in the food industry for the last 12 years. I've everything from being a dishwasher, working the line, catering, managing a ice cream shop, behind deli counters, and have been in cheese for the last 8 years. In my very little bit of free time I like to DJ, collect records, play Ice Hockey.

Instagram: @baxterjames_

Good Cheese!

In three words or less: what does being a cheesemonger mean to you?

Delicious Advocacy!

I'm a CCP who is currently curating the cheese collection at indie specialty shop Good Cheese! in Toronto, Canada. As a lifelong art and history nerd with an interest in sustainability, I love being able to connect to people and their stories through a food that is as interesting and varied as the places they come from.

Instagram: @elem_cee

Whole Foods Market

In three words or less: what does being a cheesemonger mean to you?

Storyteller Of Terroir; Educator

I have been working at the Specialty department at Whole Foods Market; currently as a Specialty Associate Team Leader, as well as a participant of the Certified Cheese Professional Apprentice Program. Cheese has been part of my life since early childhood as I grew up on a dairy farm. It is our way of expressing a connection between our ancestry and the land we grew up on. As an adult, it became both my passion, obsession and life’s purpose to help others appreciate, understand and confidently navigate the wonderful world of cheese…even the blues!

Instagram: @Diana_medrano_wfm

Honest Weight Food Coop

In three words or less: what does being a cheesemonger mean to you?

Smell Touch Taste

Cheesemonger. Cat enthusiast. Novice sourdough baker. Been living the cheese life for the past 4 years. Earned my CCP title in 2024. Find me behind the counter at Honest Weight Food Coop.

Instagram: @telbyshaylor

St. James Cheese Company

In three words or less: what does being a cheesemonger mean to you?

Advocate For Decomposition

Food scientist by education, food service worker by trade, Molly fell in love with the world of cheese through storytelling. The wonder of dairy alchemy, the intricate ecosystem that spans from the microflora in soil to the generations of cheesemakers in creameries, continues to amaze them. Through their work as St. James’ Education Director, Molly's mission is to cultivate wonder in the curd nerds of New Orleans.

For it is in knowing our food that we respect it, it is in celebrating craftsmanship that we preserve it, and it is in decomposition that milk makes its great leap for immortality.

Instagram: @@mollynomial

Fairfield Cheese Company

In three words or less: what does being a cheesemonger mean to you?

Eat The Rind.

My love affair with artisan cheese began when I interned on a tiny goat farm in Connecticut in 2016. After college, I worked in education before deciding to pursue my passion for cheese. I started working as a cheesemonger last summer and have loved every second of it. Cheese gives me hope for the future; we are a community of people committed to supporting small businesses, independently-owned farms, ethical animal husbandry, and sustainable agriculture. I am grateful that I get to learn every day from cheese-lovers of all kinds– getting to eat lots of incredible cheese is an added bonus!

Instagram: @emilyntoby

Roscioli

In three words or less: what does being a cheesemonger mean to you?

Demystifying Cheese Lore.

I’m a passionate cheese expert by day and a folk singer by night, based in Brooklyn, NY. My journey behind the cheese counter has taken me from Murray’s Cheese on Bleecker Street to Campbell & Co to Rosciolis in McDougal in the West Village. I merge my love of cheese and music through Curds & Chords, a quarterly community event hosted by Metro Cheese Club—an all-you-can-eat cheese tasting concert. I find deep purpose in demystifying the exciting world of cheese for everyday folks and draw on my background in sustainability to reduce waste both behind the counter and at my events cherishing the resources that go into cheese.

Instagram: @singer.songer.monger

Monger’s Palate

In three words or less: what does being a cheesemonger mean to you?

Learning. Tasting. Loving.

Hi! My name is Casey and I am from Long Island, NY! In my journey of working with cheese I have learned so much and met so many amazing people! I have a true passion for cheese and am so excited to compete in the CMI!

Instagram: @caseycshargel

Town & Country Markets

In three words or less: what does being a cheesemonger mean to you?

Constant Joy

Started back in 2006 in the grocery industry not knowing what it was all about. I come from a food service hopsitality background . The company I work for is centered around nourishing the quality of life , kaizen. I took it upon myself to learn all I could about the area of cheese and charcruterie I could while employed and found it thoroughly facinating, just more intimate and instantly gratifying, voila a new found curiosity was born. Cheese was an area unfamiliar to me , not wanting to look uneducated I sought guidance from the cheese primer, the wholly grail for beginners during that time. The rest is a mystery but I am here to make history.

Barnyard Cheese

In three words or less: what does being a cheesemonger mean to you?

Joy of Life

My name is Henry- I have been a Cheesemonger for about 2 years and I am the youngest competitor to date- I will continue to work in the cheese industry for as long as possible and give as much cheese to as many people as possible and spread the joy that cheese brings!

Instagram: @urlocalcheesehead

Sissle and Daughters Cheesemongers (Previously Cheese Shop of Portland)

In three words or less: what does being a cheesemonger mean to you?

Creativity, Conversation, Versatility

In 2021, after eight years working in bakeries, I made what felt like a natural transition into the world of cheese. Sharing good food with community has threaded the needle through all chapters of my life. In my time as a cheesemonger I've been lucky to visit Jasper Hill Farm and Vermont Shepherd, as well as travel with Essex St. Cheese across Europe. In 2024 I became a CCP, pushing me to dive deeper as a monger. When not behind the counter, you can find me camping, collaging, combing the beach, or enjoying a book in my hammock.

Instagram: @chnsclaire

Beautiful Rind

In three words or less: what does being a cheesemonger mean to you?

Sharing Nerdy Knowledge.

I started my cheese journey back in 2014 at a big new Murray's Kroger shop and fell in love. I've since worked for PCC markets in Seattle and now I've been at Beautiful Rind in Chicago for 5 years. I feel like there's always more to learn in the cheese world and I really love that. It's such a great community. Also, as someone with social anxiety, mongering has done wonders in helping me come out of my shell!

Instagram: @Ashxmomo89

Fromagerie Hamel

In three words or less: what does being a cheesemonger mean to you?

Crazy Creative Passion.

I've worked for fifteen years in the cheese industry; I like to say cheese chose me and not the other way around (although I am more than happy with the result!) Cheese has been a blessing in my life, it is not just what I do for a living it's my lifestyle; I work in cheese, study cheese, dream of cheese and try to spread joy through my chosen art. I am lucky to work for a dedicated company whose very motto exemplifies my personality, "Fou de fromages" - crazy about cheese! I look forward to sharing my crazy, creative, professional and passionate adoration of cheese with everyone!

Instagram: @mtlcheesequeen

PCC Community Markets

In three words or less: what does being a cheesemonger mean to you?

Community, Support, Discovery

I'm a cheesemonger from Seattle who aims to spread the word of cheese. Coming from a family who wasn't fortunate enough to have access to it, I want educate and spread my love for this wonder creation of art, chemistry, and history to those who might not have the means otherwise. It's also especially Important because I feel like I carry the responsibility of the small local creameries on my shoulders. Cheese for all it's worth, changed my life in a way I couldn't have possibly imagined.

Instagram: @Phanerocheese

The Welsh Rabbit

In three words or less: what does being a cheesemonger mean to you?

My Third Place

Bonnie Jackson is a cheesemonger out of Fort Collins, Colorado. She has been working in the cheese industry for 6 years, first at a Murray’s Cheese Island, then at a local independent shop, The Welsh Rabbit. There, she earned her CCP, and a year later went on to place 3rd in CMI NYC 2024.

Cheese has become a second home to Bonnie, and she strives to instil the same passion and belonging that she feels within the cheese world with everyone she meets, whether fellow monger or curious customer.

Instagram: @cheesybonnie

Big John's PFI

In three words or less: what does being a cheesemonger mean to you?

Connections.

After a career making mostly cool stuff, all over the world, I walked into a cheese shop and found the thing I didn't know I was looking for.

Instagram: @oh_that_dave_ladik

Nouvelle Maison

In three words or less: what does being a cheesemonger mean to you?

Cheese Advocacy & Devotion.

Kaspar Horsfield (AKA "Baby Cheese") is the Cheese Supervisor & Cheesemonger at Nouvelle Maison in Winchester, MA. When he isn't behind the counter paying the cheese tax to the wandering stranger, Kaspar can be found pursuing hobbies including, but not limited to: maille making (chainmail) cross stitching, and costume design.

Instagram: @the_baby_cheese

Uplands Cheese/Independent

In three words or less: what does being a cheesemonger mean to you?

Continuously Educational

I have spent the last 7 years in cheese, both on the monger and production side. I love working in cheese because every day is a chance to learn something new. I’m always fascinated how the same cheese can take on many different flavors depending on the batch and love diving in to what makes them all unique.

Instagram: @Hcocobolo

Market of Choice

In three words or less: what does being a cheesemonger mean to you?

Impassioned And Innovative.

Hi, I am the new specialty sales manager at Market of Choice. I’ve been working with cheese for 8 years. I am an Oregon native foodie that enjoys all things food. I have never met a cheese that I do not appreciate and I am excited to continue to grow my knowledge and provide communities with fun and interesting cheese!

Instagram: @tinydancer1313

Market of Choice

In three words or less: what does being a cheesemonger mean to you?

Spreading Cheesy Happiness.

I manage the Specialty Cheese department of the Bend, Oregon location of Market of Choice, an Oregon based family-owned chain of markets. With a love of everything to do with cheese, I've spent the last 9 years working, traveling the world, tasting and talking about cheese with everyone I meet, and can't believe how lucky I am to be part of this wonderful vocation!

Instagram: @alimentarecheese