The Shop Story

It all started in 2007 - I needed a job, and I saw a job listing for a Cheese Steward. I loved cheese, but thought it was a long shot because I didn’t have any experience. I was hired anyways and I’m so glad they took a chance on me, because I quickly fell in love with being a cheesemonger. I didn’t have any other ideas on what I wanted to be “when I grew up”, and the cheese world just seemed to fit. I had found my calling: bridging the gap between artisanal cheesemakers, helping to preserve traditional cheese, and bringing people good things to eat and enjoy.

During my first foray behind the cheese counter, I began to dream of having a little cheese shop of my own someday. It wavered between a daydream and an active goal over the years as I continued my cheese career. It eventually took a backseat as I focused on working someone else’s cheese counter and starting a family of my own. Once my son got a little older, my career seemed to push me in the direction of opening my own cheese shop once again. The timing was finally right for my self, my family, and my career, and it was time to move forward!

Unfortunately, right as things were starting to materialize with opening the shop, a global pandemic hit. I decided to roll with the punches and persevere - I had come too far to turn back now! Especially after everything we have all endured, the name “Good Company” took on all the more meaning, as coming together to enjoy delicious food and each other is more treasured than ever.

The support from the community, from the very beginning, has been overwhelming! I have felt so honored to get to know so many of you, and feeding you has also fed my soul. While we started out with a full bar with fun cocktails and a full menu, as the fourth anniversary of being open approached, it was time to transition to something a little different. In the spirit of simplifying things for myself and my family, the shop has scaled back a little to focus on the main features a little more: cheese and wine. That’s really what it’s all about, anyways!

I hope to see you all stop in and enjoy some cheese in good company!

-Kristen Kidney

Cheesemonger and Owner