Cheese Shops We Love: Campbell & Co.
A Cheese Shop That Really Cooks
Nearly ten years ago sisters Alana and Erin Campbell had the vision to work together and open a neighborhood grocery with a cheese shop. Today, their vision turned into the charming Campbell & Co. on Lorimer Street in Brooklyn.
“People love coming in to taste the cheese and talk to our wonderful cheesemongers,” says Alana Campbell. “The shop feels like this old European market that’s been here forever.”
Over the years, the shop has evolved into not only a place to get cheese and groceries but a communal spot to linger for a full meal. “In the beginning, we didn’t think we were going to have a kitchen,” says Campbell. “We thought our mongers would just make panini press grilled cheese sandwiches and that would be it.” Now, the shop has a full kitchen where salads and sandwiches are made utilizing the products found on the shelves, along with an espresso machine to whip up a wide variety of coffee drinks. There is even a new walk-up window for customers to order directly from outside and enjoy their food and beverages alfresco.
As for the products, most of them are local, including the cheese, and the vast beer and cider selections. “Our philosophy has always been if we can get it close and local and it's amazing,” says Campbell. "We do.”
The team also has a large catering program that started about seven years ago, with much of its success growing strongly in the past four years. “One of our cheesemongers had a connection to Kickstarter and they wanted us to cater their lunch,” says Campbell. “And then it just kind of grew from there.” Since then, the company has worked with other major clients ranging from the popular e-commerce company, Etsy to the French luxury brand, Hermès.
The Store
Campbell & Co is located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The 700-square foot shop features a wide variety of mostly local products that include chocolates, candles, hot sauce, greeting cards, and of course, cheese. At the cheese counter, customers can choose from over 100 different types of cheeses along with a wide selection of charcuterie options. Ciders and beers along with pre-cut cheeses, olives, and spreads are found in the cold cases. At the register, and the new walk-up window, customers can order salads, sandwiches, or a coffee drink.
Top Selling Cheeses
Kunik
This goat milk cheese is made on the Nettle Meadow Farm in New York. Cow cream is also added to make this cheese extra creamy and offers a buttery flavor. “Everyone loves the Kunik,” says Head Cheesemonger, Alia Anaiet. “It’s very versatile and always a crowd-pleaser.”
L’Adarre Reserve
This cheese is a mix of goat and sheep milk that comes from France. It’s semi-firm with a nutty and earthy taste. “For me, it tastes like bacon bits,” says Anaiet. “But not everyone might agree.”
Stichelton
This raw cow milk cheese is from the Stichelton Dairy in England but made by the American cheesemaker Joe Scheider. The texture is smooth while the flavor is rich with a hint of fresh green apples. “It’s your typical English blue, says Anaiet. “Very creamy.”