The Oldest Cheese Store In Wisconsin, Baumgartner's Is A Quintessential Part Of The State's Cultural Identity
By Sarah McCosham|Published May 23, 2022
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Wisconsin is hailed as America’s Dairyland, with cheese, in particular, the state’s biggest claim to fame. Indeed, there is no better place for turophiles than Wisconsin, which is home to numerous dairy farms, cheese stores, cheese-centric restaurants, festivals, farmers markets, and long-standing specialty shops featuring this Wisconsin icon. And out of all these pieces of Wisconsin cheese culture, Baumgartner’s Cheese Store and Tavern stands out as one of the best and most beloved.
Since 1931, this Wisconsin shop has been producing first-rate fromage, selling everything from Swiss and cheddar to stinky Limburger and smoked blue. In addition to stocking blocks of pretty much every variety of cheese in its shop, Baumgartner’s also operates as a restaurant, concocting the most creatively cheesy combinations sure to delight every palate and preference. The oldest cheese store in Wisconsin, Baumgartner’s is a long-standing operation that’s a quintessential part of the state’s cultural identity.
Interested to learn about other unique American small businesses? Our 2022 Small Business Spotlight series highlights the often-overlooked work of small business owners across the country, from Massachusetts to Southern California.
Cheese is *the* defining piece of Wisconsin culture, with the state's climate and terrain pretty much perfect for dairy farms.
And nestled in the quaint and delightfully ironic Swiss community of Monroe, a rich cheese-producing area in southern Wisconsin, you'll find Baumgartner's Cheese Store & Tavern, the state's oldest cheese store.
Baumgartner's Cheese Store & Tavern opened in 1931 during the height of the Great Depression. There were more than 300 cheesemakers in Green County then, but this shop quickly stood out as one of the best.
"[Baumgartner's] started out by trading cheese making equipment for cheese from cheese makers, and then selling that cheese to the public. Eventually a bar and restaurant were added," explains current co-owner Chris Soukup.
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Over time, the shop transitioned into a premium cheese-selling retail and tavern niche, a move that proved invaluable to the business's longevity.
Today, Baumgartner's is owned by brothers Chris and Tyler Soukup, who have gone to great lengths to maintain the store's historic charms and first-rate customer service.
"We believe our history and focus on friendliness separate us from the pack. We stick to our traditions, and do as much as possible to make sure it doesn’t feel like we are changing, even as we make improvements," says Chris.
To that end, Baumgartner's celebrates local Wisconsin culture, proudly serving local brews and participating in the state's acclaimed Cheese Days, a colorful festival held the third weekend of September during even-numbered years.
The Limburger sandwich is its most popular dish, and it's earned the restaurant nods from People Magazine, Food Network, and famous chefs like Rachel Ray!
The iconic sandwich, seen here with Chris, features a thick slab of the "famously stinky" Limburger cheese sandwiched between rye bread, stoneground horseradish mustard, and red onions, says Chris. And it's always, always served at room temperature, he adds.
You might need a few breath mints after consuming this pungent combination, but Baumgartner's has you covered, placing an Andes mint atop each order!
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Baumgartner's is a wonderful balance of history and progress. Always adapting and changing with the times, in 2019, Baumgartner enlisted Mother Nature's assistance in cheese production, adding solar panels to green things up.
And it's a place worth supporting. Known for its generous community involvement, the business contributes to a number of local charities through financial gifts and donating to numerous local fundraisers.
In fact, the shop's "Dollar Ceiling" has become quite legendary. "We collect donations from customers in a great tradition where we throw their dollar bills on our ceiling, and then collect all the money each year and donate it to chosen charities," explains Chris. "We’ve raised over $80,000 since we purchased Baumgartner's in 2005," he proudly states.
While Baumgartner's no longer ships their products, it truly is a place you need to visit in person. Because it's not simply a long-standing local business, cheese store, and restaurant; it's an only-in-Wisconsin experience worth seeking out.
Many thanks to Chris and Tyler Soukup for sharing the story of their beloved cheese shop in Wisconsin. Learn more about Baumgartner’s Cheese Store & Tavern at its website and Facebook pages. And be sure to visit the store at 1023 16th Ave., Monroe, WI, 53566.
Of course, Baumgartner’s is just one of the many small businesses affecting positive change in Wisconsin; please nominate your favorite attractions and businesses for a chance to be featured in an upcoming Only In Wisconsin article. And be sure to follow Only In Wisconsin on Facebook and Instagram to learn about the many incredible places, attractions, and events in America’s Dairyland.
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