Founding and Early Years
The story of Wisconsin Cheese Mart begins in the heart of Milwaukee's bustling downtown, in the year 1938. Amidst the architectural grandeur of the Metropolitan Block on 3rd Street, a humble yet ambitious endeavor took root: the Wisconsin Cheese Mart. In these early years, the focus was simple yet profound: to curate and offer the finest cheeses that Wisconsin's rich dairy land had to offer, directly to the local community.
The 1975 Fire
A devastating fire occurred in the 1970s at the Metropolitan Block building. Fortunately, no lives were lost, and no significant injuries were reported. Unfortunately, the historic building was damaged beyond repair and would be demolished.
Relocation
Following the fire, Wisconsin Cheese Mart found a new home just a half block north of the original building, relocating to the equally historic Steinmeyer building in 1976. The Steinmeyer building, with its own unique character and history, became the new heart of the operation, and remarkably, continues to serve as the company's original and flagship location to this day. The original sign from the 1938 location remains on display in the Milwaukee store.
Acquisition
In 2003, veteran Kenneth McNulty acquired the Wisconsin Cheese Mart. This acquisition ushered in a dynamic new era, characterized by strategic growth and an ambitious vision for expansion.
McNulty recognized the inherent value in the company's heritage and its strong ties to Wisconsin's cheese-making tradition, and sought to build upon this solid foundation.
Expansion in the digital age
Under McNulty's leadership, Wisconsin Cheese Mart embarked on a journey to broaden its reach. Recognizing the growing demand for authentic Wisconsin cheese beyond Milwaukee, the company strategically expanded. Embracing the digital age, Wisconsin Cheese Mart joined the world of e-commerce, building their online store and offering nationwide shipping to bring Wisconsin cheeses to cheese lovers nationwide through catalog and online ordering.
< 2003 mail order catalog
Retail Expansion
In 2019, the company strategically expanded its physical presence to Madison, Wisconsin, establishing a new store in the state's capital. While the new store faced challenges and closures in 2020 due to the global pandemic, the store was able to successfully reopen spring of 2021.
Partnerships
A cornerstone of Wisconsin Cheese Mart’s success lies in its deep-rooted partnerships with various creameries scattered throughout Wisconsin. This collaborative model goes beyond mere distribution; it's a conscious effort to champion and showcase the diverse artistry of small, often family-owned, artisanal cheese producers. Wisconsin Cheese Mart highlights cheeses from over 30 creameries in the state, offering customers a curated selection of unique, handcrafted cheeses.
In 2022, Wisconsin Cheese Mart partnered with Pine River Pre-Pack, becoming their preferred online retailer and offering their full portfolio of award-winning cheese spreads to ship to consumers nationwide.
In 2024, Wisconsin Cheese Mart partnered with Carr Valley Cheese as their preferred online retailer, offering their full catalog of award-winning cheeses to cheese lovers in all 50 states.
Current Operations
Wisconsin Cheese Mart continues to actively seek out and partner with small creameries, ensuring that customers have access to an ever-evolving selection of exceptional, handcrafted cheeses made with passion, expertise, and the finest milk from the Dairy State itself. From its humble beginnings in the Metropolitan Block to its current national reach, Wisconsin Cheese Mart stands as a proud ambassador of Wisconsin's rich dairy heritage, connecting consumers with the authentic flavors and stories behind some of the world's finest cheeses.