By Kate Bartlett
Cube Cheese Shoppe in Cuba, NY, will be celebrating 50 years this September. Located at 53 Genesee Street, this gourmet food store is known for its expansive selection of over 500 cheeses, local New York State products like honey and jams, Amish goods, chocolates and kitchen items. The shoppe is not only a destination for cheese lovers, but a historical legacy in the area.
The cheese industry has been a part of this area for many generations dating back to the late 1800’s. Cuba was once known as the ‘cheese center of the world’ with numerous small cheese factories studding the countryside. The first cheese company was formed in Cuba in 1871. In 1889 the building which houses the Cuba Cheese Shoppe was built as a cheese storage facility. Ice from Cuba Lake provided the means of refrigeration. The current shoppe which is located in this original building was opened in 1976.
Current owners Jane and Jeff Bradley acquired the property in 1991. “Jeff owned the grocery store across the street for many years,” explains Jane. “We saw The Cheese Shoppe come up for sale and we decided to seize the opportunity.” The shop has grown and expanded over the past 49 years, but still continues to support the cheese industry and local products.
cheese spreads and cheese curds, and is famous for their
aged cheddars. The Cuba Cheese Shoppe is located at 53
Genesee St, Cuba, NY 14727. Visit: cubacheese.com and find
them on Facebook.
The Shoppe carries over 500 varieties of cheese, including cheese spreads and cheese curds, and is famous for their aged cheddars. “One of our customer favorites is our New York State 3-year-old cheddar,” explains Jane. “We also carry a very popular 17-year-old cheddar from Wisconsin.” They continue to stock a large variety of Cuba Cheese, which is currently manufactured in Ohio. “We import a lot of specialty cheese from New York City, but we also stock a wide variety of locally made products.”
In addition to cheese, the shop carries a wide variety of gourmet products inducing gift baskets, jellies and jams, honey, chocolates, snacks, kitchen goods and gadgets, maple syrup, salt rising bread, and other locally made products.
pand to best meet customer needs. They added a mail-order service, allow-
ing shipment of their cheese to anywhere in the country, as well as trucking
service, which currently delivers to 200 stores. In addition to cheese, the shop
carries a wide variety of gourmet products inducing gift baskets, jellies and
jams, honey, chocolates, snacks, kitchen goods and gadgets, maple syrup,
salt rising bread, and other locally made products.
Over the past 35 years, Jane and Jeff have helped the company grow and expand to best meet customer needs. They added a mail-order service, allowing shipment of their cheese to anywhere in the country, as well as trucking service, which currently delivers to 200 stores. The Shoppe also provides fundraising services which currently serves around 75 participants.
With its convenient location just off the 1-86, The Cuba Cheese Shoppe is a popular destination for those passing through on their way to Cleveland and beyond. “We’ve met so many people from all over the country over the years,” says Jane. “I enjoy helping customers discover new products and hear their stories.”
One of the main goals of the Cuba Cheese Shoppe is and always has been to promote the wonderful New York State Cheddar cheeses that originated here in 1887. The demand for New York State cheese is due to its characteristically unique flavor and a certain sharpness. “We are looking forward to continuing to provide the best customer service and quality cheese products for many years to come,” says Jane.
For more information, visit cubacheese.com and follow on Facebook and Twitter. Products can be ordered online or email jane@cubacheese.com with questions about fundraising. Watch for upcoming 5O-year anniversary celebration announcements to come. The Cuba Cheese Shoppe is located at 53 Genesee St in Cuba, NY 14727.