About Us
Hello to all of our friends and to those who have just recently been introduced to us. Here’s our story in 100 words or less:
Eric Larson quit his day job about four years ago to try his hand at cheese shop ownership. After surviving some rough times his little shop with a long name (Marion Street Cheese Market) became firmly rooted in the Oak Park, IL community. Recently, Larson and his business partnerSerenity Investments LLC. took a major leap and turned the one-time corner store into a specialty food shop/wine and beer bar/cafe/community hub for the Chicagoland area.
Accolades:
NASFT Names Year’s Top Specialty Food Retailers 2010
Magazine and the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade (NASFT) present the six Outstanding Retailers of 2010, as nominated and selected by the members of the NASFT. Members are asked to nominate stores based upon the qualities of a successful specialty food establishment such as uniqueness, product knowledge and customer service, and each of these award-winning operations from across the U.S. epitomizes these traits.
Marion Street Cheese Market
This store focuses on artisan cheese, meat and charcuterie, plus specialty foods, wine and beer that pair well with cheese. Owner Eric Larson and new partner Serenity Investments LLC., expanded from 700 square feet to 4,200 square feet in July 2008. www.marionstreetcheesemarket.com
The retail awards — along with the NASFT’s sofi product awards — will be presented at the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York on June 28. Executive chef Dan Barber, known for his involvement in the local and artisan food movement, will emcee the event. The winners will be featured in the June issue of the NASFT’s Specialty Food Magazine and at www.specialtyfood.com/retailerawards.
Chicago Reader: Best of Cheese Selection
Chicago Magazine
Food & Wine Magazine
Steve Dolinsky