Good Company Cheese Revamps Business Model, Focuses on Core Offerings

Good Company Cheese is revamping its business model to focus on its core offerings while introducing new experiences for customers.

Owner Kristen Kidney has decided to simplify operations, removing the full bar and food menu while adding a curated wine and cheese tasting experience as of August 23, 2024.

“Sometimes you just need to simplify things, and being a business owner, I’m in a unique position where I can make those changes, so I did,” Kidney said.

The cheese shop side of the business remains unchanged, allowing customers to continue enjoying a glass of wine or beer with a cheese plate. However, the full bar, cocktails, and extensive food menu have been eliminated.

Kidney introduced a rotating tasting experience featuring four wine and cheese pairings with accompaniments. This new offering aims to showcase the shop’s expertise in cheese selection and wine pairing.

The decision to restructure the business came from a desire to balance work and family life. Kidney, mother to an 8-year-old son, found the previous business model overwhelming.

“It all became too much for me and my family,” she said. “Once I started exploring what it would look like to make some changes, all signs pointed to it being the right move.”

The retail side of Good Company Cheese remains intact, along with catering services and partnerships with wineries. Kidney believes these aspects of the business may even improve with the renewed focus.

Looking ahead, Kidney plans to expand the shop’s offerings further.

“I plan to host guest stars to pour wine here so people can come taste their wines and have some cheese too,” Kidney said, adding that she also intends to set up online ordering for the shop’s products and services.

However, Kidney acknowledges that implementing these changes will take time, as she is now running the business solo.

“It’s just me now, so time budgeting on projects will come into play a lot,” she says.

The transition to the new business model has been positive so far. Kidney reports enjoying increased interaction with customers and reconnecting with her passion for cheese.

“I’ve really been enjoying being on the floor more and reconnecting with cheese and people, because that is really what I’m all about,” she said.

While she acknowledges and understands that some customers may be disappointed by the loss of certain menu items and cocktails, Kidney hopes they will support the shop’s new direction.

“I know I’ve had to break some hearts about some of the cocktails and menu items and will continue to for some time as people catch on to the changes, but I hope they can support the shop in a new way moving forward,” she said.

Kidney is optimistic about the future of Good Company Cheese. She believes the changes, though challenging, were necessary for the health of both herself and the business. The revamped shop aims to provide a more focused and intimate experience for cheese lovers and wine enthusiasts. By streamlining operations and introducing new tasting experiences, Kidney aims to create a sustainable business model that allows her to balance her passion for cheesemongering with her family life.

As the shop moves forward with its new concept, customers can expect a continued commitment to quality cheese and wine, enhanced by curated tasting experiences and potential future expansions in services and events.

Good Company Cheese is located at 602 E. 1st Street in Newberg, Oregon. They’re open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more at goodcompanycheeese.com