Fairview – Looking Glass Creamery has hired Sean Stanley as Retail Manager for the growing, and soon to be expanded, Cheese Shop at the company’s original Fairview location. For the past seven years, Sean has been with Whole Foods Market across the Southeast, working in cheese, beer and wine. In 2014, he was designated an American Cheese Society Certified Cheese Professional ™, one of only 740 worldwide. Stanley brings with him an extensive knowledge of cheese varieties, origins, and styles and a passion for working with people. “Throughout my career, the overriding motivator has been building meaningful relationships with guests, and sharing the joy that comes from eating great food.” When Sean isn’t behind the counter in the cheese shop he will be helping with cheese production and streamlining processes and procedures in all areas of the business. “I’m so excited to be working with a group of people that represents what’s great about American cheese making: hard work, preservation of tradition, and enthusiasm about sharing what they do every day.”
Effective July 13th, the Cheese Shop hours at Looking Glass Creamery are being expanded. The shop will be open from 11am to 5pm Thursday through Sunday. “Our goal in expanding the hours and adding Sunday is to give the Asheville community more opportunity to come enjoy the beautiful space and amazing experience we have just down the road,” says Stanley. In addition to the made-to-order cheese plates and retail goods currently featured, the shop will offer an expanded selection of wine and cider, local and southern products, and select guest cheeses from southern cheesemakers in its case.
Also, beginning in August, the renovated loft of the creamery will open for additional seating, as well as an educational and special event space. “Our tiny 250 square foot cheese shop just got a little less tiny.” says owner Jennifer Perkins. “It will still be the quaint, little cheese shop that our customers know and love but with a little more elbow room, a great view and private corners to enjoy a cheese plate even when it’s raining.” The space will also be used for intimate private events and small corporate receptions at the Creamery.
Starting in August, a regular series of classes will be held in the new space, revolving around cheese education, pairings, and beyond. Classes in the “First Friday” series will be held on the first Friday of every month from 6pm to 8pm. Buy tickets for LGC events at: http://ashevillecheese.brownpapertickets.com/ or visit the Store section of the company’s website.
The first class in the series will be:
August 4th: Not Just for Curd Nerds: An Introduction to Cheese with Looking Glass Creamery
Long-time employee, Ashley Ioakimedes, will continue her role in the retail and production side of the business, but expand her responsibilities to include managing off-site events, tastings, and festivals. “I’m looking forward to bringing our products out into the world a little more, and teaming up with some of the immensely talented food and drink companies we are lucky to have in this area” says Ashley. The company will be working with local breweries, wineries, and food producers to put together some innovative events, tastings, and pairings around Asheville and in WNC.
The next off-site event will be:
Aug 14th: Noble Cider and Looking Glass Cheese (at Noble Cider) featuring Ashley Ioakimedes. Tickets available at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3034432
Looking Glass Creamery is a small, family cheesemaking operation started in 2009 by husband and wife team, Jennifer & Andy Perkins. The company makes fresh to aged cow milk cheeses as well as caramel from the milk of their pasture based herd in Columbus, NC. Their original location is open to the public from 11am to 5pm every Thursday through Sunday at 59 Noble Rd in Fairview, NC. The company has garnered national recognition and awards by the American Cheese Society & Good Food Awards and numerous regional and national publications. Find their products at the best restaurants and retailers in WNC & beyond.
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