The Cheese Shop & Deli is located at 1219 Fulton St, Ottawa Il 61350. They are open Monday through Saturday, from 10:30am to 7:00pm. Connect with them through on their official website, or on their Facebook page.

We are just a few days away from Ottawa’s Restaurant Weeks, running from March 8th through the 21st! Our bite-sized series of interviews with the participating locations continues with the Cheese Shop & Deli.

We recently had the chance to speak with the Cheese Shop’s Matt. The family business has been around for decades, but it wasn’t always the Cheese Shop we know and love.

Matt explained that his grandfather first began the Ottawa Milk Products Company in 1942. His children would run the Cheese Shop as a business focused on specialty cheeses and cheese cuts produced by the cheese factory on site. The Cheese Shop as we know it was established in 1970.

“We made cheese up until the mid 80s,” Matt said. “Then we kind of slowly converted it into a restaurant, deli, and catering business.” 

With a variety of classic menu options, the Cheese Shop is a perfect fit for Restaurant Weeks’ Comfort Food Reimagined theme, as well as the chef’s showcase. Matt told us about what guests can expect to see from the Cheese Shop.

“We’re gonna do Strawberry pretzel salad, which is one of our main desserts that we serve. We’re gonna do that one, and we’re going to do a fried chicken spaghetti. That kind of comfort food,” Matt said.

He also added that there might be some more specials on the way! The details haven’t been finalized just yet, but we can’t wait to see what’s cooking up at the Cheese Shop. Be on the lookout for more updates!

We also spoke about Matt’s personal favorite items (whether it be to cook or serve them) on the restaurant’s menu. Maybe you’ll find some inspiration for your next order!

“The strawberry pretzel is one of my favorites just because that’s one thing I do here that nobody else does,” Matt said. “But our soups are huge successes, sandwiches, things like that. I enjoy making soups.”

To close things out, we asked Matt what might be his favorite aspect of being a part of the restaurant scene here in Ottawa. He mentioned that he appreciates the camaraderie that is fostered in our community, among customers and fellow business-owners alike.

“You get to know them after– like, I’ve been doing this 35 years, you know, my dad was [too] before,” he said. 

Matt also expressed the significance of giving back to the community.

“Of course, whenever I can donate, or you know give back. It’s always great, you know? I like donating to local things.” 

Many thanks to Matt for having us!

Join us in the Middle of Everywhere for Restaurant Weeks and experience creative cuisine come to life in Ottawa. For more information, check out the event description or follow us on Facebook to stay updated!