1. DI BRUNO BROS.
Philadelphia, PA
As much a Philly staple as cobblestone streets and the Liberty Bell, this once-modest shop is now a multi-location culinary institution driven by community. For 80 years, Di Bruno Bros. has offered the highest quality cheeses, meats, cooking oils, and more with a “dinner table mentality” that has enabled their shop to not only endure, but to grow and prosper both locally and nationally. Owners Bill, Emilio, and Billy Jr. have built strong and close-knit relationships with their customers, a connection that was put to the test following the outbreak of COVID-19. Since Di Bruno’s is considered an essential business, their brick-and-mortar stores remain open, but they provide customers with alternative options for scoring cheese while remaining socially distant. In launching their new delivery service, diligently cleaning their stores, and reducing their shipping rates, Di Bruno Bros. are role models of affordable, convenient, and safe cheese shopping.
RITTENHOUSE SQUARE
1730 Chestnut St. | Philadelphia, PA 19103 | 215.665.9220 | Sun.-Thurs. 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Fri.- Sat. 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
FRANKLIN MARKET
834 Chestnut Street | Philadelphia, PA 19107 | 267.519.3115 | Sun.- Mon. 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
ITALIAN MARKET
930 S. 9th St. | Philadelphia, PA 19147 | 215.922.2876 | Sun.- Mon. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Tues.-Sat. 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
2. ANTONELLI’S CHEESE SHOP
Austin, TX
Kendall and John Antonelli are among the essential service providers that have remained in operation during Austin’s shelter-in-place order, not least of all by keeping cheese artisans and their team employed. Antonelli’s “taste before you buy” experience has been rendered impossible by the worldwide pandemic, but their eagerness to provide their community with artisanal cheeses is alive and well. Although their doors are closed to walk-ins, they offer online and order-by-phone options, as well as altered shipping options, contactless pickups, and even virtual guided tastings, where you can try artisanal cheeses in the comfort of your own home (BYOB encouraged). Available on their website, their “Social Distancing Care Package” and “Cheese 101” gift boxes consist of cheeses, meats, jams, crackers, and more. While friends and families are physically apart, an intimate and tasteful cheese party is still an option thanks to Antonelli’s.
HYDE PARK FLAGSHIP RETAIL SHOP
4220 Duval St.Austin, TX 78751 | 512.531.9610 | Daily 11 a.m. – 6 p.m
3. Murray’s Cheese
New York City, NY
This cheese-obsessed shop in Greenwich Village is currently open for contactless shopping only, but the exceptional cheese experience they provide is still attainable due to their creative and engaging staff. Murray’s is standing by their mission to provide the finest cheeses and specialty grocery items, educate customers, and ensure their products are enjoyed—even if those customers can’t leave their homes. Murray’s cheese experts host a number of online events including a “virtual happy hour” where remote workers or friends can congregate online for a guided cheese tasting with products they’ve purchased for delivery or contactless pick-up. Not only does Murray’s provide inventive options to enable cheese community support, but they have returned the favor by donating 500 meals per week to local nonprofit Citymeals on Wheels.
