The Cheese Shop for sale

The Cheese Shop of Ridgewood, a 47-year-old specialty store that predates Ridgewood's restaurant boom, is for sale, owner Rick Breitstein said today.

It's not that Breitstein wants to give up the shop, which he bought three years ago. He and his wife simply don't have time to do it all. Bringing aboard a partner would be ideal, he said.

"It's impossible to continue running the business alone with no vacations and no back up even for a sick day," he said in an e-mail. "We also need a partner who can help market and grow the scope of the shop while I run the store, and that partner, so far, does not exist."

Besides cheese, the shop features bread, sandwiches and gourmet foods. It's listed for $250,000.

Comments

[Cheryl]

A man behind the counter there snapped at me for asking a basic question about their cheese. I never turned on my heel so fast and out the door in my entire life. His demeanor was borderline abusive toward the customers, I had never seen anything like it.

I'm not sure what his name was, but if that was you Rick, then yes, you DO need a vacation - and some manners.

[Remy Stevens]

I onced work there for the holiday season. All the products and cheeses are first rate and with one simple visit you will learn something new and delicious about cheese. Rick knows his cheese and business but He is more the marketer then a propriator. Depending on his daily mood and his quick judgement of yo u as you walk in the door deciedes on the service. ALthough the cheese is to die for certainly.

[amy]

I worked there for a while was interested in purchasing the shop but Rick's manners are terrible and he is not someone I would ever partner with.

[Richie Gillmore]

I had the opportunity to work with Rick over the summer and during the holidays and I really enjoyed every second of the experience. Rick is knowledgeable, intelligent, and business savvy. Most of the customers he works with get first rate treatment coupled with the huge selection the the shop has to offer. He constantly adds new products and really loves the gourmet food business. Manners only go so far when little are given in return, mostly his treatment of customers reflect their attitudes while being served. Nobodies perfect, but I think Rick does a great job running the shop. If you like gourmet, he'll show you a whole new meaning to the word: "Wow!"

[Christian Baca]

What can I say about the Cheese shop of Ridgewood? Well, let's put it this way, I drive from (30+ miles)Clark,NJ to Ridgewood,NJ for cheese! And there are a multitude of reasons. First, the staff at the shop is excellent. They are educators in expanding your mind by exploring the different concepts of cheese. And the cheese? From the Montenebro (my Favorite) to the La Tur,Gruyere, the heavenly Gouda, and can't forget the fresh mozzarella all of it is simply put, amazing. And don't be afraid to try a sample, just be careful if Rick, the owner, puts some of his Honey truffle on the cheese and throws it on a cracker, you will be HOOKED! There is a sign in the window that says once you buy cheese there you will never buy supermarket cheese again, and it is dead on. Speaking of Rick, here is a man I first met about 6 months ago. It was a Friday night and I had some time to kill so my GF and I walked into the shop. Having worked in retail, I could tell they were getting ready to close but I had never been in a store dedicated to cheese so I was curious. Curious enough to muster a question. Do you have cave aged cheese?, I asked this imposing individual behind the counter, and with that question we started our journey to Cheese Heaven. He introduced me to Montenebro this delicious cheese from Spain that he drizzled Honey Truffle on. I was dazzled. I had never tasted anything like it, it was wonderful. Almost like a first kiss! We spent some time discussing everything cheese and almost wound up being late for dinner! A few weeks later I stopped by to get some snacks to bring with me to Long Island for Thanksgiving. I shared a pleasant conversation with Rick and proceeded back home with my goods. Upon arriving home I discovered that the Montenebro wasn't in the bag. The Horror. Here I was, all set to introduce my family to this cheese I discovered, and it wasn't there. I called the store and left a message. I also emailed him. Long story short, the next morning, THANKSGIVING morning, I met Rick off RT 80 and picked up my cheese and a gift for my troubles. What a gentleman, and someone who knows what customer service is about. Of course, when I do stop by, I am introduced as the RT 80 man, which I enjoy! I will miss him behind the counter and hope that his shoes can be filled. (Doubt it) Well, I have written too much I think...and I haven't even mentioned the sandwiches he fed me and my GF a few weeks ago or the fact that I watched Rick shave and grind over 4 pounds of various cheeses for a man having a fondue party for Christmas!! Buon appetite!

[Phyllis Davis]

Rick is a man who knows and loves his cheese. If you give him half a chance, he'll get YOU knowing and loving cheese, too! Christian Baca's post is long, to be sure, but it gives you a sense of Rick's commitment and the level of service he provides to customers who appreciate his work. My husband and I have also been the recipients of Rick's generosity--and I don't mean just the cheese samples. He throws in little goodies for our family when my husband makes his purchases, or gets orders ready for us in advance, small and smart ways to please customers. But he also finds large ways to say "thank you" to clients who take the time to appreciate his work. He once hosted a gathering at the shop in honor of my father-in-law, who had never met Rick before, because he needed some cheering up as he dealt with some health issues. Needless to say, it worked--and we think Rick is not only a cheese genius, but also a caring business owner. We hope he stays in Ridgewood and finds the partner that will make his life easier!

[lima bean]

honestly, most of the cheeses can now be found at whole foods so why do i want to stop at yet another store, i don't have much time on my hands to find parking in ridgewood. at that location there's nothing available, sorry

[cheese girl]

There are people who notice the difference in the taste of shrink-wrapped product that sits out for a week, vs. something that is sliced from the wheel especially for you, AFTER you get to see if the taste is to your liking. As we who know say: "Life is Too Short to Eat Supermarket Cheese". Explain the customer whose son works at Whole Foods, gets discount, but he buys his cheese at The Cheese Shop because "It just tastes better". Besides that, what did Whole Foods ever contribute to the culture or flavor of the Village of Ridgewood? Merchants in Ridgewood all wish the town would wise up and build up the lots into garages like the more progressive towns have. Even WE can't find parking to get into our own stores, but this isn't OUR fault. When they pave over E. Ridgewood Ave. and excavate the park to build a strip mall, your grandkids will thank you.

[cheese girl]

By The Way, Remy Stevens is bogus. He never worked at The Cheese Shop.

[cheese girl]

Oh, and perfect little Amy, who couldn't partner with anyone because she can't get financing and can't seem to remember when to come into work. Can you say: "SOUR GRAPES" from an employee who was terminated after 2 days.

[Mark Zames]

Regarding the comments about Rick's manners, I have been a loyal customer of his for about a year now and I have to rush to his defense. He runs a very specialized business, about which he is very knowledgeable, and he does take offense when people come in and complain about his prices--you get what you pay for--or snap at him when he refuses to sell cheese by the miniscule slice. For those of us who appreciate his work and remember our own manners (we say "please" and "thank you" and we don't ask for a product then complain that it is too expensive), Rick goes out of his way to show his appreciation.

[rumpus]

Mark, this may be true but if the abrasive and inappropriate comments from 'cheese girl' are indicative of the way The Cheese Shop represents themselves online or, judging from the comments, in the shop itself, I'd prefer doing my cheesey business in a less potentially hostile environment.

[cheese girl]

OK, do you righteous individuals truly believe a struggling business owner would intentionally stand behind his counter waiting for the next customer he can alienate? Do you not realize there are three sides to every story? 99% of the people who shop in our store LOVE THE EXPERIENCE. You have no idea how a retailer can be abused by his customers. You have no idea the stress all retailers are under in today's economic climate-you have no idea how the town of Ridgewood has changed and what it costs to run a business vs. the chain stores who can afford to buy their real estate and build private parking. We have salaries to pay and mind blowing rent and taxes, but everyone assumes we live like kings. Far from it. Should we allow some sorry bloggers to chip away at our reputation without coming to our own defense? Why do you assume they are telling the truth and why do we not have the right to get angry about it? With enough money and time, this could be a libel case, but you don't know that, do you?
It all justifies why most savvy Internet users realize the average blogger is just like the rest of the media-you spread untruths without checking any facts.

[rumpus]

Cheesegirl, Instead of inviting potential customers/blog readers to visit The Cheese Shop, your last post reinforced the idea that entering into the shop will almost guarantee running into someone who is pissed off at rents, customers, bloggers, the economy, the changes in Ridgewood, the cost of running a business, resentful of paying their employees a decent wage, and paying taxes.
Showing your anger and attitude here only portrays you as unprofessional and immature. Blow off steam into your pillow, to a tree or to the air but any business person knows that how you represent yourself in writing is a direct reflection of their business, regardless of whatever perceived nastiness they are responding to.

Take off your martyr hat, put away your anger/attitude and try using this forum as an opportunity to show how professional, welcoming and friendly Cheese Shop employees/owners are. So far, you've achieved just the opposite.

[Kerry]

I am having two firsts in one week - Although a resident of a neighboring town for over 30 years, I never stepped into the Cheese Shop until last Saturday. Second first - this is my first time "blogging." My experience in the shop last Saturday (arriving at 5:30 by the way) was a true delight! Being a cheese novice, I was not dismissed, but treated with unmatched courtesy while be given quite an education. All I had to do was mention that I loved truffles and my journey began. After a multitude of tastings and much discourse, Rich and Ronnie asked if I had some time to share with them - what for? - they popped hors d'oevres (truffles in phyllo dough)in the oven for me to try! Exquisite! I could go on about the birch beer served in an iced mug, the many tastings I had, or the goodies given to me to take home, however, I do not want to be verbose. In a nutshell - I am a frequent patron of Whole Foods. In fact, I went there days before to purchase a truffle cheese. I waited at the empty counter for far too long before tracking someone down to help me. I requested a Pecorino Tartufo only to hear, "we have several Pecorinos." Genius. Sure, I did not have trouble parking..but I spent more time waiting for assistance there than it takes to find parking at the Cheese Shop. Not to mention the fact that I lef empty-handed. With regard to statememts about rude treatment at the Cheese Shop, remember, you get back what you put out. It is that simple. Try a smile and a "thank you." It is pouring rain now and I am on my way back to the Cheese Shop. I only regret that it took me this long to have such a wonderful find. Rich and Ronnie are as good as they come!

[patron]

Bottom line is the business is being sold because the 2 idiots running the business. They make no money whatsoever because he takes it all from the register. It would be nice to walk into a shop with people who know how to treat people equally. Don’t let Cheese girl(Ronnie the owner) fool you and everyone else’s positive comments come from the 4 people Rick liked. Anyone that challenges him or does not see things his way are just unnecessary in his eyes therefore his air of arrogance gets a hold of him. All these people come in for charity baskets here and there for the town of ridgewood and local schools.... they don't participate to much effort and they get nothing from it?! only their lifestyles...nothing from the community and they give nothing to the community.

[Allison]

I am a loyal customer of the Cheese Shop. I have to agree, in part, with the people that say Rick can be a little moody. After all what genius isn't? Rick does ignore you when you go in, but only if he is already helping a customer. He is so focused on the cheeses, where they're from, how to slice them, how to serve them, how to cook with them etc etc... that he simply has no room to be the slick salesman some of you seem to want. I spend a lot of money there (I'm the one that buys the truffle honey by the boatload), and he sees me and he ignores me too but only if he is with a customer. He focuses solely on the customer that is in front of him, when it's your turn he'll do the same for you. If you are waiting, you can just stand there getting annoyed or you can listen, learn, join in the discussions and eat the cheese that he is slicing for tasting. It's a special store with special treatment. Just go in with an open mind, a little extra time on your hands, and you will have a shopping experience like no other, I promise.

[marge]

Well . . . I do love cheese and the Ridgewood Cheese Shop. I always make a point to be respectful, wait my turn, say please and thank you. I'm not demanding, I don't complain about the price (you HAVE to know, going in there, that you're going to PAY MORE for great cheese) and yet there have been a couple of times when I found myself thinking "What did I DO to tick him off?" He can be . . . abrupt, shall we say? I'm trying to find out whether the shop is even still open. Guess I'll have to drive over there. I've heard that it has closed as of November 09 and relocated in the big wine shop across from the train station? I would be very sad it he truly did have to close completely

[johnny cheesecakes]

Rick is a f'ng prick his cheese sucks

[Mr Cheeseface]

Christian Baca is abolutely right. Watching Rick shave and grind is an eye-opening experience that will change your life forever. Christian Baca is totally right about this. I should get in touch with Christian Baca to talk about it and share cheese experiences.

[Herbs and spices]

I agreed about starting with a cold pan. I make toasted cheese sandwiches too!

[MyCheesyNips]

Yes, I do regularly patronize the Cheese Shop of Ridgewood and yes, last month my Cheese Bills were through the roof. My comments, you ask???? Well worth the money spent! Shame on those that spurn Rick for his passion of cheese - the insolence!!!