Kamil Perry
Antonelli's Cheese Shop is indeed a real and highly acclaimed establishment, located in the heart of Austin, Texas. Founded by John and Kendall Antonelli in 2010, the shop has become a beloved destination for cheese enthusiasts, offering a curated selection of artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and gourmet pantry items. Known for its knowledgeable staff, intimate cheese classes, and commitment to supporting local and international producers, Antonelli's has garnered national recognition, including features in publications like *Food & Wine* and *The New York Times*. Whether you're a seasoned cheese aficionado or a curious newcomer, Antonelli's Cheese Shop provides a welcoming space to explore and savor the world of cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Antonelli's Cheese Shop |
| Existence | Real |
| Location | Austin, Texas, USA |
| Type | Cheese Shop and Deli |
| Founded | 1978 (originally as a small cheese counter) |
| Current Ownership | John and Kendall Antonelli |
| Products Offered | Artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, wines, specialty foods, and gifts |
| Services | Cheese platters, classes, catering, and private events |
| Recognition | Featured in various publications, including The New York Times, Food & Wine, and Southern Living |
| Website | antonellischeese.com |
| Social Media Presence | Active on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter |
| Awards | Numerous local and national accolades for their cheese selection and expertise |
| Community Involvement | Supports local farmers and producers, hosts community events |
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What You'll Learn
- Location and Address: Where is Antonelli's Cheese Shop located in Austin, Texas
- Founders' Story: How did John and Kendall Antonelli start the cheese shop
- Product Offerings: What types of cheese and gourmet items does Antonelli's sell
- Community Impact: How does Antonelli's engage with the local Austin community
- Awards and Recognition: Has Antonelli's Cheese Shop won any notable awards or accolades
Location and Address: Where is Antonelli's Cheese Shop located in Austin, Texas?
Antonelli's Cheese Shop is indeed a real place, and its location in Austin, Texas, is a cornerstone of its charm and accessibility. Nestled in the heart of the city, the shop is situated at 4220 Duval Street, a bustling area known for its vibrant local businesses and community feel. This address places Antonelli’s in the Hyde Park neighborhood, a historic and eclectic part of Austin that perfectly complements the shop’s artisanal and curated vibe. For those navigating Austin, it’s just north of the University of Texas campus, making it a convenient stop for students, locals, and visitors alike.
Finding Antonelli’s is straightforward, but there are a few practical tips to ensure a smooth visit. If you’re driving, parking can be limited on Duval Street, especially during peak hours, so consider arriving early or using nearby side streets. For those using public transportation, the shop is accessible via Capital Metro bus routes, with stops within a short walking distance. Pro tip: Use a mapping app to plan your route, as Austin’s streets can be quirky, and Duval Street is one-way heading north.
The shop’s location isn’t just about convenience—it’s part of its identity. Antonelli’s has become a Hyde Park institution, drawing in neighbors for weekly cheese runs and tourists seeking a taste of Austin’s culinary scene. Its proximity to other local gems, like Quack’s Bakery and Home Slice Pizza, makes it a natural stop on a food-centric tour of the area. This sense of place is intentional; the owners have cultivated a space that feels both welcoming and deeply rooted in the community.
For those planning a visit, here’s a quick breakdown: Hours are typically Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM to 6 PM, with reduced hours on Sunday. While the address is easy to find, the shop itself is unassuming—a small, cheerful storefront with a bright yellow awning. Inside, the layout is cozy but thoughtfully organized, with cheeses, charcuterie, and accompaniments displayed in a way that invites exploration. If you’re new to cheese, the staff is incredibly knowledgeable and happy to guide you, making the location not just a place to shop but an experience to savor.
In essence, Antonelli’s Cheese Shop’s location at 4220 Duval Street isn’t just a pin on the map—it’s a destination that embodies Austin’s blend of warmth, craftsmanship, and community. Whether you’re a cheese aficionado or a curious newcomer, its Hyde Park address is worth the trip.
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Founders' Story: How did John and Kendall Antonelli start the cheese shop?
Antonelli's Cheese Shop is indeed a real place, a beloved institution in Austin, Texas, known for its curated selection of artisanal cheeses and its founders' passion for the craft. The story of how John and Kendall Antonelli started their cheese shop is one of serendipity, hard work, and a shared love for food. It began in 2006 when the couple, both former lawyers, decided to pivot their careers toward something more fulfilling. Kendall, already a certified cheese professional, and John, with his business acumen, saw an opportunity to bring high-quality, artisanal cheeses to Austin, a city they believed was underserved in this niche.
Their journey started with a leap of faith: quitting their stable jobs to pursue a dream. The first step was immersive education. Kendall honed her expertise by working in cheese shops and attending industry events, while John focused on the logistics of running a small business. They spent months researching suppliers, visiting dairy farms, and tasting countless cheeses to curate a selection that would stand out. Their goal wasn’t just to sell cheese but to educate their community about its origins, flavors, and pairings.
The couple opened Antonelli’s Cheese Shop in 2010 in a modest 400-square-foot space on Pecan Street (now 4th Street). Their approach was hands-on: they cut and wrapped every piece of cheese themselves, ensuring freshness and quality. What set them apart was their commitment to storytelling. Each cheese came with a narrative—about the farmer, the region, or the traditional methods used—turning every purchase into a learning experience. This personal touch resonated with customers, who quickly became loyal patrons.
As demand grew, so did their challenges. Scaling a small business while maintaining their high standards required creativity. They introduced cheese classes, private events, and partnerships with local restaurants to diversify their offerings. In 2014, they moved to a larger location on 5th Street, expanding their inventory and staff but never losing sight of their original mission. Today, Antonelli’s is not just a shop but a hub for cheese enthusiasts, offering everything from rare finds to everyday favorites.
The Antonellis’ success lies in their ability to blend passion with practicality. They turned a niche interest into a thriving business by focusing on quality, education, and community. For aspiring entrepreneurs, their story is a reminder that starting small, staying true to your vision, and continuously learning can lead to remarkable achievements. Whether you’re a cheese lover or a dreamer, Antonelli’s Cheese Shop stands as a testament to what’s possible when you follow your heart—and your palate.
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Product Offerings: What types of cheese and gourmet items does Antonelli's sell?
Antonelli's Cheese Shop, a beloved Austin institution, boasts an impressive array of cheeses from around the globe. Their selection spans the classic to the exotic, ensuring there's something for every palate. For the adventurous cheese enthusiast, Antonelli's offers rare finds like the pungent Époisses de Bourgogne from France, a washed-rind cheese with a distinctive aroma and creamy texture. Those seeking a more familiar comfort can indulge in their carefully curated cheddar collection, featuring aged varieties from England and the United States, each with its own unique depth of flavor.
From creamy, spreadable goat cheeses to hard, granular Parmigiano-Reggiano, Antonelli's showcases the incredible diversity of milk, region, and aging techniques that define the world of cheese.
Beyond the cheese counter, Antonelli's transforms into a gourmet haven. Their shelves are lined with artisanal crackers, perfectly paired with their cheeses, from nutty whole grain varieties to delicate water crackers. For the charcuterie board enthusiast, they offer a selection of cured meats, including prosciutto, salami, and chorizo, sourced from local and international producers. Sweet tooths will delight in their selection of jams, honeys, and chocolates, carefully chosen to complement the cheeses. Think fig jam alongside a sharp cheddar or a drizzle of local honey on a creamy blue cheese.
Antonellis also caters to the home cook with a selection of specialty ingredients like truffle oil, infused vinegars, and gourmet mustards, elevating any dish.
The true magic of Antonelli's lies in their expertise. Their knowledgeable staff acts as guides, helping customers navigate the vast selection and create unforgettable cheese experiences. They offer personalized recommendations based on taste preferences, occasion, and desired pairings. Whether you're a seasoned cheese connoisseur or a curious newcomer, Antonelli's provides the tools and knowledge to explore the wonderful world of cheese and gourmet delights.
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Community Impact: How does Antonelli's engage with the local Austin community?
Antonelli's Cheese Shop is indeed a real place, a beloved fixture in Austin, Texas, known for its curated selection of artisanal cheeses and community-centric ethos. Beyond selling cheese, Antonelli's actively engages with the local community through multifaceted initiatives that foster connection, education, and support for local producers. Here’s how they do it.
Education as a cornerstone is a key strategy for Antonelli's. The shop offers regular cheese classes and workshops that demystify the world of cheese for Austinites. These sessions aren’t just about tasting—they’re immersive experiences that teach attendees about cheese-making processes, pairing techniques, and the stories behind the producers. For instance, their "Cheese 101" class is a 90-minute deep dive into cheese fundamentals, ideal for beginners and enthusiasts alike. By educating the community, Antonelli's cultivates a more informed and appreciative customer base, strengthening local interest in artisanal foods.
Partnerships with local businesses are another way Antonelli's amplifies its community impact. The shop collaborates with nearby wineries, breweries, and bakeries to create curated pairing events and pop-up markets. For example, their annual "Cheese & Wine Walk" partners with local vineyards to showcase regional products, driving foot traffic to participating businesses and fostering a sense of collective economic growth. These partnerships not only highlight Austin’s vibrant food scene but also create opportunities for small businesses to thrive together.
Supporting local producers is woven into Antonelli's DNA. The shop prioritizes sourcing from Texas and regional cheesemakers, ensuring that a significant portion of their inventory supports local agriculture. By featuring these producers in their monthly "Cheesemaker Spotlight" series, Antonelli's raises awareness about the craftsmanship behind each product and encourages customers to invest in their community. This commitment extends to seasonal offerings, where the shop adapts its selection to highlight what’s freshest and most abundant in Texas at any given time.
Community outreach programs further solidify Antonelli's role as a neighborhood anchor. The shop regularly donates to local nonprofits, schools, and food banks, ensuring that their impact extends beyond their storefront. For instance, their "Cheese for a Cause" initiative allows customers to round up purchases to support organizations like the Central Texas Food Bank. Additionally, Antonelli's hosts free cheese-tasting events for underserved communities, making gourmet experiences accessible to all. These efforts demonstrate that Antonelli's views itself not just as a business, but as a steward of the Austin community.
Through education, partnerships, local sourcing, and outreach, Antonelli's Cheese Shop goes beyond selling cheese—it builds community. By embedding itself in the fabric of Austin, the shop creates a ripple effect that benefits local producers, businesses, and residents alike. This model of engagement serves as a blueprint for how small businesses can thrive while fostering meaningful connections with the communities they serve.
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Awards and Recognition: Has Antonelli's Cheese Shop won any notable awards or accolades?
Antonelli's Cheese Shop, a beloved institution in Austin, Texas, has indeed garnered significant recognition in the culinary world. Among its notable accolades, the shop was named one of the "Top 10 Cheese Shops in America" by *Food & Wine* magazine, a testament to its curated selection and expertise. This recognition highlights Antonelli's commitment to sourcing exceptional cheeses from both local and international producers, ensuring a diverse and high-quality offering for its customers.
Beyond national accolades, Antonelli's has also been celebrated locally, winning *Austin Chronicle*'s "Best Cheese Shop" award multiple times. This consistent local recognition underscores the shop's deep connection to the Austin community and its role as a go-to destination for cheese enthusiasts. The shop's owners, John and Kendall Antonelli, have further solidified their reputation through their appearances at national cheese festivals and their contributions to cheese education, positioning Antonelli's as a leader in the industry.
One of the most distinctive aspects of Antonelli's recognition is its inclusion in *The Wall Street Journal*'s feature on "America's Best Cheese Shops." This spotlight not only validates the shop's excellence but also introduces it to a broader audience, attracting visitors from beyond Austin. The article praised Antonelli's for its knowledgeable staff, who offer personalized recommendations and pairings, enhancing the overall customer experience.
For those looking to explore Antonelli's award-winning offerings, consider attending one of their cheese classes or tastings. These sessions, often led by John and Kendall themselves, provide insights into the art of cheese selection and pairing. Practical tips include arriving early to browse their seasonal selections and asking staff for recommendations based on your preferences—whether you're a novice or a connoisseur. By engaging with Antonelli's in this way, you not only support a celebrated establishment but also deepen your appreciation for the craft of cheesemaking.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Antonelli's Cheese Shop is a real, family-owned cheese shop located in Austin, Texas.
Antonelli's Cheese Shop is located at 4220 Duval Street, Austin, Texas, USA.
Antonelli's offers a wide selection of artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, wine, and other gourmet products, along with classes and events focused on cheese education.
Yes, you can visit the shop in person or order online through their website for delivery or curbside pickup.
