Location 1023 16th Avenue, Monroe, WI 53566

Nearby Businesses Europa Gift and Lace Shop, Lueke’s Diamond Center, Wing N’ Pond Gallery, Ltd., Portraits by Dawn

Owner/Manager Tyler Soukup

Special Store Activities

Year Opened 1931

Website https://baumgartnercheese.com/

Phone 608-325-6157

E-mail n/a

Community Profile With a population of almost 11,000, and 19,492 within a 10 mile ring, Monroe is known as the “Cheese City” due to its proximity to multiple dairy farms and cheese factories. Monroe, is located midway between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River in southern Green County. It is the seat of Green County government, as well as an important industrial, retail, service, and medical center for a large portion of southwestern Wisconsin and northwestern Illinois.

Products Sold & Niche Developed

Known for its informal friendly atmosphere and long history, Baumgartners Cheese Store offers both locals and tourists a unique experience in the quaint Swiss community of downtown Monroe. The retail store offers a wide variety of award-winning cheeses selected from nearby cheese factories in Southern Wisconsin as well as specialty food items like sausage, landjaeger, mustard, and rye bread. In addition, Baumgartners is a restarant and tavern serving a selection of locally brewed beers and menu items including the famous Limburger cheese sandwich, chili, and cheesecakes. The store also does some bulk mail-order business, especially during the holiday season.

Market Segments Served

Though many tourists frequent this business to find the locally made cheeses and enjoy the restaurant’s offerings, it is the local residents that are always sure to be found at Baumgartner’s Cheese Shop. The best clientele are the “regulars”, many of whom have been coming to the store for decades and across generations of families.

Contributions to the Business Community

Opened in 1931, Baumgartner’s is the oldest cheese store in Wisconsin. It is a long-standing pillar in downtown Monroe and attracts numerous visitors who might otherwise pass by this small town.