San Francisco: The Cheese Board Collective

An institution of artisan cheese since 1967 and workplace democracy since 1971, the Cheese Board Collective is a beacon both to people passionate about fine cheese and to those interested in worker-owned businesses. The Cheese Board is part of the larger Arizmendi Association of Coops, which includes Arizmendi bakeries in the Bay Area with their chewy rolls and other famously tempting treats. In that same spirit, The Cheese Board doesn’t just sell amazing cheeses, but also has a bakery churning out everything from corn molasses loaves to pumpernickel bagels to chocolate cookies.

Oddly, Cheese Board pizza is almost as famous as the cheese. A daily vegetarian and organic pizza gets baked up Tuesday through Saturday, for lunch (11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.) and for dinner (4:30 p.m.-8 p.m.). Meanwhile, the experience of Cheese Board shopping can be extraordinary. Customers are encouraged to taste before buying, and the cheese clerks are always full of ideas about creating interesting pairings and combinations for cheese plates or pointing people toward new tastes. Adventurous palates are rewarded. At least a dozen types of gouda alone are usually on offer; and scores of small-batch and artisan cheeses from Northern California and beyond sit patiently, waiting to be tasted.

Photo: Cheeseboard Collective