East Hamilton Cheese Company
The big cheese on Ottawa Street
A few doors down from Cannon Coffee, you’ll spot the yellow sign of East Hamilton Cheese Company.
Step inside and be greeted by the smiling face of Yvette, the owner, and a lit-up display of cheese galore – glowing like a beacon on Ottawa Street North.
One of the only cheese shops in the Crown Point area is the Fempreneur-run East Hamilton Cheese Company. This month, they celebrated their second birthday in the neighbourhood. We dropped into East Hamilton Cheese Company to speak with owner Yvette Cowe and find out more about her and her business!
East Hamilton Cheese Co. differentiates itself from other cheese shops in Hamilton as Yvette prefers to stock her shop with all local cheeses. She likes working directly with the suppliers, who make their products small-batch.
Yvette stocks everything from Water Buffalo Milk Brie to Cheddar, and a variety of vegan options!
In addition to local cheeses, Yvette also has a few local products in the shop such as jams and jellies and handmade cheese boards from Brinnic Woodworks.
Though it’s a difficult choice; right now, Yvette is finding that her favourite cheese is Gunn’s Hill Handeck. She says “It has out there flavours, but goes with everything”.
Yvette believes in businesses supporting businesses, and supporting her community.
When asked about advice for others opening their own business it would be: know your community. If you don’t live in the area where you plan to open, she suggests taking time to get to know the neighbourhood. Get to know the people that live there, get to know your bylaws and of course – know your product. Research, be patient, and don’t give up.
If you’re looking for a gift for a cheese-lover in your life, East Hamilton Cheese Co. has just the thing! You can purchase one of their pre-set Holiday packages, or, treat your giftee to a cheese of the month club. Find out more by contacting Yvette – she’s always happy to talk cheese!
East Hamilton Cheese Company:
187 Ottawa St N, Hamilton, ON L8H 3Z4
(905) 920-2314
www.facebook.com/easthamiltoncheeseco/
www.instagram.com/easthamiltoncheeseco/
-Heather, The Generator
