Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Bonard.
Justin, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
When I started studying beer (I’m a Certified Cicerone), I was also casually exploring the world of cheese. Everything made sense! Working in Denton for the past five years, I came to miss the artisan cheeses that I had access to, but opening my own cheese shop was never really my dream. All I wanted was a neighborhood cheese shop with a thoughtful selection of beer and wine and a creative kitchen, but no one else was making it happen. I talked about it for two years- I even tried to get a good friend to open a shop, but he encouraged me to do it myself. Then, our space became available and it all became a reality almost overnight. Literally, as in, we often worked all night to get the shop open. And here we are: we’ve got a great, small team of passionate individuals who love cheese, beer, wine, pickles, and cooking. Simple pleasures. Finer things. At the same time.
Has it been a smooth road?
Starting a new business is always an uphill journey. I wouldn’t exactly call it a smooth road, but we’re all happy here and looking forward to the future of the shop. The biggest obstacle for us has been that we are the first cheese shop that many of our guests have been to. Though we are a new concept for many people in Denton, customer feedback has really encouraged us and keeps us optimistic. Kids are some of our most enthusiastic customers. It’s pretty cute. Our first applicant was a twelve-year-old.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Ten: One Artisan Cheese story. Tell us more about the business.
We are a purveyor of fine cheeses from around the world. We also have our own small kitchen space to make our own accouterments, such as Old-Fashioned Jam (like the cocktail), chocolate stout mustard, pickled ginger-carrots, and anything else we can imagine. I’m most proud of everyone who works here and their passion, enthusiasm, creativity, and dedication. Everyone brings something to the table.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I think people will begin to pay more attention to the huge spectrum of cheeses available. Not all cheddars are created equally. Not all cheese comes in single-serving, cellophane wrapped slices. I think we may begin to see more local artisan producers as well, mimicking the trajectory of the craft beer movement.
Pricing:
- We recommend roughly 2-3 oz of cheese per person.
- A 1/4 lb (4 oz) of world-class cheese usually costs $7-$8.
- You can easily serve 4 people at home for less than $20! Of outstanding cheese!
Contact Info:
- Address: Ten: One Artisan Cheese
515 S. Locust
Denton, TX 76201 - Website: www.tenonecheese.com
- Phone: 940-320-5639
- Email: monger@tenonecheese.com
- Instagram: ten.one.artisanal
- Facebook: Ten : One Artisan Cheese
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