There’s something deeply human about gathering around good food. At Colorado’s bustling farmers markets, The Cheese People have quietly become part of that ritual. What began as a love for handcrafted cheese has grown into one of the region’s most beloved specialty vendors.
Origin Story
The idea for The Cheese People started in Chicago, where co-owners Bleys and Lynn Kueck began working with close friends Jon and Sarah Hanchett, whose cheese business supplied farmers markets throughout the area. Lynn, Sarah’s college roommate, became inspired by the world of artisan cheesemaking and community-centered culinary culture.
Across the States
When Bleys and Lynn moved back home to Colorado Springs, they realized something was missing. Colorado had great local markets, loyal shoppers and a growing food scene, but not the kind of cheese they loved— scrumptious varieties from Wisconsin, America’s dairy heartland.
“We decided that Colorado needed this cheese, and we started selling at farmers markets here,” Lynn says. Determined to bring something unique to their hometown, they launched The Cheese People. “We may be biased, but we believe that our curated collected is the best this country has to offer,” she adds.
The Cheese Movement
Today, their offering goes far beyond the ordinary cheese counter experience. Many of their cheeses—ranging from brie and gouda to goat and cheddar—are made exclusively for them by artisan cheesemakers in Shawano and Green County, Wisconsin. Some are carefully aged, some layered with distinctive flavors, and others are custom produced for their collection.
During market season, The Cheese People can be found across the Pikes Peak region: Fridays in Woodland Park and Saturdays in Old Colorado City, Black Forest and Monument. In the off-season, customers can stock their refrigerators through monthly home deliveries ordered online.
Building Community Through Cheese
“Farmers markets are quite communal by nature,” Lynn says. “We have great people who work for us that are members of our work and school communities.”
Amid rave customer reviews and potential for expansion, the Kuecks remains intentionally grounded and grateful for the community connections that their business brings. That sense of community may be what customers remember most. Farmers markets create space where conversations linger, friendships form, and food becomes personal again. For The Cheese People, selling cheese has never just been about the product—it’s about bringing people together one bite at a time.
For more details on The Cheese People, visit thecheesepeoplecolorado.com