A. Lee Graham
Reporter
Magnolia Cheese Co. has closed but will reopen as a neighborhood market concept in early 2015.
Effective immediately, the Near Southside eatery has shuttered its doors but will welcome customers as the Magnolia Market & Cheese Co.
“My original vision for a small local cheese shop blossomed into a great neighborhood restaurant for the past 23 months,” said Elizabeth Northern, owner and visionary of what’s become a neighborhood mainstay at 1251 W. Magnolia Ave.
Since opening in December 2012, the shop has earned a loyal following for its devotion to all things cheese. When its next incarnation opens, Northern promises what customers have come to enjoy — and more.
“I’m now better prepared to share my personal passion in providing a community food forum that promotes buying local groceries, while offering classes and conversations about real, healthy food,” Northern said.
The market will feature small lease spaces by local vendors, similar to a farmer’s market. Discussions are underway for including locally grown produce, artisan bread and baked goods, fresh meat, honey, coffee and tea. Magnolia Cheese Co. will remain a foundation for the market, offering cheeseboards as well as wine by the bottle and glass to enjoy amongst a few small tables.
The market is currently scheduled to be open six days a week and closed on Monday.
Northern’s catering trays and gift baskets once again will be available when the market opens. All gift cards for Magnolia Cheese Co. will be honored at the new shop.
Northern’s wholesale provision of cheese to local restaurants – including Fort Worth’s Kent & Co., Max’s Wine Dive and the Fort Worth Club, along with Poured in Mansfield – will remain ongoing throughout the transition.
The closure of Magnolia Cheese Co. displaced 11 full- and part-time employees, some of which Northern hopes to offer reassignments as her market plans further develop. More information is available at www.magnoliacheese.com