BENOIT, Wis. —
Jill Jones is a true Wisconsinite.
As the newest owner of Benoit Cheese Haus in Benoit, Wisconsin, she knows her home state loves its cheese.
“I couldn’t imagine a world without cheese,” she says with a wry smile.
From Havarti, to Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, Swiss, Gouda, and Cheddar, Benoit Cheese Haus in Bayfield County boasts that their store offers more than 150 types of cheese.
Jones took over as owner just last year, but she’s been working here for around eight years now.
“A man named David Johnson and I revamped it, called it Benoit Cheese, and started doing a lot of advertising out here in the country,” Jones said.
And Wisconsin country is cheese country, something Jill is well aware of.
“My grandfather was a cheese maker and my grandmother worked at a cheese store when we were growing up for a little while,” Jones said. “So it’s kind of in my blood.”
Jill researches the cheese herself, and brings in products from all over the state of Wisconsin.
“If I’m interested in bringing in a Gouda, I’ll research who has the best Goudas in the area,” Jones explains. “Who’s been getting awards, just find out different information. We deal with probably at least I would say 25 different cheese makers.”
And if you come into the shop, come hungry.
Benoit Cheese Haus lets you sample their products before you buy them. And if you’re a cheese lover, they pretty much have everything.
“When people are having a gathering and they’re having friends and stuff over, they want something unique,” Jones said. “Something they can actually have a conversation about.”
And the dedication to a huge selection is exactly why at Benoit you’ll find different takes on old favorites, like buffalo wing jack or jalapeno, habanero, ghost pepper cheeses for people who like it HOT!
“Whatever heat they can tolerate, they want that hottest one,” Jones said.
So maybe you like your cheese to be plain and traditional? Or maybe you want to try something really unique?
Either way, Benoit Cheese Haus has you covered.
They are open Monday through Saturday from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
They are located in downtown Benoit, Wisconsin, right on highway F.