Ehlenbach’s Cheese Chalet is a family-owned and operated business in DeForest, Wisconsin featuring cheese, sausage and other delights. Located at 4879 Highway V, you can visit the store right off of I-90/94 at exit 126.
It’s been open since 1969 when Ralph and Lucille (Sis) Ehlenbach purchased a place called Fenlon’s House of Cheese in DeForest. After running the small cheese and gift store, they renamed it in 1972 to Ehlenbach’s Cheese Chalet. Here is a look at the story behind Ehlenbach’s.
About Ehlenbach’s Cheese Chalet
In 1972, Jim Ehlenbach worked with his parents at the store and was named store manager before Ralph Ehlenbach passed away in 1986. Jim took over ownership of the store to carry on the family business. In 1987 the building was expanded on the west side to start improvements on the store. Brain, Jim’s son, started working there in 1992 in order for him to someday take over the store. Brian married in 2001 and he and his wife took it over in 2002.
The store has since become more modernized but the original theme of Ehlenbach’s remains intact. You can still get hand-cut cheese the same way you could 40 years ago and they deal with many of the same vendors since 1972. The aging of cheddar and Swiss is still carried on. You can also see Sissy the Cow out front from the store named after Lucille Ehlenbach and has been there for three generations of owners.
What to expect
The store is located at 4879 County Road V at Junction V & I-90-94 (Exit 126). They are open all year round, seven days a week with closing times varying by season. The store opens at 8am. They are closed on major holidays.
You can shop all kinds of cheese, sausage and treats at Ehlenbach’s. Stock up on a Wisconsin Assortment full of Ehlenbach Beef Sausage, Mustard, Hot Pepper Cheese, Cranberry Cheddar and Mild Cheddar or try the Dairyland Delight featuring a variety of cheeses and all beef sausage. Pick up a bottle of Wisconsin wine, gift baskets and even candy.
Check out the longstanding cheese shop, Ehlenbach’s Cheese Chalet for gourmet cheese, sausage and gifts.
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