More Than Cheese, It’s a Connection
At Tri-State Cheese, we believe that truly great cheese does more than satisfy your appetite — it tells a story. Every cheese we craft carries with it the identity of the region, the care of skilled hands, and the quiet pride of a business that remains rooted in honesty and tradition. Our cheese is born from local milk, shaped by time-honored techniques, and guided by a philosophy that values relationships over mass production.
When you choose our cheese, you’re not just grabbing a snack or prepping a meal — you’re inviting something meaningful into your kitchen. You’re supporting a local business that values quality, consistency, and community. And most of all, you’re bringing home something real. Cheese should be more than a product on a shelf — it should be part of your home, your traditions, and your shared meals. That’s what we aim to provide.
Humble Beginnings: Founded with Passion in 2011
Tri-State Cheese started with a simple idea: that good cheese, made the right way, could stand out in a crowded marketplace. In 2011, two friends with a shared background in cheese making and a passion for traditional food founded a small cheese operation in Hicksville, Ohio. They didn’t set out to compete with giant factories — they just wanted to make something they were proud of, and that others would enjoy.
They rolled up their sleeves, committed to refining their skills, and poured themselves into each batch. The early days were full of challenges — long hours, trial-and-error, and all the growing pains that come with building something from scratch. But through it all, they stayed grounded in their mission: to make cheese with care, intention, and integrity.
Over time, one of the partners took on full ownership, and with that came a steady growth rooted in the same values. No flashy expansion. No shortcuts. Just more of what worked: hand-crafted cheese, thoughtful sourcing, and a commitment to doing things right. Our story is still unfolding, but the foundation is rock solid.
What Makes Our Cheese Special
Let’s start with our signature Muenster. All of our cheese is gravity-formed — a slower, more traditional method that allows for better texture and flavor development. Each 6-pound loaf is hand-crafted, hand-flipped, and hand-cut. It’s not mass-produced.
Our cheese lineup also includes customer favorites like our Twisted Swiss-Colby hybrid, a unique style that blends two beloved cheeses into something special. Its creamy bite and marbled appearance make it a visual and flavorful standout. And then there’s Thunder Jack — a bold, pepper-infused cheese with real personality and a loyal following. Spicy, creamy, and totally unforgettable, Thunder Jack adds a little adventure to any cheese board.
These aren’t just recipes — they’re carefully developed and refined experiences. From the balance of moisture to the structure of each curd, we obsess over the details so you can enjoy the result. We don’t believe in cutting corners. Our cheeses are made the slow way, the careful way, and the flavorful way — because that’s how cheese is meant to be made.
Local Milk, Real Partnerships
We may not own a farm, but we believe strongly in supporting the ones around us. Our milk is sourced through a regional dairy cooperative that draws from small and mid-sized farms in the tri-state area. These farms are owned by families, not corporations — people who get up early, work hard, and care about their cows.
Using local milk means our cheese starts fresh and stays close to home. It means fewer miles traveled and more dollars kept in our communities. And it keeps us connected to the people and values that matter most.
These partnerships are more than transactions. We value the people behind the milk, and we’re proud to support a regional supply chain that keeps money and trust in the community. When you buy our cheese, you're also supporting these farms — and we think that’s something worth celebrating.
Craftsmanship and Old-World Techniques
In our creamery, cheesemaking is treated like the craft it is. We use old-world techniques because they work — because they produce cheese with real character.
Gravity-forming is one example. It takes longer, but it gives our cheese a texture you can’t replicate with machines. Our team flips, cuts, and monitors every batch by hand. The result? Cheese that’s consistent, flavorful, and full of personality.
You won’t find automation running the show here. You’ll find skilled people using time-tested methods, and that makes all the difference. Our cheesemakers rely on sight, smell, and touch — tools no machine can replace. These small details, multiplied over time, create a product with depth and soul.
Rooted in Hicksville, Ohio
We’re proud to call Hicksville, Ohio home. It’s a small town with deep roots and strong values — and we think those qualities shine through in our cheese.
Being based in the tri-state area (Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan) means we’re part of a region with a rich agricultural heritage and a strong sense of local pride. Whether you’re from nearby or just passing through, when you enjoy our cheese, you’re enjoying a slice of our community.
We love bumping into customers at the store, hearing feedback at local events, and seeing our cheese on plates across the region. It reminds us that we’re not just a business — we’re a neighbor. And that connection is at the core of everything we do.
The Cheese That Brings People Together
Our customers have always been at the heart of what we do. Whether you discovered us at a local market, a small-town grocery, or through a friend’s recommendation, we’re grateful you’re here.
We love hearing how families serve our Muenster at the holidays, how Thunder Jack becomes a new favorite at summer cookouts, or how a kid’s lunchbox staple is our classic Colby. It reminds us why we do what we do — because cheese brings people together.
Cheese is part of life’s quiet moments and big celebrations. It shows up on family tables, backyard gatherings, and late-night snacks. We’re honored to be a small part of those moments — and to earn a place in your family’s story.
More Than a Label
When you pick up a piece of Tri-State Cheese, we hope you’ll pause and think about what’s behind it. Not just the ingredients, but the hands that made it, the cows that gave the milk, and the small-town business that put it all together.
We’re not trying to be the biggest. We’re just trying to be real — and we’re thankful for every customer who joins us on that journey. Our label represents something personal: an invitation into the way we work, the way we live, and the food we’re proud to share.
Taste the Story
We’d love for you to discover what makes Tri-State Cheese so special. Whether you’re a seasoned cheese lover or just looking for something new, we invite you to try our lineup and taste the difference for yourself.
Explore our full selection of hand-crafted cheeses at tristatecheese.com, or look for us at one of our retail partners. Don’t be shy — if you see us at an event or market, stop by and say hello. We love talking cheese.
At the end of the day, this isn’t just about cheese. It’s about people, pride, and place. It’s about doing things the right way, even when that way takes a little more time. And it’s about building something worth sharing.
This isn’t just cheese. This is Tri-State Cheese.