Business : Cheesehead Cheese Haus offers more than 90 varieties

Stuffed olives, syrup and honey are also available at the Cheesehead.

The new cheese store will over more than 90 varieties.

Bob Shultis is opening the Cheesehead Cheese Haus in downtown Vinton today.

Of course, says Bob Shultis, the Cheesehead will soon offer Green Bay Packer souvenirs and memorabilia. Shultis, a former Wisconsin resident, is often seen wearing his Green Bay Packer cap.

But for now, the Cheesehead Cheese Haus, one of Vinton's newest businesses, is focusing on its main purpose: Cheese and related items.

The Cheese Haus opens today in the building that used to be Java Alley, across the street from the Vinton Palace.

Shultis has been preparing the building for the opening, adding display cases and coolers.

The Cheesehead offers approximately 90 varieties of cheese, about a dozen smoked meats, honey from Nielson's Honey Farm near Newhall, maple syrup and cheese accessories. He can also make a variety of cheese and meat trays. He is also preparing to offer specialty beers and imported wines; the Vinton City Council will act on his beer and wine permit during their Nov. 22 meeting.

Shultis said he has been familiar with Vinton for some time. His wife teaches Tae Kwon Do for VPRD programs; his daughters have attended dance classes at Cooling Dance Center.

"Vinton has a nice downtown, and it's close to Cedar Rapids, so we can draw traffic from there," said Shultis.

Because of his connections to Wisconsin dairies, Shultis says he is able to buy cheese at a price that makes him competitive with large grocery store chains. And, he said, his cheese comes fresh from the dairies; it has not been sitting in a freezer for months.

Area residents had a taste of Cheese Haus cheeses when they attended the VU After 5 event across the street at Peppy's on Nov. 11.

Shultis will share the building with his wife, Kristine, who will use the back area for her Whole Earth massage therapy service.