Meet Your Merchant: The Better Cheddar

Photography by Anna Petrow Photography

Ron Shalinsky founded The Better Cheddar in 1983 and opened the doors to the Prairie Village location in 1986.

“The dream of owning a small business started when I was 11 years old and started working for my family’s Kansas City area drug stores” shared, Ron.

Known to many in the community for bringing the best quality American and European speciality cheeses, chocolates, olive oils, vinegars, cocktail ingredients, jams, condiments, pickled vegetables, pastas, nuts, coffee beans, tea, handmade charcuterie boards and gift baskets. 

The Better Cheddar is proud of their long time employees who help make the shopping experience more enjoyable by offering their expertise, knowledge and exceptional customer service.

“Our manager, Lincoln Broadbooks, has been with us since 2007 and is an American Cheese Society Certified Cheese Professional and Certified Sensory Evaluator. Our Assistant Manager, Matthew McDowell started in 2010 and has a great sense for good cheese and wine pairings!” exclaimed, Ron.

The Better Cheddar offers a unique selection that can’t be found anywhere else around Kansas City. You will find Exclusive cheeses from their own in-house cheese aging cave and unique foods produced locally and from around the world. 

Located under the clocktower, The Better Cheddar is truly in the heart of The Shops of Prairie Village. They have expanded their traditional business to include online shopping, curbside pick up and a monthly virtual cheese class!

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