After serving the community for over two decades, the owners of Venissimo Cheese in San Diego have announced that it has officially undergone an ownership change.
Founded in 2004 by Gina and Roger Freize, the shop was inspired by European cheese shops and quickly became a haven for both aficionados and the cheese-curious. Since its inception, the company has expanded to three locations at 754 Washington Street in Mission Hills, 3007 University Avenue in North Park, and 2650 Via de la Valle in Del Mar. Now, Gina and Roger have passed the torch to Rob Graff, known to customers as “Professor MacCheese,” first reported by SanDiegoVille and confirmed by What Now. The change in ownership is effective immediately.
Venissimo Cheese offers a wide range of artisanal cheeses, including rare and seasonal options. In addition to cheese, the shop offers various pairings, including charcuterie, crackers, olives, honey, and chocolate, as well as prepared foods like grilled paninis, sandwiches, cheese plates, and fondue. The business also offers educational programs through the Academy of Cheese, covering topics like cheese pairings and international cheese tours. Venissimo hosts events like the Cheese and Libation Expo and offers immersive international trips known as “Veni Voyages.” For regular cheese enthusiasts, the store runs a Cheese Lovers Club with exclusive perks and curated selections.
“To date, we’ve had more than 2,500 cheeses on our shelves and continue to share the joy of cheese through our magnificent monger team at three San Diego neighborhood shops, our YouTube channel, and the Academy of Cheese (AoC),” according to the company’s website. “When you visit any one of our shops, you can taste anything you like. Friendly and expert cheese mongers, coupled with descriptive receipts (complete with pronunciations, country of origin, milk type, and more), aim to take the intimidation out of artisanal cheese shopping.”
