Ancient Greeks believed that cheese had the power to divine the future. While modern enthusiasts have lowered our expectations a bit, we still understand that the impact of a great cheese goes far beyond simply the taste. An excellent gouda, a superior cheddar, even a modest swiss can elevate a glass of wine, ease conversation, and-in general-improve most days. Falls Church resident Alyssa Romashko is preparing to make the local dining scene a little cheesier-and all the better for it. She is opening a new concept called The Cheese Cartel next year, and dairy fanatics won’t want to miss it.
The unique eatery will be setting up shop in a 1,410 square foot storefront located at 922 West Broad Street. Romashko kindly set aside some time to tell What Now DC about bringing The Cheese Cartel to the neighborhood. “I live in West Falls Church and staying close to home and my kids and representing Falls Church were both important to me.” she states. “I toured quite a few spaces, but I am a big fan of Founders Row’s friendly atmosphere, community vibe, retail, restaurants, and location right off the W&OD (I run by the space with one of my dogs at least once a week to check on the progress). It seemed like an ideal spot for The Cheese Cartel. Falls Church is the first place I’ve lived without any siblings or my parents nearby, so I wanted to create a local family.”
Romashko wants to make The Cheese Cartel a welcoming hangout spot for Falls Church. She explains: “Marcy at DIAG and Karen at Design Milieu helped pull my ideas of an inviting, warm, rustic-chic space together into what I think is a gorgeous, comfortable environment. I envision us as a kind of a coffee shop, but for cheese and wine – somewhere people can gather with friends, come by for some wine, cheese, and just hang out, or pop by on their lunch break or way home from work. I want people to feel like part of the Cartel family.”
Romashko offers this peak at what’s to come for locals wondering just what The Cheese Cartel has in store: “We’ll always have something new and interesting to taste or sip at The Cheese Cartel. We’ll offer an array of cut-to-order artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and charcuterie (tapenade, local honey, marcona almonds, fruit spreads, etc.).”
The Cheese Cartel will also provide other community businesspeople with a chance to shine. “We will highlight local vendors as well. Guests can come in and order a charcuterie board to sit and enjoy, take a grab and go baguette sandwich, come to a tasting event, or join a wine and cheese club. We will also have the option of preordering custom-made charcuterie boards (feeding 2-100) to take home for events or a night in. I have celiac, so providing a gluten free dining experience is essential to myself as well as my fellow gluten intolerant folks. We’ll have a separate prep space and gluten free baguettes (care of The Happy Tart) and crackers as well as non-GF baguettes and crackers.”
Romashko anticipates opening the space-which will have seating for up to 30 guests-in February of 2026. She is excited for the possibilities the endeavor promises, saying: “ I would love to look into hosting live music and open mic, if space allows. We look forward to hosting tastings, cheese workshops, and work/family events.”
