Ferry Plaza Cheese Shop, a specialty artisanal cheese market from the team behind Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant, is set to open in San Francisco at 1 Ferry Building.
The company’s new concept is set to open in Summer 2026 at the Ferry Building Marketplace, alongside Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant, according to a press release. Co-owners Peter Granoff and Debbie Zachareas are spearheading the project with operational support from General Manager Sarah Knoefler. While an exact opening date has yet to be announced, customers can expect a rotating selection of seasonal artisan cheeses, along with curated accompaniments and an expanded prepared-food program.
The idea for a dedicated cheese counter has been in development for years, driven in part by consistent customer requests for an artisanal cheese presence within the Ferry Building. The new shop will mirror the wine merchant’s emphasis on small producers and thoughtful sourcing. In addition to European classics, the American selection will highlight small U.S. cheesemakers who have helped reshape the domestic cheese industry over the past decade. The retail space will feature cheese display cases and shelves stocked with non-perishable items designed to complement the cheeses.
Menu offerings will include elevated cheese platters that change seasonally, hot grilled cheese sandwiches, paninis, and a broader lunch program focused on takeout. The team also plans to introduce larger-format cheese boards suited for office lunches, catered meetings, and events. All seating will remain at Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant, allowing customers to pair cheeses with wines from the adjacent bar.
Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant first opened in July 2003 and was among the original merchants to launch in the renovated Ferry Building. The nearly 3,000-square-foot shop follows the model of traditional European wine merchants, offering hands-on service and weekly tasting selections. Its inventory focuses on smaller production wines from around the world, with a strong emphasis on California and other American producers, as well as France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Austria, New Zealand, and Australia.
The Ferry Building Marketplace is one of San Francisco’s most recognized culinary destinations, home to a mix of restaurateurs, specialty retailers, and artisan food vendors. Adding a dedicated cheese merchant further builds on the property’s focus on high-quality, independently produced goods. This will be an excellent landing space for Ferry Plaza Cheese Shop, given the steady foot traffic, established food culture, and built-in audience seeking specialty products.
