THE FOUNDING STORY OF QUINTESSENTIAL CHEESE

My name is Khaleelah Thompson, and I’m proud to be the founder of Quintessential Cheese — a space where craftsmanship, culture, and community converge through the art of cheese. As a former Livingstone College student, returning to Salisbury, North Carolina felt like a natural homecoming. I saw a gap in the local food scene — a need for a place where cheese lovers, foodies, and families could gather, learn, and indulge in high-quality, thoughtfully curated cheeses. That vision became Quintessential Cheese. Affectionately known as “Queen Cheese” by peers and patrons alike, I’ve always believed in the power of food to bring people together and in the importance of empowering women through entrepreneurship and education. Quintessential Cheese is more than a shop — it’s a celebration of flavor, heritage, and community. We partner with local artisans, farmers, and makers to create a truly North Carolina–rooted experience, while also offering global selections that reflect the diversity of cheese culture. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your cheese journey, Quintessential Cheese is here to welcome you with warmth, knowledge, and a little bit of royalty in every bite.