March 18, 2021
PLUMPLUMS
Plenty of people in New Canaan already know about Plum Plums Cheese. So, it’s not really a surprise to learn that the gourmet cheese store has decided to move to the community.
Owners Michael Riahi and Gayle Martin will be moving their business into the storefront at 149 Cherry Street in New Canaan in April from their current location in Pound Ridge, NY.
The owners say there are a couple of reasons for the move: many of their current customers drive from New Canaan to shop at their store, and a recent rent increase by their current landlord made the decision to look elsewhere more pressing.
Plum Plums is known for its amazing selection of hand-crafted cheeses from all over the world, not to mention charcuterie, bread, meats, jams, gourmet macaroni and cheese, and mouth-watering grilled cheese sandwiches that have been chronicled in the New York Times and other publications.
Riahi and Martin say they will be increasing their meat selections when they move to New Canaan, while also expanding the lunch menu. They’ll continue to sell cheesecakes and carry a variety of artisan gifts and crafts.
One of the most popular features at Plum Plums Cheese prior to the COVID health crisis — sampling — won’t be available for the foreseeable future. The store did pivot to stock a variety of new milks, cheeses, and meats during the pandemic because regular customers were unable to get them at their neighborhood grocery store.
Riahi and Martin feel blessed that they’ve been able to stay in business when many other small businesses have been forced to close, and look forward to getting their new store up and running in New Canaan.
When the new store opens in New Canaan, Riahi and Martin caution that safety guidelines will remain in place, and they may be required to limit the number of people who can be inside the store. They also warn that people may have to wait in line when they open — especially on the weekends.
For many businesses, that would be an excellent problem to have.