We are a fourth generation family-owned small business. Come visit us, or order online, for a taste of Wisconsin! In 1969, Ralph and Lucille (nicknamed Sis) Ehlenbach purchased Fenlon's House of Cheese in DeForest, Wisconsin. They ran the small cheese and gift store under that name until 1972, at which time they changed the name to Ehlenbach's Cheese Chalet. In 1972, Jim Ehlenbach began working with is parents at the store and eventually became store manager. Jim then took over ownership of the store and carried on the family business. In 1987, Jim expanded the west side of the building. This was the first of many improvements to come Ehlenbach's Cheese Chalet. Jim's son Brian, started working at the store in 1992. Over the years, Jim trained Brian in the hopes that someday he might want to take over the family business. In 2001, Brian married his high school sweetheart and co-worker Karie Kopplin. In January of 2002, Brian and Karie took over operation of the family business. Although Brian and Karie have modernized many aspects of the store, the original theme of Ehlenbach's remains the same. They still hand-cut cheese the same way that Ralph and Lucille did over 40 years ago. While actively seeking the best cheeses that Wisconsin has to offer, they still deal with many vendors that the family has used since 1972. Brian still carries on his dads method of aging cheddar and Swiss to perfection. Ehlenbach's pride and joy, Sissy the Cow, stands just in front of the store. She was named after Lucille Ehlenbach, whose nickname was Sissy. She has watched on as three generations of Ehlenbachs have carried on the legacy.
