Meet the Team
Peter - Cheesemonger, Owner
Peter aka the Big Cheese, Il Capo, 'the Guy in the Hat.' When Peter's not happily behind the counter, he can be found 'MacGyvering' unique construction projects around the shop, or hanging out with his other half, Carola. Peter loves traveling, especially hiking through Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland (with wine and cheese waiting on the table at the end of the hike).
Brie - Purchasing, Marketing, Finance
Brie (yes, Brie) has been working in cheese since she was a teenager and is a passionate member of the industry. Brie champions our cheese program, geeks out over our finance reports, and is the biggest food-safety enthusiast you know. A proud Swiftie, she enjoys business podcasts, a cozy cup of morning coffee, and has an eye for food photography and sneaker-collecting.
Susan - Wine Director, Manager
Susan is a ball of energy that you'll hear laughing uproariously around the shop. She's determined to find you the perfect bottle (or 12) and is known for making the most wine-intimidated folks feel at home. Certified Level 4, Boston University’s Elizabeth Bishop Wine Studies Program; member of the Court of Master Sommeliers; MA in Italian Studies from Middlebury College.
Kiri - Grocery Buyer, Manager
Kiri is a stylish sports fanatic, very good at braiding hair, and requires 'tea time' every afternoon at four o'clock sharp. Kiri has competed in the Cheesemonger Invitational (CMI), and is one of the most competitive and kindest spirits out there. Other interests include Fantasy Football, baking, and anything chocolate.
August - Wine Buyer
they/them
August is a wordsmith, fantastic researcher, and expert wine seller. Their love of wine has led them to exciting travels around the world, from Franken, Germany to Santorini, Greece, to North Yuba, California. WSET Level 2 Certified, August’s wine and cheese descriptions are mouthwatering and evocative, likely inspiring you to try everything they highlight. They have a special fondness for cinema, swimming, independent bookstores, Chenin Blanc, and their rabbit Barnabas.
Odessa - Cheesemonger
Odessa loves food, cooking, and experimenting with new flavors. She enjoys traveling and exploring new places, tasting different cuisines, and contemplating the similarities and differences in food around the globe. Her favorite cheeses are Brabander, Kaltbach, and Fourme d’Ambert. Odessa’s cat, Olive, is very dear to her. Unfortunately, Olive cannot join her on her next adventure to college in Germany, although she would love to bring her along!
Joe - Lead Cheesemonger
This Perfect Bite was brought to you by Joe. Putting flavor combinations together is one of Joe's gifts, as well as always having a good book recommendation (preferably sci-fi). Joe coaches high school track, is the assistant director of a summer camp, and is a skilled woodworker. Joe made the life-size wooden wine bottle and the wooden pig, that hang in our shop, using recycled pallets!
Jake - Beer Buyer, Cheesemonger
Jake began working at the Cheese Shop when he was a senior in high school. He remained on the team through his time at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where he studied political science and English. He is a music manager in Brooklyn and continues to run the beer department at the shop via a rotary phone. Just goes to show: you can take Jake out of the shop, but you can’t take the shop out of Jake.
Liz - Cheesemonger, Events Coordinator
We call Liz our resident ‘Mayor of Salem,’ as she’s a Salem resident who knows the city inside and out, and is one of the funniest and friendliest locals around. She grew up in NY, attended art school at the Fashion Institute of Technology, and loves to draw, play music, and attend live shows. When she’s not hanging with her precocious, young daughter, you may find Mayor Liz chatting up locals at Salem’s favorite haunts like Deacon Giles or All Souls Lounge.
Deirdre - Cheesemonger
First inspired by her fiery Nina, who would insist on grating huge blocks of Parmesan for dinner, Deirdre now loves cheese, specifically gooey and rich cheeses. She attended McGill University in Montreal and graduated with a major in cognitive science, and a minor in gender and sexuality studies. In her free time, Deirdre loves thrifting (especially for colorful clothes and weird knick knacks), and spending time with her very vocal black cat, Bear.
Harper - Cheesemonger, Meat Master
Harper can slice, dice, and wrap all of your charcuterie and cheese needs, but did you also know he studies UX Design at Savannah College of Art and Design? He loves all styles of art, was voted Most Stylish in high school (for good reason), has an insane t-shirt, sneaker, and Croc collection, and loves to hang out with friends. When he’s at school, Harper misses day drinking with his mom, as well as having a nearby, walking distance cheese shop on campus.