Scardello Cheese
3511 Oak Lawn
Dallas, Texas 75219
Dallas Farmer’s Market
903 Harwood #134
Dallas, Texas 75201
Oak Lawn has always been an eclectic urban neighborhood, with a plethora of bars, restaurants, and specialty shops. It is the perfect location for Scardello Cheese, the passion project and thriving family business created by owner and cheesemonger Rich Rogers.
Rogers had a freelance film and video production company, but always knew that he would eventually change course and “do something with food.” Growing up in a small town in West Texas, Rogers’ love of food was imparted by his maternal grandfather at a time when men didn’t really cook. He credits Pete Scardello with instilling in him the belief that food should be shared with family and friends and so he serves cheese after the meal, as a way to extend time at the table with loved ones.
In 2006, Rogers attended a three-day intensive class for cheese professionals in New York. That workshop was the confirmation Roger’s needed. Almost two years to the date, he opened Scardello Cheese. Since then, he has served on the Judging and Competition Committee of the American Cheese Society as both chair and judge, and Scardello Cheese has been featured on the Food Channel.
The case at Scardello contains approximately 150 cut-to-order cheeses; 55-60% are American cheeses, and the rest are European. “It’s challenging to have the mix we have because imports obviously have traveled a long way. Consistency is important, but the price is, too,” says Rogers.
The Shop
Scardello is a boutique shop selling related food items as well as classes, gift boxes, and custom boards. Many of the customers are from the neighborhood. Classes, which can be attended online as well as in person, draw people from around the country. Locals can pick up the cheese for the class in advance if they prefer to attend virtually.
Built in 1929, the space has abundant natural light, wood floors, the original tin ceiling, and exposed brick walls. When Rogers opened the business, there were no other cheese shops in Dallas. He wanted Scardello to be the first, but issues with the plumbing and structure delayed the opening for two years. One shop claimed the title of first to open, but today, Scardello Cheese stands alone.
Top Selling Cheeses
“Categorically, triple cream cheeses sell the best,” shares Rogers. The top two cheeses in this category are Brillat Savarin and Cremeux de Bourgogne.“
Brillat Savarin
Brillat Savarin photo by William Kallenborn
“Brillat Savarin is a classic French triple creme. It is named after one of the very first French food writers and is buttery, lush, and smooth,” says Rogers.
Cremeux de Bourgogne
Rogers shares that this “Luscious triple cream cheese with a bloomy rind made from cow’s milk. It makes a great dessert cheese and pairs well with fruits, plus there are several good wine pairing options. I think Pinot Noir is a wine that pairs well with many types of cheese.”
Prairie Breeze by Milton Creamery
“Prairie Breeze is a sweeter style cheddar that has crystallization through the paste. The sweetness and the crunch make it pretty irresistible,” adds Rogers, “It also makes killer grilled cheese.”
Epoisses
“Epoisses is my desert island cheese.” Says Rogers, adding “It is smelly and boozy, with great fermented and brothy notes. Add to that its creamy and rich texture, and it is a cheese I can’t stop eating.
Also Look For
Scardello does not sell individual cheeses online, but does offer a monthly cheese club that is available for shipping, and gift boxes and deluxe cheese trays for local pick up as well as in-person classes.