Small Business Spotlight: The Cheese Shop in Williamsburg, VA

I don’t do this nearly enough … talk about small business brands and marketing. I mean I DID write a book sequel about how small business marketing is really no different than big brand marketing, just with smaller budgets. Same principles, just smaller scale. In fact, if small brands simply acted like big brands then perhaps they would see bigger success?!? So it might seem!

So today I’d like to highlight a small business in Williamsburg, VA that I frequent every time I visit my dad: The Cheese Shop. It’s a local gourmet food shop that not only sells cheeses and select packaged goods but also has take-out sandwiches and a high-end restaurant. The full range. Yum.

Guess what it’s signature is?!? This special sauce that it uses on its sandwiches … their homemade house dressing. It’s delicious and so special and something I’ve never tasted anywhere else. Yum.

The last time I was in town, I had a revelation … The Cheese Shop is a brand! I saw their signature sauce all packaged up and sitting on their own store shelves (and of course bought a few bottles!). It’s now a true part of the brand and you can now take it home.

Ownable. Unique. All Cheese Shop of Williamsburg, VA. And BTW, very indicative of the community in which it serves which is another sign of a great brand. Of the community. And of the tourists who visit too. Small business branding, products, and ultimately marketing that should surely be respected, IMHO.

What’s your experience? JIM