Cheese firm weathering the storm

A DUNDEE business hopes to “weather the storm” of shops closing as the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite.

Steve and Hilary Barney run The Cheesery shop on Commercial Street.

Three years later, they opened a second branch in Broughty Ferry.

But having navigated the difficulties of the Covid-19 pandemic, the couple are faced with another challenge.

A number of businesses across Tayside and Fife have been forced to close amid rising costs and lower footfall in recent months.

But Hilary and Steve hope The Cheesery can make it through.

Hilary said: “With so many small business – particularly in the food industry – closing their doors at the moment, we hope to weather the storm.”

Prior to opening the Dundee shop, the pair had been working in the ready-to-eat street-food sector in London.

However, they wanted to start a family and were keen to go back to Hilary’s home city.

She explained: “It was a chance conversation with a good friend who managed The Cheesery property in Exchange Street.

“They said the lease was up for renewal and the current owner was keen to sell the business.”

A text exchange followed and after a few meetings, an agreement was reached.

Steve and Hilary then set out researching cheese.

This included embarking on a cheese trail of Scotland – visiting a collection of dairies.

Hilary said: “The previous owner was amazing with us.

“She allowed us to work alongside her for a few weeks before we officially took over, and provided us with a wealth of information.

“The stars were aligned as this was the perfect venture for us.

“We could work together, doing something we loved with sociable working hours.

“This was important to us as we took over The Cheesery in May 2016 and our first baby, Finn, was born at the end of June.”

The couple then opened a second outlet in Gray Street in Broughty Ferry in March 2019 – three weeks after their second child, Leah, was born.

Hilary said that the Exchange Street shop was busy from day one.

“With the reputation from the Dundee shop, the people of Broughty Ferry and surrounding areas were excited at the prospect of getting their cheese closer to home.”

Hilary said the couple are working on the online element of the business alongside a local web developer.

She also said there may be a return to the street food scene.

“Right now we are really happy with the business, the team and customers leaving the shop happy.”