Antonelli's Cheese Shop will close its outpost at downtown food hall Fareground on Dec. 31, President Kendall Antonelli said.

Fareground opened Jan. 18 at 111 Congress Ave., Austin, with Antonelli's as one of its inaugural vendors.

Antonelli attributed the decision to close to Fareground's restaurant-focused model that led the cheese shop to focus more on prepared dishes than its retail strengths as well as to financial losses sustained this year.

"We are heartbroken," Antonelli wrote in a Dec. 13 newsletter to customers. "We have to let go of some really good people. While we've done our best to offer jobs elsewhere in the business, many team members will be seeking employment elsewhere (and we're doing our best to line up some interviews for them)."

The Hyde Park cheese shop remains open, as does its Cheese House across the street, where the locally owned business hosts classes and events.

Antonelli's also does wholesale business, offers delivery and is featured on many local restaurants' menus.

512-531-9610. www.antonellischeese.com