A new artisan cheese shop opened in The Arboretum this week.

Austin Cheese Co., which offers a selection of 80 cheeses, wine, Texas craft beers and chocolates from North Austin chocolatier Chocolaterie Tessa, opened Nov. 6 at 10000 Research Blvd., Ste. 123.

Owner Justin Olsen said he thinks the shop will help meet a need for high-quality cheese in Northwest Austin.

“I think the shop is in a perfect setting to really highlight what I'm doing,” Olsen said. “We get a lot of foot traffic, and there's not a cheese shop up North, so I think this serves a great area that really is in need of high-quality, artisan cheese.”

The cheeses found at Austin Cheese Co. are about 70 to 80 percent sourced from American artisans, Olsen said.

“I feel like any well-known international cheese, an American artisan is doing it as well or maybe with a little spin on it, but I think it’s something comparable,” he said.

Olsen said he spent most of his career in the health care field but always had a passion for cheese that ultimately led him to opening Austin Cheese Co. after a year of planning. He said he hopes customers will enjoy picking the cheese out as much as they enjoy bringing it home.

“We cut to order, so we absolutely want you to come in, and if you have a category you're thinking of and you want to try five or six of them, we want you to find which one is going to suit your needs for that day,” he said.

Olsen also stocks a collection of wine that customers can choose to pair with any of the cheeses.

“Wine, cheese and chocolate—that's the trinity right?” Olsen said. “I think it absolutely goes together, and I love wine, and I really wanted to have a really good selection that covers all the bases.”

As the holiday season approaches customers can also purchase customizable cheese and charcuterie trays for parties or gift boxes with items such as wine, local honey and cheese. After a soft opening period Olsen said he will also offer cafe items such as macaroni and cheese, grilled cheese, salads and other lunch items by mid-November.

www.austincheesecompany.com