Troy and Melissa Boyce founded The Cheese Bar in response to a question they both had after moving to Cypress from Pittsburgh in 2014. “We just thought, ‘Where are all of the good cheese places?’” Melissa said. Growing up in California near Napa Valley, Melissa would often make quick meals out of artisanal cheeses and meats, and she felt strongly about filling that void in Northwest Houston. The Boyces opened The Cheese  Bar at the Boardwalk at Towne Lake on May 15, 2016, and have since seen unprecedented growth in their business. Their original vision of a cheese, charcuterie and wine store has gradually turned into a restaurant hybrid—the food menu has become immensely popular with guests, Melissa said. As a result, The Cheese Bar is expanding to accommodate 24 additional diners. The expansion also includes upgrades to kitchen equipment, which will make it easier for the establishment to serve large parties. “It has been a very positive response from the community, and we are both extremely grateful [for] the guests we have,” she said. The shop offers a variety of fine cheeses and charcuterie. Troy said they sell cheeses made in the U.S. and Europe, and the variety changes throughout the year. The regular menu, albeit small, features one-of-a-kind grilled cheese sandwiches like the turkey, brie and apple with peach jam. Specialty macaroni and cheese options include the truffle mac and Philly mac. Aside from fine cheeses and a small selection of beer on tap and wine, Melissa said the shop prides itself in quality customer service in a casual setting. Children also eat free on Sundays and Tuesdays with the purchase of an adult entree. “It’s perfect because mom and dad can sip on wine and enjoy a cheese plate while the kids run around [on the green space],” Troy said. A second location of The Cheese Bar opened May 15—an unintentional duplication of the original site’s opening date—in Katy’s LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch, helmed by District Manager Josh Wilkins. Wilkins said he enjoys working for the Boyces because of the family atmosphere they have created among staff and customers. Turkey, brie and apple sandwich ($11.75)
Oven-roasted turkey is piled with melted brie, Granny Smith apples, onions, arugula and peach jam, and served on grilled bread.[/caption]

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9945 Barker Cypress Road, Ste. 125, Cypress 281-245-0909 www.thecheesebar.net Hours: Tue.-Thu. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sun. noon-8 p.m., closed Mondays