Ever wonder where to find delicious cheeses, charcuterie, and high-quality ingredients in the Hamptons? Look no further than Mill Road Cheese Shop in Westhampton Beach. This gem is a go-to destination for Hamptons visitors and locals alike, offering artisanal cheeses, cured meats, oils, breads, and more. They even create beautifully arranged charcuterie and panini boards—perfect for gatherings, events, or a simple weekend indulgence.
I had the pleasure of meeting with the shop’s owner, Carlos, to learn more about how this thoughtfully curated spot came to life.
What inspired you to open Mill Road Cheese Shop?
I have been cooking my whole life, both in restaurants and privately. Rather than inspiration, it was more a matter of necessity. After moving to the area in 2014, I noticed it was difficult to find specialty items, quality cooking ingredients, olive oils, vinegars, condiments, and, most importantly, artisanal cheeses and cured meats to enhance the at-home dining experience.
Why Westhampton Beach? What about this community felt like the right fit for your shop?
Westhampton Beach is centrally located among several hamlets to the east and west, providing a good mix of seasonality, demographics, and a robust year-round population. Since I live in the area, it felt natural to open my shop in Westhampton Beach for many reasons.
How do you curate your cheese and grocery selection? Do you focus on sourcing locally, internationally, or a mix of both?
We are always working on this. Every month, we sample a variety of up-and-coming products to determine if they fit our criteria for quality, clean ingredients, and whether they serve a purpose in your pantry or are indulgently delicious.
Our goal is straightforward: to find amazing products, both from the U.S. and abroad.
What are some of your favorite pairings of cheeses and items you carry?
Oh, there are too many to list, but here are a few of my favorites:
I personally enjoy triple crème cheeses from either the Burgundy region or Vermont, where the milk quality is rich and flavorful. Pair it with Toast for Cheese from The Fine Cheese Company, and you’ve got an amazing combination of crunch and indulgent taste.
Another classic pairing is our aged reserve Manchego made by the Corcuera family in Extremadura, along with Iberico salami and Gordal olives. This combination is packed with umami and makes a fantastic starter.
Aside from cheese and charcuterie, what other products can customers expect to find here?
We offer a well-curated selection of single-origin and single-variety olive oils, quality vinegars, as well as unique snacks and chocolates.
How has the Westhampton Beach community embraced Mill Road Cheese Shop since you opened?
We have been open for five years now, and it’s a wonderful community. Many of our customers visit weekly, and we participate in their special occasions and dinner parties by providing cheese boards and platters.
Any upcoming plans or seasonal offerings you’re excited about?
Our holiday gift baskets are incredibly popular, and people look forward to receiving them every year. We have several accounts with local businesses, and our goal is to provide their employees and clients with products that their families can enjoy during the holidays—nothing is better than receiving a box full of cheese!
Where do you see Mill Road Cheese Shop in the next five years?
I believe in narrowing my focus and becoming an expert in everything I do. In five years, I envision us remaining the best place to find artisanal cheese and gourmet products in the area. Our goal is to keep expanding our reach and potentially open one or more stores that are fresh and unique. If you compare our product selection from five years ago to today, perhaps only 20-30% of our original products remain.
What do you hope people experience when they walk into your shop or place an order?
I want them to have an enriching experience that offers education about our products, as well as an appreciation for the great flavors, textures, and stories they can share with friends and family.
