Cheddar Block prepares to open in Quail Creek center

Owners Jana and Chris Daugherty are finishing interior work on 2,000 square feet of space in the Quail Creek Shopping Center, 1440 W. Republic Road, in preparation for an April 21 opening.

The Cheddar Block will specialize in artisan cheeses but will also carry specialty meats, olive oils, vinegars, baking goods, olives, coffees and teas, organic lines, pastas and sauces, and spreads, dips, jams and preserves. Specialty lines will include Paula Deen’s New Gourmet Foods, Country Living, The Barefoot Contessa and Rothschild Farms.

“We definitely think there’s a market (for this),” Jana Daugherty said. “Springfield is such a growing community, and there’s really not any place in Springfield that specifically focuses on gourmet and artisan cheese and other foods that go along with that.”

Jana Daugherty noted that the neighboring Brown Derby store, which opened in October, would likely help draw business to the Cheddar Block from people looking to buy wine-and-cheese combinations.

The store will have a deli, serving foods that are sold in the store in addition to soups and salads, and the Daughertys also plan to offer education on product pairings and unique recipes, Jana Daugherty said.

Jana Daugherty would not disclose startup costs but did say the couple has spent more than anticipated, particularly on inventory.

“You do all the research and a business plan, but when you get started, things just come up that aren’t anticipated or you wouldn’t know till you go through it,” she said.

The Daughertys are leasing space through Wilhoit Properties. Jana Daugherty would not disclose terms of the lease.