Black Radish Creamery
About Black Radish:
John Reese dreamed of a retirement in food with his wife Anne, but when she asked, “Why not now?” They set their sights on creating what has become a destination for award-winning cheeses. In the rolling hills of Granville, Ohio, this independent, family-owned creamery is devoted to the timeless art of cheesemaking, using only the finest locally sourced, grass-fed A2A2, NON-GMO cow milk. Operating a rare cut-to-order boutique shop inside Columbus’s historic North Market, they offer an extensive, ever-evolving collection of artisanal cheeses, meats, preserves, and charcuterie accompaniments. As Central Ohio’s only combined Cheesemakers and Cheesemongers, they focus on consistency and technique to deliver an experience that reflects the purity and spirit of the Ohio countryside.
How Did The Idea Come About?
The journey was born from a shift in career and a deep respect for hard work. John moved from being a nurse, personal trainer, and house flipper to finding his true calling in food, influenced by childhood summers spent on an Amish farm learning the importance of fresh, quality ingredients. Anne, who grew up on a small family farm, brought a lifelong dedication to authenticity and a background in photography. Their paths led to New York, where John attended the Culinary Institute of America. While on a trip through New England, they discovered the inspiration for their “Billionaire” preserves, which became an instant sensation. They began selling these preserves at local events in Westerville while building the foundation for the creamery, perfecting their recipes while waiting for their cheese operations to officially launch.
What’s Your Favorite Thing About Being a Part of The North Market?
John and Anne love being an integral part of the North Market community and its rich history. The market allows them to share their creations not just with Columbus locals, but with a vast diversity of visitors from around the world. This platform gives them the opportunity to expose their award-winning, handcrafted cheeses to a much larger audience while building lasting relationships with fellow merchants and visitors alike. They have cultivated a passionate, knowledgeable team of cheesemongers who treat cheese as both a culinary art and a sensory journey, ensuring that every guest who walks into the shop is in the right hands.
What are Must Have items?
The absolute “must-have” experience is to talk to the cheesemongers and let them do their thing; their expert recommendations for rare imports or perfect pairings never disappoint. Signature items include their award-winning house-made cheeses and the famous “Billionaire” preserves that helped put them on the map. For a low-key experience, a visit to their Granville Creamery Farm Store—operated on the honor system—is essential for picking up house-made preserves, farm-fresh eggs, and locally raised meats. Whether you are looking for a curated cheese board or witnessing the spectacle of a 90-pound wheel of Parmigiano-Reggiano being cracked by hand, the focus is always on impeccable presentation and flavor.
Story of Black Radish Creamery and John & Anne Reese:
The story of Black Radish is one of patience and persistence. In the early days, they were a creamery without cheese, famously displaying signs that read “The cheese is coming” while they spent years mastering the science and consistency of their craft. John earned a Certificate in Cheesemaking from the Vermont Institute of Artisanal Cheese and became an ACS Certified Cheese Professional, while both he and Anne became Level 1 Sommeliers to deepen their pairing expertise. They apprenticed in Vermont and Wisconsin before returning to Ohio to turn their dream into a reality. When they finally replaced their old sign with one that proclaimed “The cheese is here!”, it marked the culmination of blending Anne’s artistic vision with John’s culinary expertise. Today, they operate a bustling production facility in Granville and a premier shop in the North Market, celebrating the enduring beauty of handcrafted food.
Phone:
Downtown: (614) 517-9520
Website:
Merchant's operating hours:
Sunday & Monday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday - Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.