MONROE - An empty lot on Monroe's Square will soon be open for business as a purveyor of locally-sourced cheese and dairy products.
The Swiss Market, as the new shop is called, is slated to open Feb. 15 at 1005 16th Ave. Tyler Schwartz, one of the Swiss Market's three founders, said the shop idea had only been proposed a few months ago, but he had always been eager to start a business of his own.
Schwartz's partners, two cousins named Bob and Logan Huber, worked with Schwartz to pool the money for the Square storefront.
"It costs a lot on the Square," Schwartz said.
Schwartz, a 24-year-old Monroe native, said neither he nor the Hubers went to college for business, but they are "learning as we go" how to create a successful business from scratch. Schwartz said he had learned a lot from working at his father's business, Bruno Beef Strips, a Monroe business that also carries locally sourced meat and dairy products.
Bob and Logan Huber,
24 and 23 respectively, currently work in construction, but all three men plan to work for The Swiss Market full time. After the grand opening, the shop will be open every day.
Despite their enthusiasm, The Swiss Market will need to distinguish itself in a crowded market. A few storefronts away from The Swiss Market is longtime staple Baumgartner's Cheese Store and Tavern, which sells similar products.
"We'll just have a wide variety of products," Schwartz said, adding that daily specials for senior citizens and veterans would hopefully draw a steady clientele. Schwartz said they also plan to provide milk discounts to parents of school-age children.
If successful, the store will diversify and sell local yogurt, Monroe historical books, meat products, Amish goods, local mustards, Mrs. Mike's brand potato chips, several varieties of cheese curds and possibly fresh produce.
The three founders are currently working around the clock to put the finishing touches on the shop before its grand opening while Schwartz and Bob Huber have weddings to plan for in the coming months.
"We definitely have our plates full," Schwartz said.
The Swiss Market, as the new shop is called, is slated to open Feb. 15 at 1005 16th Ave. Tyler Schwartz, one of the Swiss Market's three founders, said the shop idea had only been proposed a few months ago, but he had always been eager to start a business of his own.
Schwartz's partners, two cousins named Bob and Logan Huber, worked with Schwartz to pool the money for the Square storefront.
"It costs a lot on the Square," Schwartz said.
Schwartz, a 24-year-old Monroe native, said neither he nor the Hubers went to college for business, but they are "learning as we go" how to create a successful business from scratch. Schwartz said he had learned a lot from working at his father's business, Bruno Beef Strips, a Monroe business that also carries locally sourced meat and dairy products.
Bob and Logan Huber,
24 and 23 respectively, currently work in construction, but all three men plan to work for The Swiss Market full time. After the grand opening, the shop will be open every day.
Despite their enthusiasm, The Swiss Market will need to distinguish itself in a crowded market. A few storefronts away from The Swiss Market is longtime staple Baumgartner's Cheese Store and Tavern, which sells similar products.
"We'll just have a wide variety of products," Schwartz said, adding that daily specials for senior citizens and veterans would hopefully draw a steady clientele. Schwartz said they also plan to provide milk discounts to parents of school-age children.
If successful, the store will diversify and sell local yogurt, Monroe historical books, meat products, Amish goods, local mustards, Mrs. Mike's brand potato chips, several varieties of cheese curds and possibly fresh produce.
The three founders are currently working around the clock to put the finishing touches on the shop before its grand opening while Schwartz and Bob Huber have weddings to plan for in the coming months.
"We definitely have our plates full," Schwartz said.