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Chattaroy Cheese Co. hosts open creamery for last time

Most of Chattaroy Cheese Co.’s goats on its farmstead were sold last year to a farm outside of Zillah, Wash., although some remain as the business prepares to close. (Courtesy of Chattaroy Cheese Co. / Courtesy of Chattaroy Cheese Co.)
By Adriana Janovich adrianaj@spokesman.com(509) 459-5446

Chattaroy Cheese Co. is hosting its Fall Finale Open Creamery on Sunday.

The theme is “To Everything There is a Season.” The event celebrates the winding down of the business as well as the community’s support throughout the years.

“I’m definitely planning it to be the last big event,” owner Becky Kennard said. “It’s possible I might run a small sale in winter.”

But, she noted, the farmstead is for sale.

And last year she sold most of her goats to a farm outside Zillah, Washington.

Kennard has been buying back milk from her former herd, now at Castle Rock Goat Farm, to make cheese.

“I feel like we’re passing the baton a little bit,” Kennard said, noting she and her staff have been involved with training the cheesemakers at Castle Rock, which is “going to have larger production” than Chattaroy Cheese.

“We’re really hoping they will pick up where we take off. And, because we’ve been buying the milk back, I can tell you it’s wonderful and I would encourage you to look for his cheese and milk.”

Chattaroy Cheese was founded in 2010 and has regularly held open creamery events twice a year, in spring and fall.

For this one, Chattaroy Cheese has cleaned out its aging room and is offering 2- to 4-year-old Basalt and cheddar for half price.

Fresh batches of chèvre – including the popular lavender spice, maple syrup and honey – will also be on hand for regular price, $8 per round or four for $30.

So will limited amounts of feta, mozzarella and Brazilian Breakfast cheese, which range from $24 to $38 per pound. Most slices range between $5 and $7.

“I feel like the product is in demand, and the community was very good to us,” Kennard said. “I have nothing but fond feelings for the way we were welcomed with this little startup. It’s just very hard to make a living on it. It’s very labor-intensive.”

Music at the farewell event will be by Mya Jolyn.

And there are six remaining goats to visit as well as some cows and sheep. Of course, Kennard will be there, too.

The event runs from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday at the cheese farm, 23720 N. Crescent Road in Chattaroy.