WALNUT — After 80 years of being in the cheese-making business, Avanti Foods has closed the doors to its cheese-making operation.
On Thursday, Avanti Foods President Tony Zueger announced the decision to stop making cheese at its Walnut facility, effective Feb. 17.
“Avanti Foods (Walnut Cheese) has reluctantly decided to discontinue cheese production after 80 years of making cheese,” Zueger said Friday. “It’s hard to be at the end of an 80-year tradition, but things change; you have to adapt and move on.”
However, customers will still be able to buy and enjoy Avanti cheese, Zueger said. Avanti Foods has contracted with two other cheese factories, in Wisconsin and Illinois, to continue producing Avanti’s quality cheeses, utilizing the same Avanti recipes used for years, Zueger said.
Three employees will be affected by the closing of the Walnut cheese factory.
The operation of the cheese store, pizza production and route distribution will continue in full operation as in the past, with no changes, Zueger said. Everything will remain the same for the customer.
“We look forward to continuing our relationship with all of our loyal customers,” Zueger said.
For questions or concerns, Avanti Foods may be contacted at 800-243-3739.
The Walnut Cheese factory opened its doors in 1932, with Zueger’s father buying the business in 1954. The business was expanded in 1964 into Avanti Foods with a production of frozen pizzas under the “Gino’s” and “Swiss Party” labels. The cheese store and offices, located at 109 Depot St., were built in 1977.
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