Geo’s Cheese in Waldo 221 E Gregory
During these warm, humid summer nights, it’s just too hot to cook. It’s easy to make a light meal of cheese, fresh bread, salami and wine..does that sound tasty? One of our new neighborhood shops is ready to help—Geo’s Cheese has opened at 221 E Gregory Blvd!
Owner Spencer Woodard is a wholesaler by trade, owning Geo’s Foods. He’s been in the cheese business for fifteen years, was born and raise in Kansas City, and lives in Waldo. Spencer says he’s always wanted to open a gourmet cheese place in Kansas City, and after looking at a few other locations, decided on this spot at the corner of McGee and Gregory. “The word ‘cheese’ draws so many people” he explained. “ I always thought Kansas City needed a cheese shop. We love the neighborhood and being here, everyone is so supportive.”
There are SO many kinds of cheese here. Spencer says what sets this store apart is the unique assortment, including aged cheddar from 1-15 years, and the competitive prices. I even saw chocolate cheese displayed (!?), cheese curds, and imported cheeses from France, Brazil, Spain and Bulgaria. The shop is full of other goodies too: crackers, specialty mustards and nut mixes, summer sausages, olives, salsas and jellies, chocolate. Within the next several weeks, Spencer plans to add wine for sale and host wine tasting events. Geo’s Facebook page hosts special cheese cooking challenges that have become quite popular!
As with just about every other locally owned Brookside/Waldo retail shop, there is an emphasis on personal service here. Chances are Spencer’s longtime friend Gary Seabaugh will greet you at the door and offer his assistance. If you call ahead, Geo’s will put together a special gift bag of cheeses, crackers, etc you can pick up ready to go. Or just stop in and browse—bring something special home for that last minute meal on a warm night!
Geo’s Cheese is open Monday through Saturday, 10:30am-6pm, at the SW corner of Gregory and McGee.
First, a little background on the house: Richard Wornall purchased the 500 acres of farmland in 1843, stretching from State Line to Main St and 59th to 67th Streets, taking out a loan of $2500. (These days that amount isn’t even a down payment on a Brookside home!) He and his family first lived in a cabin on the homestead until the house was built. They farmed the land, selling grain and animals in Westport. Eventually, Richard and Judith’s sons, John and Thomas, inherited the property. Soldiers took over the house during the Civil War and used it as a field hospital as the Battle of Westport was taking place nearby (in present day Loose Park). Pieces of land were sold off through the years, and finally, John Wornall’s third wife, Roma, sold the remaining 150 acres to JC Nichols. In 1963, the property was purchased by the Jackson County Historical Society and is now a free standing, non profit entity in conjunction with the Alexander Majors House at 8201 State Line Road.
Baseball and JKF inspired the name of her shop as well: “moonshot” is the term for a really high hit home run, and Kennedy’s speech with the line “we choose to go to the moon in this decade not because it will be easy, but because it will be hard” resonates with Smith. “I wanted a challenge, and am inspired to succeed”. Sharing her passion for this work is Shana Lee, who moved to Kansas City from Los Angeles a year ago—and is so dedicated to her California clients that she flies back once a month to take care of them!
Step inside Jorjy and you’ll find attractive art prints, pillows, bedding, jewelry, books, accessories and a large selection of barware. Pamela also carries a fabric and wallpaper line exclusive to this store, and plans to start a wedding registry. After the success of Lauren Alexandra, she explains this next venture “was a natural progression. I felt there was a void on the marketplace. I love designing and collecting beautiful home products”. This shop is perfect for picking up something unique and special for yourself—or as a gift.
Inside Brookside (And Waldo) 