About Fromagination

This is a picture of Fromagination Cheesemonger Kristi cutting cheese behind the counter in the shop.
Fromagination cheesemonger Kristi cuts cheese behind the shop counter.
This is a picture of Fromagination Cheesemonger Will arranging cheese in the shop cheese case.
Fromagination cheesemonger Will puts some alpine cheese in the case.

Fromagination was founded in 2007 by owner and general manager Ken Monteleone, who believes that Wisconsin cheese, the Badger State’s cheese-making heritage, and its growing artisan food movement all deserve a showcase. Fromagination encourages guests to fully experience their food: See, smell and taste the cheese, and learn about how and where it is made.  A proper visit to Fromagination should not only leave guests with a good taste in their mouths, but also with an appreciation for healthy, delicious Midwestern foods, and the people who produce them.

This is a picture of cheese producer Tony Hook with one of his cheeses in the Fromagination shop.
Cheesemaker Tony Hook holds one of his sharp Cheddars in front of the counter.
This is a picture of a Fromagination cheese class with participants sampling cheeses.
Participants in a Fromagination cheese class prepare to sample cheeses.

The Fromagination shop is located on the Capitol Square in Madison, Wisconsin, at the center of state government, of “America’s Dairyland”…and, arguably, of the artisan cheese revival in the United States. Our cheesemongers cut-to-order in a European-style shop that celebrates our past, while also providing a focal point for the many new fine foods being produced in America’s heartland…and which pair well with our great Wisconsin cheese, both traditional and new. While many visitors comment on its Old World atmosphere, the store itself employs recycled materials, low-energy bulbs, and other measures to encourage sustainability.

This is a picture of the Fromagination staff outside the shop in June 2024.
The Fromagination staff stands outside the shop in the summer of 2024.
This is a picture of guests talking on the Fromagination outside patio with owner Ken Monteleone.
Fromagination’s owner, Ken, talks with guests outside on the patio.

While Fromagination has been recognized nationwide for its offering of fine cheeses, cheese companions, wines, beers, and accessories, its mission also includes building the greater community. Madison and Dane County, Wisconsin, are at the center of a growing, self-sustaining regional food system which focuses more and more on local producers, local eaters and the local landscape. While Fromagination regularly welcomes visitors from near and far to taste a “Wisconsin experience,” it also supports a dynamic local food culture…and many worthy causes which improve our diverse community.