CheeseMakers

About

Cheesemakers is a family-owned business founded in 1992 by James C. Keliehor, P.E., whose cheesemaking roots began with his aunt and uncle in South Texas. Despite cheesemaking not being common in Texas, James was committed to manufacturing his products in the Lone Star State. They are known for their Jaimito Mexican Style Cheeses and Lone Star Chevre, found in gourmet grocery stores and authentic restaurants. While not directly Balkan, their emphasis on authentic, family-made dairy products resonates with the diaspora's appreciation for traditional, high-quality ingredients.

What we carry

• Cheeses
• Jaimito Mexican Style Cheeses
• Lone Star Chevre

Heritage & Philosophy

Cheesemakers is a family business rooted in a passion for cheesemaking passed down through generations. Founder James C. Keliehor, an engineer by trade, combined his agricultural background with his engineering expertise to create a company dedicated to quality dairy production. They emphasize manufacturing in Texas and creating unique, high-quality cheese products.

What we love

• Family-owned and operated
• US-made (Texas) with authentic recipes
• High food safety standards (FDA, SQF certified)

Regional roots

While Cheesemakers specializes in Mexican-style cheeses and chèvre, their dedication to traditional, family-made dairy products and high quality resonates with the Balkan/Eastern European diaspora in California who seek authentic and reliable ingredients for their own culinary traditions. The emphasis on local, high-quality production echoes the value placed on craft and origin in Balkan food culture.