Water’s Edge Cheese Curds Received the 2021 Redevelopment Award for Expansion in Chippewa Falls

Water’s Edge Cheese Curds has a new operation in Chippewa Falls - something that has earned them Momentum West’s 2021 Redevelopment Award. “We have been very fortunate to be able to grow our business during the pandemic. We bought the business during the same year that everything was shutting down, have made it through and grown. It has been rewarding to grow the business and create more jobs in the area. We are thankful to be a part of the Momentum West region and for the support we have received. Small business is at the heart of our economy, and we are proud to continue to support our local community and industry,” said Sara Drolet, co-owner of Water’s Edge Cheese Curds.

The company received the Redevelopment Award because they chose to meet their need for space by redeveloping a vacant building in Chippewa Falls. “Our business was bursting at the seams in our old facility which was an exciting problem to have. However, we knew we needed to find a place to settle that would allow our production to keep up with our growth plans,” said Sara Drolet. “We are proud to have found a vacant space that could be put to good use. We have made significant investments in our business with this facility in order to turn it into a safe place for food production. With the additional space, we can hold more inventory to get ahead of our busy season and stay more organized.”

Water’s Edge Cheese Curds is a small business that was established when a popular supper club started making a unique beer battered cheese curd for their restaurant. It gained popularity from their patrons, and as a result, became a separate business in 2010. They have grown by marketing the business to restaurants around the midwest, and in recent years have expanded across the country. With this growth has come notoriety and an increased following. For example, they have won the 2019 Wisconsin Cheese Curd of the Year (Eat Street) and 2020 Minnesota Cheese Curd of the Year (Minnesota Monthly Magazine) awards and have also been featured in Man vs. Food and Food Paradise.

“We are able to offer a consistent product that patrons love, but we also help restaurant operators to reduce their prep work - something that’s important in a time when the labor market is tight. We love that we can provide value and offer a product that has a strong following by our customers,” said Drolet. 

Their growth has opened the door to many opportunities but they have continued to focus on the benefits of being located right here - in West Central Wisconsin.  “This past year we have spent more time connecting with our local and regional counterparts and resources. It has been nice to have the support of our community when we have questions or want to share an idea. We look forward to connecting even further as we move forward. The benefit of supporting one another is often underestimated, but we want to help lead the way in this area,” said Drolet. As for their team, they have a steady talent pool to support their expansion. “We have a great culture, and believe our team has enriched lives as a result of working with Water’s Edge Cheese Curds,” she said. We would agree. Water’s Edge Cheese Curds is making a positive impact on their employees, the local economy and our dinner plates. For those interested in learning more, they invite you to “Talk Curdy to Me” at their website - https://watersedgecheesecurds.com.