an interview with Skagit Larder
We are thrilled to welcome Skagit Larder to Downtown Mount Vernon! Located at 513 S First St, Skagit Larder is your destination for all things charcuterie! Read along on our interview with owner Candace Kiersky to learn more about Skagit Larder:
How would you describe your business to someone who’s never heard of it before?
Skagit Valley Larder is a wine shop, cut-to-order cheese counter & cafe located in the heart of Downtown Mount Vernon. “Larder” is an old-fashioned word for the room or cabinet where you store your food. It used to be where we kept our bacon (and lard), whereas now it’s the pantry where you keep potato chips and cereal. This shop brings together the essentials for gatherings under one roof, and we aim to curate a selection of hard-to-find products - both from the bounty around us here in our little valley by the sea, but also across the seas from makers who simply know what they’re doing.
What inspired you to start this business?
I’ve wanted to own a business since before I can remember. I literally can’t remember! But I think it has always been in my blood. In my career so far, I have gravitated towards larger roles in smaller businesses - I like wearing more than one hat, and I enjoy the creativity and the grit involved in a grassroots operation.
Can you share a bit about your background and how it led you to this venture?
My first job in the specialty food business was at the New York City location of Beecher’s Handmade Cheese. I was finishing a minor in Food Studies at the New School and I thought it would be nice to work with a company from “back home.” Well, it ended up being one the funnest jobs ever, and the launch pad for a pretty amazing career. I learned how to pair cheese with everything - wine, whiskey, chocolate, beer - you name it. I hosted many pairing classes, and eventually became the point person for all events. Being in New York, the possibilities for a career in event planning were endless. So I began working for a catering company where clients included Coach, Estee Lauder, The New York Public Library, MoMA, The New York Ballet Gala, and Friends of the Highline. We did everything from small post-show dinners for off-broadway shows, to 900-person seated dinners at the Lincoln Center. After that, I managed the catering for 6 studio lofts on the corner of 18th Street and Broadway.
What makes your business unique?
When it dawned on me that THIS was the business for me, I also realized there was nowhere around to get cheese cut right at the counter. It’s really the only other thing besides ice cream that you can sample out of a case, and it is such a fun experience. My shop emphasizes high-quality, domestically-sourced artisanal cheeses, while most delis still focus on imported products. There are so many U.S. cheesemakers that I love and that deserve a spotlight, so this niche I’m creating is really for them, and for all the cheese enthusiasts out there alike. Plus, this isn’t just a cheese shop! With a mix of wine, small-batch pantry goods and tabletop essentials, paired with education and tasting events, we are offering an immersive experience that really speaks to our foodie audience.
How does your business contribute to the local community?
Skagit Valley Larder contributes to the local community by supporting regional producers and promoting domestic, artisanal cheeses, helping to keep money within the local economy. It serves as a gathering place that fosters social connections. By hosting educational events like cheese pairings and tastings, it enhances the community’s food culture while providing jobs and collaborating with local businesses. The shop’s focus on small-batch, high-quality products celebrates regional identity, promotes sustainability, and strengthens the local food scene.
Stop in to see (& taste) for yourself!
Tuesday – Saturday
11am – 6pm.
