Ken and Amy Liss have a passion for great food, especially cheese. Premier Cheese Market exemplifies that passion.

On November 2, 2004 Ken gave Amy an amazing birthday dinner. Her friends raved and Ken enrolled in culinary school. Studying at the prestigious Artisan School in New York City, Ken’s passion for cheese led him to the Artisanal Cheese Counter at the school’s restaurant. He mingled with food critics and instructors, learning many things not taught in the classroom.  Ken and Amy applied their lessons learned, followed their passion, and opened Premier Cheese Market.

Premier Cheese Market has tastes that are unique to the Twin Cities and a staff that is as knowledgeable. They feature cheeses from all over the world including Australia, Spain, Switzerland, and Wisconsin. Many were brought to Minnesota for the first time by Premier Cheese Market.

Despite our name, Premier Cheese Market offers more than cheese. You’ll find an amazing selection of cured meats from around the word, hand pressed olive oils, delicious preserves, appetizing olives, scrumptious baked goods, charming food-related gifts, and more.

About Ken LIss

Ken comes to cheese mongering from an expansive career and a love for the international life. Ken has lived overseas in Spain, the Philippines, Venezuela, Costa Rica, and Puerto Rico where he gained an understanding of different cultures and a passion for different foods. In his travels, he has visited every continent except Antarctica!!

Seeing the world from a global perspective has given Ken insight into the workings of our world. He has learned about world foodways and their importance in understanding culture and history.

After serving as a US Navy Captain, Ken began his 2nd career. Ken attended Le Cordon Bleu in Minneapolis and subsequently specialized at the Artisanal Cheese Center in Manhattan where he learned about the “care and feeding” of cheese.
Under the tutelage of Max McCalman of Picholine, and applying Ken’s earlier
days as an archeologist, Ken is an expert at setting up the perfect cheese |program for restaurants.

Ken co-owns Premier Cheese Market in Minneapolis, with his wife Amy. The shop has earned rave reviews from local food writers, bloggers, and Food & Wine magazine! In 2006, he developed a partnership with Cooks of Crocus Hill to teach a variety of cheese related classes. Due to demand, Ken conducts high-end cheese pairing classes and parties for local businesses. To maintain his cheese acumen, Ken does continuous “research” on pairing cheeses with wine, beer, spirits and sake. He is always on the hunt for the next new cheese, chocolate or gourmet pantry item to introduce to Minnesotans. Ken’s place of residence is in South Minneapolis and Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.

Premier Cheese Market – where you are sure to have a premier experience!