End of an era at Armstrong's Village Cheese Co. as owners look to retire

Photo: Village Cheese Co.

The owners of a North Okanagan institution are hoping someone will take over so they can step into retirement.

Dwight and Linda Johnson are seeking a long-term rental of Village Cheese Company in downtown Armstrong.

The company has been a local foodie and tourist destination for 25 years and was formed after Armstrong Cheese was purchased by dairy giant Saputo and its cheese plant shut down.

The family-owned cheese company uses only local whole milk and all-natural ingredients.

The Johnsons hope to keep the site in the cheese business.

They're seeking expressions of interest and say other potential uses could include as a microbrewery, distillery, or other agri-tourism business.

"We desire to keep the business operational for the benefit of our staff and new owners," the company says on its Facebook page.

– This story has been corrected to state that the owners do not intend to close