About Bloomy

It was 2012, on her first shift behind a cheese counter in New Haven, CT, when Bloomy owner Jessica Galen had the bite of cheese that would change her life. Twig Farm Tomme, a firm goat tomme from Vermont, opened a door to the extraordinary world of handmade cheeses. It had a nutty, nearly honeyed flavor, a floral, earthy nose, and a mottled rind with a beige-gray backdrop and bursts of brightly colored molds of daffodil yellow, creamsicle, teal, sunset red. The quest to share that experience with our guests informs everything we do at Bloomy: supporting regional agriculture and sustainable foodways, sourcing the most incredible flavors, and keeping real, meaningful interpersonal experiences front and center.

Bloomy is an independent woman-owned specialty cheese shop in Dobbs Ferry, New York. Following a year as Pop-Up in Residence at HudCo, we opened our permanent location in November 2022. The shop features dozens of domestic and imported cut-to-order artisan cheeses, fine charcuterie and pantry items, and handmade gifts from local artists. We are committed to our mission of “Lactose & Tolerance”—building community and solidarity through delicious, ethical foods. 

We regularly host events and workshops for cheese enthusiasts, and offer private events and catering, from platters and guided cheese tastings to jaw-dropping cheese tablescapes and “cheesetender” services—think of a custom cocktail bar where you’re selecting your dream cheese plate, instead of a beverage.

Bloomy was founded by longtime cheese professional Jessica Galen, who loved cheese from a young age. While in graduate school for Food Studies at New York University (NYU), she assisted in the cheese caves at the legendary Murray's Cheese and for Cato Corner Farm, a raw milk farmstead cheesemaker. She also served as general manager at Lucy's Whey, then the Upper East Side's largest artisan cheese shop. Through these roles she developed a deep appreciation for the tireless work of farmers, cheesemakers, and affineurs (cheese agers) that continues to inspire her every day. She has dedicated her career to supporting independent farming, most recently as Director of Communications at Stone Barns Center before opening Bloomy.