The Cheese Board opened as a small cheese store in 1967. In 1971, the two original owners sold their business to their employees and created a 100% worker owned business of which they remained a part. The transition to a worker-owned and operated cooperative relied upon a shared work ethic, high standards, and the strong emotional connections among the group. Decisions were made, after much debate, either on the shift or at the monthly meetings. The new owners shared a belief that the collective process would organically create a truly democratic society.

Over time, they've grown in size and in the number of products they sell. They moved from their first storefront around the corner to their current home on Shattuck Avenue. The cheese store and bakery now features an espresso bar, they sell almost 400 different cheeses and an extensive selection of freshly baked breads and pastries. They have a pizzeria (a few doors down from the cheese store and bakery) that sells the pizza of the day, made from fresh ingredients, for lunch and dinner 5 days a week. Much of what they have done has come about by chance, by following they passion for food and with the support of the community.