Sandra Bieber, Contributing Writer//March 21, 2025
Sandra Bieber, Contributing Writer//March 21, 2025//
Cheese aficionados in the Lehigh Valley have a new reason to celebrate as Centre Square Cheese, a specialty shop dedicated to artisanal cheeses, gourmet olive oils, and charcuterie, prepares to open its doors at the Easton Public Market.
The venture is the passion project of local husband-and-wife duo Ron and Jennifer Rittenhouse, whose deep-rooted love for high-quality, thoughtfully sourced food is now taking center stage in Easton’s vibrant culinary landscape. The couple, longtime residents of Downtown Easton, are no strangers to the food industry. Ron Rittenhouse, a former professional chef with two decades of experience, later took on the role of produce director at a regional organic grocery chain. Jennifer Rittenhouse, equally passionate about specialty foods, brings a keen eye for curating unique gourmet products.
A Culinary Destination
Centre Square Cheese said it aims to be more than just a retail space—it aspires to be a gathering place for food lovers, home cooks, and professional chefs alike. In addition to an impressive selection of artisanal cheeses, the shop will feature an olive oil and vinegar station, a curated collection of Japanese culinary knives, gourmet pantry staples, cookbooks, and high-quality kitchen linens.
“We want Centre Square Cheese to be a welcoming space where people can discover new flavors and traditions,” said Jennifer Rittenhouse. “Easton is a vibrant, diverse food town, and we’re excited to contribute to its culinary richness.”
“Easton has given us so much over the years, and we’re excited to give back by sharing our love of high-quality, thoughtfully sourced foods,” Ron Rittenhouse said.
The couple also plans to collaborate with local and regional producers, ensuring that Centre Square Cheese remains deeply connected to the community. Their selection will highlight some of the best products from small-scale farms, independent dairies, and artisanal food makers.
Grand Opening and Community Engagement
Centre Square Cheese will celebrate its grand opening on May 2 at the Easton Public Market. The event will feature cheese tastings, special promotions, and an opportunity for visitors to meet the owners and learn more about the shop’s offerings.
Market leadership is equally enthusiastic about the new addition. “We’re really excited to welcome Centre Square Cheese into the market,” said an Easton Public Market representative. “With our 9th anniversary approaching and a full roster of vendors, it’s a great time for food lovers to revisit and explore the exciting new offerings we have.”
Centre Square Cheese joins a diverse lineup of vendors at the Easton Public Market, which has been a hub for artisanal food and community engagement since its inception in 2016. The market, managed by the Greater Easton Development Partnership, is home to 14 vendors, including a Belgian chocolatier, a local farmstand, and a variety of fast-casual restaurants.