US specialty monger · Premium · Raw-milk focused

Murray's Cheese

NYC's foundational specialty cheese monger. Widely considered the most influential US cheese retailer of the 20th century.

Founded
1940
Location
New York, NY
Category
US specialty monger
Price tier
Premium
Founder
Murray Greenberg

Founded by Spanish Civil War veteran Murray Greenberg in 1940 as a wholesale butter-and-eggs operation, Murray's transformed under Rob Kaufelt (who bought it in 1991) into the definitive American specialty cheese counter. Pioneered the cheese-as-curated-product approach in the US — affineur partnerships, named producers, labels explaining what the customer was actually buying. The Bleecker St flagship and Grand Central location are pilgrimage destinations. Murray's Cheese Caves (basement aging facilities) are operational, not theater. Acquired by Kroger in 2017; editorial direction has largely been maintained, with the affineur and cheesemaker relationships intact. The educational arm (Murray's Cheese School) remains active.

Editorial note
Owned by Kroger since 2017 (acquisition cost: ~$30M). Watch for any drift toward commodity sourcing; not yet apparent as of 2026.

What this brand focuses on

European importsAmerican artisanBroad curationAges cheese on premises
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Origins represented

Regions and AOC/PDO designations this brand sources from or specializes in.

Cheesemaking processes

Process categories this brand is known for or specializes in.

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