Long before West Jefferson became a destination for food lovers and mountain travelers, dairy farming was a way of life in Ashe County. The rolling pastures, cool mountain climate, and abundance of family farms made the region ideal for producing high-quality milk. By the early 1900s, several small cheese plants operated throughout the county, serving local communities and helping farmers market their milk. (ashecountygov.com)
Everything changed in 1930 when the Kraft Corporation consolidated several of these small cheese operations into a single facility in West Jefferson. Kraft brought modern equipment, expertise, and national distribution, allowing the plant to produce its famous cheddar “daisy wheels” for customers across the country. What began as an agricultural business quickly became one of the area’s most important industries. (ashecountycheese.com)
For 45 years, Kraft operated the plant before selling it in 1975 to plant manager Chesley Hazlewood. Following his death, the business changed hands several times, eventually being purchased in 1994 by Wisconsin cheesemakers Mike Everhart and Tom Torkelson. Their leadership helped preserve traditional cheese-making methods while expanding production and introducing new varieties enjoyed by visitors and customers nationwide. (ashecountycheese.com)
One of the most important developments came in the early 1980s when a viewing room was added to the factory. For the first time, visitors could watch cheese being made firsthand. This transformed Ashe County Cheese from a manufacturing plant into one of North Carolina’s most popular agricultural tourism attractions. Today, thousands of visitors stop each year to watch the cheese-making process, sample fresh curds, and shop for locally made products. (ashecountycheese.com)
Today, Ashe County Cheese remains the oldest continuously operating cheese plant in North Carolina. The factory produces tens of thousands of pounds of cheese each week using milk sourced from regional dairy farms, continuing a tradition that has connected local agriculture, craftsmanship, and community for nearly a century. (Visit North Carolina)
Why Ashe County Cheese Matters
Ashe County Cheese is more than a cheese factory. It tells the story of Ashe County itself—its farming heritage, entrepreneurial spirit, and ability to reinvent itself while honoring tradition. For many visitors, a trip to West Jefferson isn’t complete without seeing the giant cow-shaped milk tanks, watching cheese being made, and tasting a product that has been part of the High Country’s identity since 1930. (Our State)
“In West Jefferson, the color residents most identify with is yellow as in cheese.” That observation from North Carolina tourism officials captures just how deeply Ashe County Cheese is woven into the culture and character of the town. (Visit North Carolina)
This story makes an excellent stop on a food tour because it combines local history, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and a tasting experience—all in one iconic High Country landmark. (Visit North Carolina)
A Taste of the High Country - A West Jefferson Walking Food Tour 
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