Since opening its doors nearly a decade ago, Artisan Cheese Gallery in Studio City established itself as the original "go-to" cheese source and gourmet food shop for the Valley, as well as a bustling eatery serving sandwiches, salads, cheese and charcuterie platters, and wine. Simply stated, family owners Melody Dosch and her parents, Fred and Kay Heinemann, were pioneers in the Valley's burgeoning farm-fresh, upscale, fast-casual eatery scene. 

Now in a rather bittersweet transition, the family has sold the very popular shop to Sherman Oaks resident Shelley Janson, an accomplished entrepreneur, educator and culinary expert who, among other ventures, owned and operated Epicurean School of Culinary Arts in West Hollywood for 20 years until she sold it in 2007.  

In an exclusive written statement for The Sauce, Melanie speaks for her family: "We have been so lucky to be a part of Studio City for all of these years and are grateful to the community for embracing us. It is a bittersweet time, and I know my father especially will miss his daily interaction with our loyal customers. Shelley is going to bring new life and energy to the business, and I believe it will be even better because of her. I know everyone is going to love her."

Shelley says she is honored to take over the beloved shop and respects the reputation and team of people behind it. She has been working with Fred (who has really been the front man for the past few years) to learn about the eatery and customer needs in order to make way for a smooth transition when escrow officially closes in a couple weeks. She emphasizes that she will continue to nurture the community feeling that made the eatery so special. 

The most popular menu items, such as the chopped chicken salad, will remain. As for changes, Shelley says they will be incremented in steps, starting with a menu redesign with a "larger focus on cheese,” as well as creating options like house-made side salads to accompany sandwiches. She further explains she wants "the 'artisan' part of the name to shine through" by sourcing an eclectic range of local goods.

Shelley says she looks forward to organizing events around wine, beer, cheese, music and variations therein.  She also intends to offer samples of wine and cheese in order to educate customers. Instead of people just coming in for a meal or to shop, her goal is for them to learn about what they eat and drink.

As for the family's future plans, Melanie has re-established her family law practice in Woodland Hills and reports that her parents are planning to retire to Arizona and "enjoy their youngest grandchildren and friends who live there."  

12023 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, 818-505-0207