Raise a glass to 150-plus years of brewing tradition
‘Think of it as the Oscars of our industry’
May 18, 2026
ST. CLOUD – Sargento and Baker Cheese officially opened the Francis Baker Cheese Store, a new retail destination that Sargento CEO Louie Gentine said honors a pioneer in the cheese industry and celebrates the area’s manufacturing heritage.
Gentine and Baker Cheese Co-founder and retired CEO Brian Baker said the cheese store (N5292 County Road G) will feature a wide array of Sargento-branded items, Baker-branded products and other unique merchandise, establishing itself as a local attraction and a hub for cheese enthusiasts.
Inspired by seeing mozzarella stretching at a California deli – per bakercheesestore.com – Francis recognized an opportunity to innovate back in Wisconsin.
His vision, per the site, led Baker Cheese to become the first company in the Midwest to produce the now-iconic snackable cheese.
Today, Baker Cheese produces more than 17 million sticks each week, a testament to Francis Baker’s enduring impact.
“Francis had a tremendous impact, generating growth not only within his own company but also for the category as a whole,” Gentine said. “His innovation created opportunities for people at Baker Cheese, and his strong commitment to supporting his community made a real difference. He left a legacy that we continue to build on today.”
Brian Baker said the naming carries deep family significance, noting the emotional reaction when plans were first shared.
Brian said his family is “extremely proud to have Grandpa Francis’ name on this cheese store.”
