In the Kitchen with Patti Spallone

Cherchie is the nickname of the founder of Cherchies and it is pronounced "church - ee."

What was the company's first product? And how did the company get its start?

In 1978, our Champagne Mustard was the first product sold and is still our most popular product! Click on Recipes to check out all the fabulous recipes for our Mustard!

Cherchies Specialty Foods was founded in 1978 by Diantha “Cherchie” Nason who at the time was a nurse at a local hospital. Cherchie would whip up batches of her delicious hot/sweet mustard using her grandmother’s recipe and present them as holiday gifts to her fellow nurses and doctors. As the Champagne Mustard developed a following she began to sell to local gourmet and cheese shops. Because of her success, she left nursing to concentrate on the small business she named Cherchies Ltd.

How did you and your husband, Tony, get involved with the company?

Tony was a friend of Cherchie's husband. When he resigned from his position as vice-president of a large computer service company in 1984, Tony and I agreed to become partners with Cherchie.

It was an exciting time. We three partners oversaw a dramatic growth in new products. Our little company continues to expand by adding new and unique products to its line each year. We sell now to stores and consumers in all 50 states.

Is Cherchie still involved with the business?

Not any longer. She retired several years ago, selling her share of the company to Tony and me. We still consider her a dear friend who from time to time will sell for us at various shows throughout the country.

What are you most proud of about your company?

Cherchies continues to earn a reputation for innovation, excellence in quality, and “real-people” customer service that we believe is unsurpassed in the specialty food industry.

In some ways, Cherchies might be the best-kept secret in the gourmet food industry. But that’s okay because we would rather retain the personal touch. We still actually answer our phones. We do listen to our customers. No order is too small, and no concern too insignificant.

And our employees are fantastic. Everyone of them is committed to satisfying customers. They all care. We all really care.

Thank you!

Patti Spallone