Roots of the Market Award: Mickey McGuire’s Cheese 🧀

Mike McGuire’s journey in the Market District began with selling farm-fresh produce alongside his family at the Waterloo Market. A natural salesmen, Mike quickly expanding his weekly offering to include peanuts, then baking supplies, then hand-made candy – before eventually landing on cheese. Over the past 25 years Mike’s has enjoyed curating a collection of over 400 exceptional cheeses, featuring local, Canadian, and imported varieties.

With a combined 52 years of experience at both the Waterloo and St. Jacobs Farmers' Markets, Mike is one of only two vendors whose roots extend even further back than the 50-year legacy of the St. Jacobs Farmers' Market itself. Through highs, lows, and even the devastating 2013 fire, Mike remained a calm, steady presence in our vendor community.

This award is not just for years of service—it’s for decades of shaping the culinary culture of the Market and setting the standard for excellence.

📍 Visit Mickey McGuire’s Cheese in the Market Building