A well-known vegan cheese shop in Austin is closing. Rebel Cheese sent out a newsletter December 16 announcing that its bistro at 2200 Aldrich St., suite 120, will close December 24. However, this isn't the end of the road for Rebel Cheese, which has a large distribution network outside of its own shop, and vegans will get a consolation prize as another business moves in.
The newsletter assures recipients that the next company in the space is completely plant-based and "shares the same heart that we do." It does not disclose what the incoming business is. So far, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation's online records do not reflect a new project at the address.
"Their delicious products and experience are acclaimed by vegans and non-vegans alike, and we are so thrilled, as Austinites, to know we’ll be able to enjoy their food here in ATX!" says the newsletter.
This isn't even the end of guests enjoying Rebel Cheese on Aldrich Street. Some of the company's products will stay in the deli case, including some favorite sandwiches. Current bistro staff will also transition into working for the new tenant.
In the final days for the Austin location, guests can take 20 percent off grocery items and wine through 3 pm on the closing date, December 24. Gift cards will continue to be honored for use in the online store. Shoppers can email giftcard@rebelcheese.com with gift card info to get them activated online.
Rebel Cheese has grown fast since its 2019 start. The company explains that the Covid-19 pandemic hit only three months after Rebel Cheese opened, which forced a pivot to online sales and wholesale. It now has a 9,000-square-foot factory and ships cheese to hundreds of locations across the United States and Canada. The business also got a big boost in name recognition and cash in a 2023 episode of Shark Tank, in which investors Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner purchased 10 percent of the company for $750,000.
Folks who will really miss the bistro going forward will still be able to visit the company's one remaining shop in Manhattan, New York.
"Though we are still a small team, we’ve been so fortunate to have seen such growth and the loyalty of team members and customers alike," the newsletter says. "We look forward to beginning 2026 focused on e-commerce, wholesale, and our NY location, and are so excited for our bistro team's next journey."
