April 2, 2026
By TIM HUNDT
Ownership of The Cheese Corner in Viroqua is officially changing hands as local brothers Steve and Nate Campbell prepare to take over the historic deli. The business transitioned from the Vernon Area Rehabilitation Center (VARC) to the Campbell’s on April 1.
The restaurant will temporarily shut down for minor updates and reopen on April 6. The brothers are eager to continue the legacy of a restaurant they frequented as children. Nate Campbell recently retired from the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office and Steve already owns and other businesses in town (Campbell Family Homes, Unglaciated) and was looking for space for another (Unglaciated Energy Center) .
Nate said the idea of buying the business first came up on golf trip and Steve mentioned looking for more commercial space and Nate mentioned the Cheese Corner was for sale. The brothers reflected on their childhood connection to the deli and the next thing they knew they were putting in an offer.
“Nate and I grew up coming here,” said Steve Campbell. “I remember walking to confirmation at Good Shepherd and stopping at the cheese corner.”
The brothers are taking over from VARC, who purchased the deli in 2021 to preserve the downtown staple. Over the last five years VARC fully renovated the century old building to ensure it was accessible and employed clients with varying abilities to build their independence. Following a brief period of uncertainty when the original family owners decided to sell in 2020, VARC kept the cherished location alive.
Now the Campbells want to carry that torch and welcome back the loyal customers that have come to know the long time business. Steve Campbell noted that taking over an established business with a skilled team is a huge advantage.
“To me it is the blessing that all those people that have been here for a year or more are willing to stay here,” said Steve Campbell. “They know what they are doing.”
The new owners plan to retain the current staff and are exploring ways to improve the customer experience. This includes discussing parking options with neighbors and keeping the existing online ordering system which has been popular with customers.
The menu will feature the beloved classic sandwiches, but the brothers are open to growth. Steve Campbell mentioned that the staff already has creative concepts for the menu.
“Amber the manager has a lot of great ideas on making soups and things like that,” said Steve Campbell. “I think in a small town business people want to have an interaction with the owners.”
The Cheese Corner first opened its doors on May 21 1986. Judy Dresen founded the shop because she was bored at home after her children grew older. The store quickly became famous for its submarine sandwiches and eventually passed to her daughter Tina Tryggestad.
To honor the deep roots of the restaurant the brothers are planning a special celebration this spring. Steve Campbell shared their excitement about aligning their grand opening with the original launch date.
“That is May 21 this year,” said Steve Campbell. “We are going to do our grand opening which is the 40th anniversary of the cheese corner having their original grand opening.”
Starting April 6 the new hours will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday with Saturday hours potentially returning in May.
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