Changes on the Whey

After 10 years, Southern Whey in downtown Southern Pines is changing hands. Owners Chris Abbey and Angela Sanchez announced last month they sold the shop to Mary Schlaff, who also owns Santé (in the Belvedere Plaza) and The Village Wine Shop (in downtown Pinehurst). Angela and Chris started the shop to offer curated cheeses and other charcuterie items that are hard to find in grocery stores. “We kind of feel like we took this shop as far as we could take it, and it was time for somebody new to be able to do that,” said Angela. 

“There’s a lot of synergies with the shops we currently have,” said Mary. “I was super honored that Chris and Angela thought about me. I get to continue the legacy and give it my own little Schlaff spin. I hope I can make them proud.” Mary will continue to operate the space as a cheese shop, but will likely freshen up the look inside.

Chris and Angela have agreed to stay on to help Mary through the transition process, but as the year draws to a close, they will start to devote more time to themselves and their family farm. “The town has to keep evolving,” said Chris. “It’s got to stay fresh.”