'I grew up in this neighborhood': West Allis business owner aims to keep cheesy holiday traditions going

WEST ALLIS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Whether you're looking to sip on a Christmas cocktail, or you need to find the perfect cheese to bring to your holiday party, Mark Lutz says supporting local pays off for the community. Lutz is the owner of West Allis Cheese and Sausage on Becher Street.

"It was a big holiday stop, so we wanted to continue that tradition," said Lutz.

He bought the business more than 20 years ago, and since then, he's been on a mission to offer local, walkable shops for the West Allis Community.

"I grew up in this neighborhood, so I was trying to bring a little life back to the corner and keep the cheese store going."

He then opened Becher Meats right across the street.

"In the butcher shop, we always try to do something special for the season. So, we have a Christmas breakfast sausage," said Lutz.

As a local business owner, he also tries to keep his business local.

"We carry over 400 hundred Wisconsin cheeses over the holidays," said Lutz.

There are options for dinner, drinks and baked goods all along Becher St. in West Allis.

"We just put out about 800 pies for thanksgiving, and for Christmas, it'll be up there as well."

West Allis Cheese and Sausage is also selling holiday cheese boards large and small. And they offer charcuterie board making classes for the holidays. 

Lutz wants West Allis to be a destination for good food and drinks.