THE fromagerie in the new IGA store at Mount Cotton is becoming the talk of cheese lovers, especially as word gets out that it is home to the biggest cheese range in a Queensland shop.
Jones Retail Group general manager David Kindt said the store carried about 300 types of cheese, many from overseas, storing them in bulk and cutting as required.
The cheese room is in the Supa IGA that opened days before Christmas, just metres from their old premises that had been operating for three years.
The business employs chefs to prepare sushi and poke bowls in view of customers and serves barista-made coffee, breakfast and light meals inside the supermarket.
Mr Kindt said the success of the store would dictate whether it would be replicated elsewhere.
"It provides a new way to shop and is a significant new business for the Redlands," Mr Kindt said.
He said other outlets already open or on the cards at the extended centre were Domino's Pizza, a fish and chips shop, bakery, restaurant with a bar and Chemist Warehouse.
Existing businesses are set to expand and a child care centre is due to open in a few months.
Mr Kindt said the Supa IGA's seven chefs, among 130 staff members, helped to offer a personalised, old-fashioned type of service.
The chefs work in the butchery, sushi bar, cafe and cheese shop, and prepare ready-to-eat food.
"We are one of the few places where you can get coffee 15 hours a day, from 6am to 9pm," Mr Kindt said.
"The idea is that if you can shop, you should be able to get a coffee too."
Items produced by the business carry new Jones and Co Grocer branding.
Mr Kindt said the health and wellness section of the shop carried 2000 products from vitamins to grind-your-own peanut butter and kombucha on tap.
Jones Retail Group owner Tyrone Jones said the company had started the Heart of the Community Foundation last year because being part of the local community was important.
"Our charity is dedicated to changing and improving lives through providing funds and contributions to our local community and charity groups and people in need," Mr Jones said.