What began as a gourmet cheese and wine shop in Ohio during the 1970s has since evolved into a beloved culinary mainstay in Historic Downtown Clermont, thanks to the passion of a mother-daughter duo.

Cheeser’s Palace Café, located at 707 West Montrose Street in Clermont has been serving up European-inspired comfort food since 2006. But the story starts much earlier with Carol Witherspoon Kayser and a friend who launched the original “Cheeser’s Palace” in Ohio decades ago. Although those shops have long since closed, the spirit of the brand was revived when Carol and her daughter Amanda Walsh brought it to Central Florida in 2004 as a premier catering company.

(Amanda Walsh is now the owner of Cheeser’s in Clermont taking over for her mother Carol in 2010 when Carol retired.)

As demand quickly outgrew their catering kitchen, the pair decided to become restaurateurs. With extensive experience in the food industry, it was a natural transition. In 2006, they found the perfect home for their café in Clermont’s historic downtown district.

“My mom created our first menus and desserts,” Amanda said. “She set Cheeser’s up for a long, healthy future.”

Following Carol’s retirement in 2010, Amanda took the reins as sole proprietor. Under her leadership, Cheeser’s has become more than just a café—it’s a fixture in the community. Amanda, a dedicated mother of three to Tyler, Samantha, and Emma has poured her heart into the business. Her husband Sean occasionally lends a helping hand as well.

(Tomato Basil Florentine Soup: A creamy tomato base with fresh basil, served with a crunchy French roll. Photo Credit – Cheeser’s Palace Cafe.)

“Cheeser’s equals family,” Amanda said. “We’d love to share ours with yours.”

That sense of care extends beyond the kitchen. Amanda has served on the boards of the March of Dimes and the South Lake Chamber of Commerce, chaired local teacher appreciation events, and played a critical role in coordinating meal distribution efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. When she’s not managing the café, Amanda enjoys amateur photography, horseback riding, and spending time with her family.

(Caprese Benedict: Mozzarella, tomato, and basil over a flaky French croissant, topped with hollandaise and balsamic glaze. Photo Credit – Cheeser’s Palace Cafe.)

Cheeser’s Palace Café is known for a creative and inclusive menu that welcomes guests of all dietary preferences, offering gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, pescatarian, and keto-friendly options.

Among its standout dishes are:

• Tomato Basil Florentine Soup: A creamy tomato base with fresh basil, served with a crunchy French roll.

• The Italian “PoPo” Sandwich: A three-time award-winner loaded with ham, pepperoni, bacon, grilled onions, and pesto mayo on a branded ciabatta bun.

• The Red Baron Sandwich: A two-time award-winning sandwich featuring buffalo pulled chicken and housemade spinach artichoke dip.

(The fan favorite Italian “PoPo” Sandwich: A three-time award-winner loaded with ham, pepperoni, bacon, grilled onions, and pesto mayo on a branded ciabatta bun. Photo Credit – Cheeser’s Palace Cafe.)

• Caprese Benedict: Mozzarella, tomato, and basil over a flaky French croissant, topped with hollandaise and balsamic glaze.

• Triple “B” Burger: A half-pound Black Angus patty, blackened seasoning, grilled onions, blue cheese, and bacon.

In 2020, the café introduced alcoholic beverages to its menu, offering seasonal cocktails with names that pay tribute to its Montrose Street neighbors, such as “The Orange Blossom Belle” and the “Architect” Adult Berry Lemonade.

Cheeser’s Palace Café is open Tuesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and continues to be a cornerstone of Clermont’s food scene anchored in passion, love, and the art of feeding people well.

“To have the ability to feed people is a gift,” Amanda said. “The ability to feed them well is an art.”