THE BIER AND CHEESE COLLECTIVE

Before opening the venue in 2014, Rick was a fine dining working chef for many years. In wanting more of a normal life and regular hours with his family, he quit to lead the 170-person prepared foods team at Whole Foods' new Columbus Circle store.

While working at corporate headquarters, Rick met a neighbor who had an idea to open a beer and cheese shop near their Astoria homes. Rick consulted on the project, from picking the charcuterie to hiring personnel. When a perfect second location opened up, Rick became a partner for that store.

While the partnership broke apart after six years, with Rick taking sole ownership of his location, the community has embraced the business: "Most of these people are our neighbors. It's a place where your neighbors come in and say hi because you recognize them."