Blending Tradition and Innovation: Goot Essa Brings Artisan Amish Cheese to Customers Nationwide
For centuries, the Amish community in Happy Valley, Pennsylvania, has embraced traditional farming methods, forgoing electricity, telephones, tractors, and modern machinery. But when the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered their key markets—wineries, restaurants, and East Coast specialty shops—Goot Essa, LLC, an Amish-owned producer of premium cave-aged gourmet cheeses in Howard's Happy Valley, faced a crisis. This disruption threatened not just the business, but the livelihoods of local Amish families.
Introducing www.Gootessacheese.com
The question arose: How could traditional Amish artisans reach customers in a digital age? Recognizing the shift to online shopping, owner John Esh, Jr. partnered with Bellefonte-based 3twenty9 Design to launch an e-commerce website. Now, customers can easily order cave-aged cheeses, gift baskets, and condiments from home—a bold step forward without compromising core values.
The Esh family also invites online visitors to explore authentic Amish recipes featuring Goot Essa cheese. A dedicated recipe section allows downloads and user submissions, fostering community while honoring time-tested traditions.
A Modern Website Reflecting Amish Values
Amish priorities like family meals and Sabbath observance remain untouched by external influences.
“3twenty9 Design created a modern website that truly reflects our lifestyle,” Esh noted. Clarity in product displays and user-friendly navigation were top priorities.
“We're committed to personalized service, social responsibility, and supporting the farm families who supply our milk and ingredients,” he added.
Customers in all 50 states can now enjoy authentic Happy Valley Amish cheese delivered directly to their door.
Visit the Goot Essa cheese shop at 351 Wise Road in Howard—open daily except Sunday—for fresh cheese, fudge, apple butter, and Amish specialties. You might even witness cheesemaking firsthand.
Goot Essa products are also available at local favorites like Tait Farm Harvest Shop and Way Fruit Farm. Restaurants such as Otto's Pub & Brewery and Hublersburg Inn feature them on their menus.
About Goot Essa
The Esh family milks 75 cows across 80 acres. John and wife Anna Mary have nine children, with seven actively involved in Goot Essa. They source milk from four neighboring Amish families and market crafts and foods from six more—all united in preserving Amish family farms for generations to come.
