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Philadelphia Has An Awesome 24/7 Cheese Vending Machine

Author Kristen Herrmann

You may brie surprised to hear that Philly has a cheese vending machine. You read that right. A vending machine full of cheese, and it’s accessible 24/7. Available for any and all cheese emergencies (as you never know when you’re going to need some great cheese in a hurry).

A photo of the 24/7 Cheese Vending Machine at Perrystead Dairy in Philadelphia.
Kristen Herrmann for BBGI

It’s easy to operate, cashless, and such a gouda idea it makes you wonder why cheese hasn’t been made this accessible before.

Credit card machine for the cashless cheese vending machine in Philly.
Kristen Herrmann for BBGI

Real Philly Cheese

The cheese vending machine also provides an opportunity to have some REAL Philadelphia cheese. You’d think that the popular Philadelphia Cream Cheese brand cream cheese would be made here in Philly right? Nope. New York. It’s not bad, but it’s also not Philly. Now, true Philadelphia cheese can be found in Kensington, Philadelphia at Perrystead Dairy 24/7.

Try their delicious spreadable cheese called The Real Philly Smear. It’s got the texture of cream cheese, but “half the fat and twice the protein and calcium”. You can order and have it shipped, get it inside the Perrystead Dairy in Kensington during operating hours, or check the cheese vending machine 24/7. There are a number of options, and they’re pretty impressive. Most are award-winning in the world of fancy cheeses. Whether you’re a cheese aficionado or enjoy all cheese (Kraft American slices included), the cheese vending machine has some tasty options waiting for you any time of day.

A menu of the current deliciousc heese options is posted on the left wall adjacent to the cheese vending machine.
Kristen Herrmann for BBGI

Cheese Wisely

  • Intergalactic is their signature cheese, and it won the silver award at the 2023-2024 World Cheese Awards in Norway. A soft-rind, lightly aged cheese.
  • Moonrise is aged for 35 days and sold in mini wheels. Described as “creamy and balanced with notes of apple, cabbage, and a unique roasted peanuts-like finish.” Moonrise is also an award winner, taking home the bronze medal in 2022 at the 125th International Cheese Awards.
  • Atlantis is a seasonal offering in the spring and summer months. It will be available beginning May 10th, 2024. Atlantis is aged for 45-60 days and earns its name in the process of being washed in seawater and infused and speckled with local edible seaweed. Mmm?
  • Tree Hug is a treat and only sold from November to May. It’s won the bronze medal for two years straight at the World Cheese Awards. Maybe plan to pick it up for your next holiday party, as it won’t be on the menu again until November 2024.

  • Field Day is a cheese sold for a limited time in the beginning of spring. It “captures a snapshot in time, when cows are fed hay with early spring grass.” Sounds refreshing!
Jams and chutneys and even a cheese board inside the glass of the cheese vending machine.

Check the Perrystead Dairy website for the latest offerings, or stop by the vending machine to see what’s stocked. The machine also offers meats, crackers, jams, utensils, and even a cheese board. Perfect if you’re picking up last minute for a party, or just have an immediate need for cheese.

Nacho Average Cheese Vending Machine

According to Technical.ly, the Perrystead cheese vending machine holds up to 225 items at a time and the dairy plans to eventually feature other locally made cheeses and inexpensive Too Good to Go options. You may even pick up a freebie when the machine is placed in “winner mode”.

It’s also close to the new(ish) Grocery Outlet on American Street if you need any more cheese plate additions, the happening new restaurant Starbolt (the food is great), and the brand new Sacred Vice Brewery Taproom on Berks Street.

Perrystead Dairy is handmaid cheeses made in Philadelphia. Find the shop and cheese vending machine at 1639 N Hancock St. Ste 103. Philadelphia, PA 19122.

Feta get over there ASAP!

Kristen Herrmann is the Program Director and Weekday Morning Show Host on BEN FM. She has been a fixture on the radio in Philadelphia since 2005. As a content creator for BEN FM, Kristen specializes in all things Philadelphia, kids, family and favors the quirky stuff.

5 Fast Food Restaurants We Want to See in Pennsylvania

I always get a little frustrated when I see an ad on TV for a restaurant with delicious food, but it’s not a restaurant located in my area. Why even advertise? I get that some of these are national ads, but why the tease? In that spirit, I was recently thinking about fast food restaurants we want to see in Pennsylvania.

Before we get to these hot spots that we’d like to see come to Pennsylvania, let’s look at some of the state’s most popular fast food restaurants. Foodandwine.com recently did a story highlighting the best fast food spots in every state. In it, they state, “Fast, easy, typically quite affordable, and nearly always imbued with a deep sense of place, these restaurants often end up pulling double duty as ambassadors for their place of origin — they can be a great introduction to an unfamiliar place, the perfect place to tune in to the local vibe.” In Pennsylvania, they picked Wawa as the top. Moreover, they praise the restaurant’s “breakfast sandwiches, the soft pretzels, the iced teas, the ice cream, and the nearly limitless TastyKake reserves.” Also, looking next door, in New Jersey, they picked Jersey Mike’s. That’s actually my dad’s favorite.

Another outlet, TasteofHome.com, also did a story about the best fast food in each state. For this article, they actually highlighted regional and local chains, not the super national ones. “Move over McDonald’s and Chipotle—these treasured regional fast food spots should be on your bucket list!” they state. They picked the combination gas station / fast food restaurant Sheetz, Altoona as the best in Pennsylvania. Love me some Sheetz. “They offer made-to-order sandwiches that let you pile the toppings high, along with some pretty killer sides,” the article states.

Now, let’s get into five fast food restaurant we want to see in Pennsylvana.

  • Steak 'n Shake

    Steak ‘n Shake delivers just that: tasty shakes and steak. The chain was founded in 1934 in Normal, Illinois, so they’ve been around for more than 85 years. According to their website, “The word ‘steak’ stood for STEAKBURGER. The term ‘shake’ stood for hand-dipped MILK SHAKES.” They were in Pennsylvania for a while but closed locations during the pandemic. Hopefully they come back.

  • Culver's

    If you like your ice cream made with custard, then Culver’s is your haven. This spot is known for its ice cream and shakes, as well as fast food cuisine. It was founded in Wisconsin and is mainly found in the middle of the U.S., and not in Pennsylvania.

  • Whataburger

    Whataburger is a burger favorite across America. The chain is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, and has more than 900 locations. Pennsylvania is not one of them. Maybe one day.

  • Jack in the Box

    Jack in the Box has made the news lately for expanding into new states. But, they aren’t coming to Pennsylvania. Yet. Please come.

  • Wingstop

    Wingstop is all about the great wings and chicken items. “What began as a small buffalo-style chicken wing restaurant in Garland, Texas, continues to soar to great heights,” they state on their website. Right now, Wingstop has more than 2,000 restaurants open. When you go to their official website, it says they don’t have any Pennsylvania locations, but they actually do have some, including in Allentown and Easton. We want to see more, and we’d like them to proudly list them on their site.

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Author Kristen Herrmann
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