Achieving the American Dream through Coffee and Cheese
Enjoying a great meal doesn’t always mean dining out. Sharing something special with friends and family in the comfort of your own home can be just as delightful as any upscale restaurant experience. When hosting, a visit to a local specialty store can elevate the occasion—whether you’re picking up a unique cheese for a charcuterie board, fresh spices for an adventurous new recipe, or a decadent dessert for a special treat.
For those familiar with the historic Kensington corner of Arlington and Amherst, Raxakoul Coffee & Cheese has been a beloved staple for over a decade. Originally home to the Rexall Pharmacy, this location has a rich history. Before it became Raxakoul Coffee & Cheese, it was known as the Country Cheese Company, where Laotian immigrant Khamyong Raxakoul began working as a stocker in 1986. Pursuing the American dream, her family saved enough to purchase the store in 1992, and Raxakoul Coffee & Cheese was born.
Now run by the next generation, siblings Pete and Marie Raxakoul, the family has become experts in everything from coffee and cheese to tea and wine. With locations in both Berkeley and Kensington, they carefully curate a selection of gourmet delights, ensuring each store remains well-stocked with the high-quality products their customers love.
Their home-roasted coffee beans are available exclusively at their retail locations and online, shipping to loyal customers nationwide. If you can’t grind them at home, their full coffee bar offers expertly crafted espressos, Americanos, and the like.
Working with trusted vendors, some of whom they’ve partnered with for decades, Raxakoul purchases large cheese blocks—up to 50 pounds—and cuts them into smaller portions to keep their exceptional selection accessible and affordable.
Their shelves feature international selections like Parisian cheeses, Italian prosciuttos, and Spanish sausages, while their commitment to locally sourced products is evident. You'll find salami from Monte Pollino in Healdsburg, Judy’s Breadsticks from Mill Valley, macarons from L’Artisan in San Francisco, and cookies from Berkeley-based Yvonne’s Delights. With an impressive range of both international and local products, Raxakoul has earned a reputation as the ultimate destination for gourmet snacks.
Although is no longer involved in daily operations, Khamyong and her husband Phengkiao Raxakhoul remain active in the Laotian community, sharing their experience and insights as business leaders at events across the U.S. This spirit of engagement continues to define the Raxakoul family’s mission.
At the height of the pandemic, the family delivered food to senior citizens during shelter-in-place. These days, they donate their time and energy to school events like readathons and fundraising for local sports teams. The Raxakouls express a profound respect, love, and appreciation for their community. Next time you’re in the neighborhood, take a moment inside to enjoy the art, photos, and countless examples in every corner of the store that showcases how the community reciprocates those feelings.
A final thought: always be careful navigating the intersection at Arlington and Amherst, especially on Friday afternoons. Hilltop students will tell you that Raxakoul’s is a traditional end-of-week hangout because it has the best boba tea in town!
299 Arlington Ave, Kensington, CA 94707
1578 Hopkins St, Berkeley, CA 94707
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