When Stacy and Quint Cook decided to try their hand at selling smoked cheese about three years ago at Topeka's annual Apple Festival, they never anticipated the success they would experience. The couple sold out of cheese the first day of the Apple Festival. The Cooks went home, stayed up all night smoking another round of cheese and sold out for a second day. The Cooks decided to attend a second event and the name and business Stumpy's Smoked Cheese was born. Since 2017, Stumpy's has grown immensely in its retail presence and started operating a food truck in 2019. The business also has placed an emphasis on its partnerships and supporting local businesses when possible.