James Leprino, Once Called the 'Willy Wonka of Cheese,' Dies

James Leprino, once called the ‘Willy Wonka of cheese,’ dies

One of Colorado’s most influential businessmen has died: James “Jim” Leprino, the chairman of Leprino (previously Leprino Foods), died Thursday, according to the company. He was 8…

James Leprino, once called the 'Willy Wonka of cheese,' dies

DENVER (KDVR) – James "Jim" Leprino, a Colorado businessman nicknamed the "Willy Wonka of cheese," died Thursday, according to his namesake company. Leprino, born in 1937, grew up in Denver, and worked in his father's corner store as a teen, according to a release issued by Leprino (formerly Leprino Foods) on Thursday. One of his duties there was making cheese for the city's Italian community. Jim Leprino, right, is seen with former Leprino Food…

Denver cheese tycoon Jim Leprino dies at 87

Leprino, the son of an Italian immigrant, built a cheese empire that supplies cheese to Domino's, Papa John's and Pizza Hut.

Colorado billionaire James Leprino, once called ‘Willy Wonka of cheese,’ dies

One of Colorado’s most influential businessmen has died: James “Jim” Leprino, the chairman of Leprino (previously Leprino Foods), died Thursday, according to the company. He was 8…