Compliments To the Chef

Been there many times, both on Broadway and at the new and extended location, Always found what we where looking for, I am a Chef, love the knife selection, also the frying pans, are above standards, the choices of Le Creuset cookware is great. Stopped there recently to buy a Nespresso Machine, John had us try it in the store, we came back a week later to buy one, Local business, we like that. Also enjoy reading John’s articles in the paper every week or so, very imformative, great place.

I just love shopping here. Not only is it locally owned but the family that owns it are always there and so helpful and kind. They also offer a military discount and my navy family always appreciated that. They are really well stocked. It has only been once that they haven’t had some thing I was looking for. Every thing I have purchased from them has always been of great quality. I highly recommend shopping at this local business.

I was very disappointed in my most recent visit. Four days ago I went in to see what the new store was like and at the recommendation of the owner’s wife purchased a new type of can opener for me.
The next day I tried it out, following the instructions on the package, and it did not work on four different cans. The cans were standard sizes purchased from a local chain supermarket. I tried multiple times and still could not get the can opener to open the cans per the instructions.
Today, I took the can opener back to the store and explained that the can opener did not not work for me and I wanted to return it. The owner then proceeded to tell me it was my fault because the opener was very good and that he could not sell it now that I tried it. After three or four minutes of being told I was the problem, he relented and gave me a store credit. I was so upset, I left with the original can opener and told him I would probably just throw it away when I got home.
I really love to buy local and support small businesses in my area, but rather than face someone who doesn’t take the time to understand what I am saying before telling me I am at fault, I will use Amazon or a chain store before I go back to this place.

In these times where people can get whatever they want delivered to their doorstep in one click, there is one thing only that sets a store like this apart. It is customer service and expertise. John is always so helpful, knowledgeable, and passionate about his business. And you cannot buy that online. I love the new location because there is plenty of parking as opposed to trying to park on Broadway. I always make a point to bring my Henckels knives in several times a year for expert sharpening done most of the time while you shop.

I’m surprised moving off Broadway is — according to the owners — better for business, but perhaps Broadway was getting too expensive? In any event, the move worked at least for me. In the 12 years they were on Broadway, I never visited; I have now. It’s spacious, and it’s got variety, and it’s got room for even more once they backfill the inventory they perhaps lessened for the move. I think sharing the parking lot with The Fresh Market is a good thing, because you can now pair good food with good kitchen equipment very conveniently. I liked the selection of items and utensils in the store. I hope they put some focus on unique and specialty items, because otherwise they’re competing with larger chains like Kohl’s and Bed, Bath & Beyond, who can just inundate the market with inventory and coupons. Support the small businesses!