More Cooking at Home Increases Kitchenware Investment

If you ask Cornucopia Kitchen Shop owners Carrie Hauser and Kim Herlache, they’ll say quality cookware to classic tried-and-true gadgets are being purchased as favorite gifts or to replace outdated items as more families prepare meals together from home or try to find the best time-saving options for cooking when entertaining guests.

“Pots and non-stick fry pans as well as Wustoff knives were in high demand all year long,” Herlache said. “Many customers continue to upgrade their cookware and are looking for induction oven-safe items.”

Customers are buying more quality cookware and bakeware than ever before, according to Herlache. While many continue to stay safer at home, not only are more meals being prepared, but favorites like bread, pizza and even pasta are being made-from-scratch. This has resulted in a variety of items being added to kitchen arsenals including proofing baskets, loaf pans and bread knives for bread making, as well as pasta machines, gnocchi paddles, ravioli presses and pasta bowls for in-house Italian cuisine.

“We work hard to refresh and recreate our store, as well as stay current on what’s new with wares or different gadgets,” Hauser said. “People want to buy what they see on cooking shows which is typically top of the line, and Cornucopia carries many of those items. In the past year, there hasn’t been a single item asked for that we didn’t already carry.”

In addition, more environmentally-friendly products have been evolving into everyday kitchen use including reusable food wraps like Bee’s Wrap and Z Wrap, as well as silicone Stasher® bags that replace plastic and are microwave and dishwasher safe. And a broader appeal for the traditional food preservation method of canning has created demand for items such as funnels, jars and jar lifters.

Walking into Cornucopia Kitchen Shop is an experience. Whether you’re a practicing home chef, or a seasoned professional, the store’s merchandise encourages exploration within thoughtful arrangements and a well-organized floor plan. Located at 139 N. Third Ave. in Sturgeon Bay, the shop sells high-quality utilitarian kitchen products and accessories with a wide array of price points.

Classic pieces make up the backbone of the store’s selection, including Wisconsin-made cookware, Le Creuset Dutch ovens, an assortment of Wusthoff knives, Nora Fleming, Casafina and Mariposa tableware and the always tempting Tervis Tumblers, just to name a few. The Microplane Zester has been a top-ten needed item for years, while peelers, lemon squeezers, spatulas, wooden spoons and whisks are also must-have items for clientele.

“Our customers have given us some of our best products,” Hauser said. “We research them online, check reviews and ask our vendors for their thoughts. When we are able to go to shows we ask our fellow retailers.”

Hauser and Herlache purchased Cornucopia in 2009 from local retailer Abbey Struck. They both had a passion for cooking and a similar and tireless work ethic. The former civil engineer and the one-time bank marketer joined their talents and vision for what could be and have “rolled with it” ever since.

“We have great loyal and local customers as well as customers who visit us annually or every time they are in Door County,” Herlache said. “We love helping people pick out gifts like hostess gifts or items for birthdays, weddings, and showers.”

Cornucopia has an active online registry at cornucopiadoorcounty.com, and gift wrapping is generously provided in the store.

Family is also part of the store’s success. On occasion you may meet one or more family members who work part-time and provide the same knowledge base and helpfulness as the owners. The team not only listens to what the customers are shopping for but also personally tests new products at family gatherings and while preparing meals at home.

“We are also both very observant,” Hauser said. “When you own a business, wherever you travel and whatever you do, we share ideas with one another. If something needs to change, we seize the moment and make it happen.”

“We love working together and what we do,” Herlache added. “We have great synergy.”