The Cook's Place on the Danforth

[millygirl]

I just received word that they are closing up shop in March. The owner has decided to retire and spend more time with family. I will miss having them. It was very handy being so close to home.

[Lazar]

I hate to sound like a jackal, but do they have le Creuset there? At a discount? Is everything discounted?

[foodyDudey]

yes, yes, yes

[bytepusher]

Confirmed, although I will caution that when I was there on Saturday it did not look like there was a whole lot of Le Cruset left. Still lots of other stuff.

[julesrules]

Eh, I figure she is happy to get rid of her stock. And they were very busy Sunday, at only 10% off, so hopefully they get rid of most of it. Go forth and buy :)

[hal2010]

That's too bad. I wonder why they didn't sell the business? It seemed to be a success.

[cheesymama]

I also wondered why they didn't sell the business and asked the owner when I was in last week. She said that banks don't usually give loans for high inventory businesses, but that she would be happy to sell if there was a buyer.
She also said that the discounts will go up each week and she's not certain when they will permanently close.

[foodyDudey]

They closed today. Many items in there were really overpriced. Today I saw 4 scallop shells for $15, when I can buy 2 live scallops and have 4 shells for about the same price! Now my wife understands why I kept the last 8 shells from scallops we bought at Bill's Lobster. That's $30 worth of shells. :-) I also saw a copper Cataplana (Portuguese cookware) priced at $149 and the EXACT same item can be found for $80 any day. I guess the place was OK for Le Creuset and knives but the made in China kitchen gadget junk that was worth $5 but sold for $20 was not what I would want.

[gnuf]

My cousin told me they are offering an increasing discount over the next few weeks to sell off the inventory. It was 10% when I went in this weekend. While at the store, I overheard one of the staff (likely the owner) say they had been there 14 years. Also, something about banks not offering loans when inventory is involved.

[5secondrule]

The discount is rising to twenty percent off everything starting Wednesday the 8th.

[bytepusher]

I just got an e-mail, they've upped the discount to 20%

Sad to see this store go, universally nice and helpful folks

[atomeyes]

Very sad news.
Barb is an excellent owner. Incredibly caring and kind and she knows her stuff.
There will be even less of a reason to visit the Danforth once they leave the scene.

[cheesymama]

I am so disappointed to hear this. I love looking around (and spending) in that shop. They also started carrying sodastream while ago and it was so nice to have somewhere handy to exchange my canister.
There is another lovely kitchen wares shop a little east of Pape on Danforth that is worth a visit if you haven't been.

[Full tummy]

What's the other shop called?

[MorseCat]

I believe the name of the other store is Kitchen roots. They carry Emile Henry and a lot of other interesting. The staff is very helpful.

[cheesymama]

Thanks, couldn't remember the name or I would have included it in my post. It is a fun place to poke around.

[julesrules]

Yes I agree Kitchen Roots (north side of Danforth east of Pape) is also a good store. It's generally the owner who is working and she is helpful and informed. They also have Le Creuset. Pricing is competitive. They will even deliver for those of us who have eyes bigger than our arms' carrying capacity :)

As for Cook's Place, I once had the owner (I believe) let me breastfeed my baby in the back room. I was out buying a birthday gift for my mother with my very new baby and she started crying. The owner made the kind offer and made sure I had a comfortable chair etc. So nice :) I hope she sees this thread!