COOKIN’

Mention you live in Madison Park to someone who doesn’t and, chances are, you’ll hear: “Oh my gosh, I love Cookin’!” This independent kitchen store – with its eye-catching window displays – has wide name recognition, drawing customers from throughout the city, the Eastside, and beyond. “Madison Park is a destination neighborhood for folks visiting from out of town,” notes Cookin’ manager Jan Yoder. “Introducing visitors to the store is fun.  We often hear ‘Wish we had a store like this at home!’” 

After owning a kitchen store in Port Townsend, owner John Sheard opened Cookin’ in 1997. Jan has managed the store since day one and, as one Yelp reviewer commented, “is a fount of information” for anyone who likes to cook or entertain. “All of us at Cookin’ enjoy cooking, grilling, and baking, along with a love of entertaining,” says Jan, “Providing excellent service to our wonderful customers and the multi-generational relationships we’ve made over the years is very fulfilling.”  

In addition to selling cookware, kitchen supplies, tabletop accessories, and gourmet food products, Cookin’ offers valuable services such as professional bi-monthly knife sharpening. 

Jan notes that while operating a small, independent store is rewarding, the last few years have presented challenges, pointing to the pandemic, supply chain issues and, most recently, a storewide flood last December that caused the store to be closed for five months. “But the outpouring of neighborhood love and support was overwhelming and received with gratitude,” says Jan. “We’ve come through it all, freshened up and ready to go!”

ONE OF JAN’S GORGEOUS WINDOW DISPLAYS