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ABOUT US
Cooks' World was founded in April, 1978 by my Dad, George F Wiedemer, who, like his father before him and four sons after him, ran a successful food service equipment house in Rochester NY called Cable-Wiedemer. In 1978, my Dad felt there was an opportunity to sell better kitchen and cooking equipment to consumers, as well as the restaurant trade....and Cooks' World was born, here at 2179 Monroe Avenue, in the Town of Brighton New York. We are still here today!In 1981, Al Larter, a former Sibleys Food Service Manager, came on board and over 15 years successfully built a loyal customer following. In 1994, Al retired and I came on board, continuing his tradition of taking care of the customer first, through good old fashioned friendly and knowledgeable service. So in 2018, we will celebrate a major milestone in retail, being able to survive and thrive for 40 years!
Yes, I am very proud of this, proud of my employees, who have been working at Cooks' World for a long time. Proud of the customers who choose to support local businesses with their time and wallets, as without them, we do not exist. Proud of the partnerships across the board we have developed to serve this community in very challenging times. We will continue to serve those around us.
Our store sells what we believe are the best tools for passionate home cook. Certainly we have good, better and best selections in cookware, and cutlery, but also offer a great assortment of bakeware, small appliances, european ceramicware, giftware, specialty foods, and gadgets galore. Our services include, but are not limited to FREE gift wrapping, a knife sharpening service, knife skills classes, special ordering, a customer loyalty program, just to mention a few.We connect with our customers through various social media outlets, especially our email list, where we send out weekly "specials". Come and visit us, share you culinary story with us and others, sip a free cup of coffee, and explore our store. If you love to cook, this is really a fun place!
MEET OUR STAFF
REBECCA
Rebecca was born in Illinois in a suburb of Chicago. Except for a short 4 years in Florida, she spent most of her life in Chicago where she first learned her love for cooking and baking. When everyone was kicked out of the kitchen, she would sneak back in to watch mesmerized as her mother or aunt would cook family recipes for the holidays or evening meal. As there were family dinners almost every Sunday, the connection between good food and family fun was quickly forged. She baked her first cake, with guidance from her mother, when she was 4 years old.
In high school, she built on her love for cooking with a love for music, art, and photography. It was this love for all things creative that brought her to Rochester to go to school at RIT with a multi-disciplinary degree in Art (photography & metalcrafts), Cooking, and Business. As with many of our wonderful local customers, she would drive by Cooks’ World and always think “I wonder what that store is like and I should stop in some day”. So, one day she finally did. She asked for an application and the rest is history. Starting in 1997, with no experience in retail whatsoever, Chris took a chance and hired her based on her love and passion for cooking. With Chris as an amazing mentor, Rebecca quickly moved up the ranks at Cooks’ World. Now, as the General Manager, Rebecca loves sharing her passion for cooking, baking, and helping others with their culinary endeavors. Also, she has enjoyed incorporating her photo and computer skills by working on the website and creating the e-mails for Cooks’ World.
“I am so proud to say I am the General Manager of Cooks’ World and I look forward to the next 20 years!”
KATHY
Kathy cooked her first meal entirely on her own when she was only 9 years old – her grandmother’s beef stew recipe – and has never stopped! More of a cook than a baker, she collects cookbooks (so long as you get one good recipe out of it, you’ve gotten your money’s worth) and enjoys creating her own recipes, as well as traditional family favorites. She enjoys infusing her own oils and vinegars, canning her homemade pasta sauce, and trying different ways of preserving foods.
The oldest of four children she was raised in DeWitt, New York. After grad school she and her husband, Paul, moved back to Fairport, where her family had moved, in 1980, before settling in Penfield where they raised their two sons and still live today. Besides cooking, her interests include reading, gardening, sewing, and her four grandchildren who live too far away! Her other interests include cancer research, and active military and veterans support.
Kathy started at Cooks’ World 10 years ago after seeing a “help wanted” sign on the door when she stopped by one evening. Looking for something part-time, the opening at her favorite store was perfect! A longtime lover of local, unique shops, she always loved the welcoming feel of the store and the fantastic inventory it had. And now she thoroughly enjoys being part of the Cooks’ World family.
Her kitchen is her husband’s “favorite restaurant,” but her most cherished compliment is from her sister who said, “My sister is the only person I know who can open the refrigerator, pull out four things, and create a gourmet meal!” For Kathy, good food and family go together, and she likes sharing her joy and knowledge of cooking with customers who feel more like friends.
CHRIS
A member of a third-generation family business, Chris has been the proud owner of Cooks' World since 1994. Born and raised in Gates, New York, and number 9 in a family of 12 siblings, Chris is passionate about cooking, his customers, shopping local and supporting hometown businesses and organizations. Outside of Cooks' World, Chris is active in community service, working with the homeless and tutoring young students, and also enjoys travelling, gardening and spending time with his wife and son.
SUSAN
Susan joined the Cooks' World team in 2000 and is our product organization specialist. She's been cooking since she was a kid; she made Julia Child's Chocolate Mousse for her 5th grade class! She still has a big sweet tooth and bakes homemade goodies regularly. Her cooking style is healthy, low fat and tasty using lots of fresh vegetables and herbs. Besides cooking Susan loves traveling, exercising and gardening. Additionally, she does some canning (especially jam) and dehydrates herbs she grows herself.
CHUCK
As a young man, Chuck always wanted to be a chef, but in the early 70's it was not the best way to support a family. So he changed directions, and ended up as a nuclear engineer and Naval Officer. Retiring from the Navy, he started a catering career. Beginning with novelty and wedding cakes and progressing into BBQ, smoking over 1000lbs a week. Still hungry for more, he opened a restaurant in Charleston SC, a business that became one of the top 3 caterers in Charleston in less than 3 years. He then sold the successful business retiring from catering.
Moving to Rochester in 2002 Chuck was part of the original staff of P.F Changs, followed by two years as the Demonstration Chef for Surray Promotions. He then thought it was time to time to retire again but could not get the culinary taste out of his blood, so he joined the Cooks' World family.
Chuck finds great joy in helping others excell in the kitchen and has a wealth of culinary experience to share.
MARY
Mary is a Rochester native who is proud to call Brighton her home. Her favorite pastimes include cooking, gardening, and spending time with friends. Mary has a daughter who currently attends SUNY Potsdam for a double major in History and Theatre. Mary is best known for her bright and boisterous personality. Mary enjoys meeting and interacting with people from all walks of life.
Mary is thrilled to be part of the Cook’s World family for 3 years. She enjoys helping and learning from customers as we make new discoveries in our culinary lives. Whether it’s finding the right tool or introducing a new spice blend, Mary is always happy to help. Mary’s latest culinary endeavor is the exploration of fermentation. Have a fabulous celebration!
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