7 Secrets Behind The Cupboard Fort Collins’ Success: Why This Iconic Kitchen Store Is Still Thriving In 2025
Step inside The Cupboard in Fort Collins, Colorado, today, December 20, 2025, and you are instantly transported into a culinary wonderland that has been a beloved fixture of Old Town for over five decades. This multilevel, family-owned establishment is far more than just a kitchen supply store; it is a true Northern Colorado institution, celebrated for its extensive inventory, unique kitchenware, and commitment to the home cooking community. The store continues to thrive by balancing its rich history with an ever-updated selection of the most innovative and high-quality products on the market.
The secret to The Cupboard’s longevity lies not just in its sheer size—it's one of the largest independent kitchen and home stores in the nation—but in its ability to offer a curated experience, from superb cutlery to specialty gourmet foods. Whether you are a professional chef or a novice home cook, the store provides an unparalleled retail journey that keeps customers coming back year after year.
The Cupboard Fort Collins: A Legacy of Culinary Excellence
The story of The Cupboard is a classic tale of a small, family-run business becoming a local landmark. Its deep roots in the Fort Collins community are the foundation of its enduring success and unique charm.
- Founding Year: 1972
- Original Founder: Carey Hewitt
- Current Owner: Jim Hewitt (Second Generation)
- Location: 152 S. College Ave., Old Town Fort Collins, CO
- Business Type: Independent, Family-Owned Kitchen and Home Store
- Reputation: One of the largest independent kitchen and houseware stores in the nation.
- Core Mission: Providing quality cookware, superb cutlery, and specialty items for superb cooking and superlative entertaining.
Founded by Carey Hewitt in 1972, the business has been a constant presence in Old Town Fort Collins. Today, it is owned and operated by his son, Jim Hewitt, who grew up working in the store, continuing the legacy of personalized service and a passion for all things culinary.
The Cupboard’s Curated Collection: From Cookware to Gourmet Food
What sets The Cupboard apart from big-box retailers is the sheer depth and quality of its inventory, spread across two levels of browsing space. The store is a destination for finding both everyday kitchen essentials and hard-to-find specialty items.
1. High-Quality Cookware and Cutlery
The foundation of The Cupboard’s offering is its extensive selection of professional-grade tools. Serious cooks flock here for the quality and variety of the materials. Customers can find everything from top-notch kitchenware to specialized items like Swiss Diamond cookware. The store is particularly noted for its superb cutlery and selection of chef's knives, ensuring that every cooking task is handled with precision.
2. Unique Kitchen Gadgets and Electrics
Beyond the basics, The Cupboard is famous for its unique kitchen gadgets and kitchen electrics. Reviewers often mention finding innovative tools and items they had previously only seen advertised in cooking magazines. The inventory also includes decorative accessories, attractive table linens, and a wide range of bakeware, making it a one-stop shop for both cooking and entertaining.
3. Specialty Gourmet Foods and Local Products
A significant draw to The Cupboard is its impressive selection of gourmet food products. The store proudly features local items, including delicious jams made in Colorado, specialty chocolates, and a variety of candy and coffee. This focus on unique, high-quality edibles elevates the shopping experience beyond just kitchen tools.
4. Home Goods and Lifestyle Brands
The store has successfully expanded its appeal by stocking popular lifestyle products that resonate with the Northern Colorado audience. You can find essential outdoor and travel gear from major brands like YETI and Hydro Flask, alongside classic dinnerware like Fiestaware and an array of home décor. This blend of kitchen specialty and home goods makes it a popular place for gifts and home updates.
More Than a Store: The Cupboard’s Community Events and Classes
The Cupboard is deeply involved in the Fort Collins community, often hosting events and demonstrations that engage and educate customers. This commitment to culinary education is a key part of its appeal and helps foster a strong local connection.
5. Hands-On Cooking Classes
The store is well-known for hosting specialized cooking classes and workshops. These events are designed to help home cooks master new skills and techniques. Recent offerings have included popular, hands-on classes such as "Sourdough Making with Maren," focusing on all the tips and tricks for starting and baking the perfect loaf of bread.
6. Free Food Tastings and Demos
Throughout the year, The Cupboard hosts various demonstrations and food tastings. These events often coincide with new product launches or seasonal themes, such as the annual Holiday Preview, where customers can sample food and view the latest merchandise. These free events make visiting the store an enjoyable and interactive experience, connecting customers directly with innovative cookware and new culinary ideas.
7. A Destination for Culinary Enthusiasts
The Cupboard is consistently highlighted as a must-visit destination in Downtown Fort Collins, not just for shopping, but for the entire experience. Its reputation for quality, variety, and community involvement ensures its place as a cornerstone of the local food scene. By continually updating its inventory, hosting engaging events, and maintaining its family-owned charm, The Cupboard is set to remain a culinary gem in Northern Colorado for many years to come.
Whether you are searching for a new set of Wüsthof knives (a common LSI entity in this space), the perfect Le Creuset Dutch oven, or simply a unique Colorado-made jam, The Cupboard offers a rewarding and comprehensive shopping experience that is truly unique to Old Town Fort Collins. Its dedication to quality and community is why it remains a top choice for kitchen supply.
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