Spotlight on Pryde’s of Westport

Too many cooks can spoil the broth, but there can never be too many kitchen tools to create that broth. If your recipe for success includes shopping for the things to help you become a superstar homemaker, then visit Pryde’s, the hardware store for cooks.

Men can have a garage filled with every imaginable device to rid a yard of dandelions, but a kitchen armed with the best pots and pans, utensils, serving ware and more builds a happy family. Pryde’s is a second-generation, family-owned gourmet, kitchen and home accessories store located in Historic Westport in Kansas City, Missouri. “We’re a multi-generational small business serving a multi-generational range of customers,” remarked owner Louise Meyers. “We take great pride in the fact that we’ve served grandparents, parents and now their children with top quality kitchen supplies and more.”

“And more” is such a perfect descriptive phrase for Pryde’s. The store is three floors, 10,000 square feet, stocked floor to ceiling with everything a cook could want, except the kitchen sink. While it carries thousands of items, it’s not overwhelming, as Louise and her staff have everything organized into sections for easy perusing. Some make it a multi-hour shopping experience and tie in a stop to The Upper Crust, a pie bakery on the first floor also featuring quiche and other yummies on Fridays and Saturdays.

“Pryde’s is a haven for many people. I hear daily from old customers and new friends how they need a Pryde’s fix!” laughed Louise. “Pryde’s has a warmth and character that are hard to replicate. In this quickly changing retail environment of contrived sameness, I’m proud to own a business giving customers a variety of choices in a welcoming atmosphere. We’re always happy to help you.”

Pryde’s has been helping the KC area since 1968, when owner Louise’s parents, John and Connie Perucca, opened this cooks’ haven. “My parents were looking for a way to support their young family and their creative dreams, and they established Pryde’s, my mother’s middle name, in 1968, which was just down the street from our current location. In 1972, this unique building became our new home.”

Built as the Helen Thomes School of Dance in 1922, this historic three-story brick building still boasts the original hardwood floors that were used for the ballet school. Pictures of students and teachers grace the staircase at Pryde’s. “In 2001, I purchased the business from my father after working with him for 27 years. I started after school with my brothers and sister when I was eight years old,” beamed Louise. “Now I have a supportive husband and six beautiful children; maybe one of them will continue this business for the next generation.”

Pryde’s not only offers the tools you need to make your food but also the plates to serve it on. It boasts the largest selection of colorful Fiestaware in the Midwest, along with everyday place settings. While the store is packed with nearly any item a cook could dream of, Louise has her tried and true pieces that no home should be without. “My favorite things are the key pieces, the solid basics that are always in style, help you build a successful kitchen and create wonderful food,” revealed Louise. “A three-quart saucepan, cast iron skillet, eight-inch chef’s knife and a five-and-half-quart Le Creuset Dutch oven are the basic pieces I recommend for any kitchen. They may seem expensive, but they’re an investment. I’ve made a thousand meals in each of them.”

Not only does Louise help cooks invest in their kitchens but she notes that shoppers should invest in their local businesses as well. She says small businesses such as Pryde’s, offering fantastic selections, great service and reasonable prices, strengthen a community. “Small businesses are the backbone of America,” said Louise. “If we don’t support local businesses, we’ll end up with chain stores on every block, with no variety and little choice.”

She also takes great pride in the fact that many of her vendors have serviced Pryde’s for more than 40 years, a clear indication that associations are important to Louise. “Life is about people and the relationships you have with them,” she stated. “It’s like a ripple. It’s huge. And that’s what this business is. There’s nothing better that you can do for your family than cook for them. It’s just another extension of your love for them.”

If you’re looking for just the right kitchen tool or accessory or simply want to browse away the day, visit Pryde’s, with its abundant selection and helpful staff. “We listen to you and help you make the right decision,” added Louise. “The sheer volume and abundance of our store make people happy. People come in to make themselves to feel better. It’s a great compliment.” HLM

Visit Pryde’s at 115 Westport Road, Kansas City, Missouri, or the website at prydeskitchen.com.