Cook’s Emporium Website Redesign
June 2013
Goal: Modernize, enhance, more complete information, personalized information
Palette: red, cream, black, white (green accents)
(The cream is a lighter cream/tan than currently exists
Logo/Tagline: No changes to Logo; greater prominence of tagline:
“Kitchenware for Creative Cooking”
Size: horizontal orientation (900 px)
Template: same template/skin for all pages
Other Notes: Cannot use key photos used on KART or KE – wants differentiation from
them
Primary Pages: ( in this order, I think…)
1. Welcome/Home Page
2. Kitchenware for Creative Cooking
3. Events
4. Gift Registry
5. In Our Neighborhood
6. Recipe Box (E-News Archive – this will be more like our standard e-archive layout)
7. Cooking Resources
8. About Us
Demographics & Links: (on every page type stuff)
313 Main Street, Ames, IA 50010
515.233.4272
www.cooksemporiumames.com (note change)
Store Hours:
Monday – Wednesday: 9:30am – 6:00pm
Thursday: 9:30am – 8:00pm
Friday: 9:30 – 6:00pm
Saturday: 9:30 – 5:00pm
Contact Us Email:
cooksemp@icsmail.net
Badges/Buttons/Links:
Sign up for our E-News: http://visitor.constantcontact.com/email.jsp?m=1101550342033
Blog: TBD
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#%21/cooksemporium?ref=ts
1. Welcome/Home Page
Four to Five animated photos of store product/in-store photos featuring the tagline
“Kitchenware for Creative Cooking”
Examples that CE likes: (particularly enamored with the animated gif of produc)
http://www.clandscapedesign.com/
http://www.missmeyersconsignment.com/
An example from me: (like the wording overlay; bottom too busy)
http://thecupboard.net/
2. Kitchenware for Creative Cooking
From CE: I think we should consider doing something else with this category. If we
could have tabs on the left side of our website indicating the following categories
(cookware, bakeware, etc) that might work better….
MB: Maybe another animated gif featuring the major categories. Then a pull down or
sidebar of the specifics and major brands.
New Product Feature
Cookware –
Cast iron cookware
Aluminum non-stick cookware
Stainless steel cookware
Stainless steel with non-stick cookware
Woks
Fondue
Steamers
Roasting pans & racks
Double boilers
Saucepans & sauciers
Cookware accessories
Brands we carry Le Creuset, Staub, Calphalon, All Clad, Henckels, Emile Henry, Denby, Polish
Pottery
Bakeware
Muffin & cupcake pans
Bundt pans
Cake pans
Springform & cheesecake pans
Pie pans & pie plates
Tart & quiche pans
Cooling racks
Cookie cutters
Cupcake liners
Silicone baking liner
Oven liners
Ceramic bakeware
Cream cheese mint molds
Brands we carry USA Bakeware, Chicago Metallic, Nordicware
Linens (Kitchen and Table)
Aprons
Mitts & potholders
Floor mats
Kitchen rugs
Wash clothes/dish clothes
Dish towels/tea towels
Placemats
Napkins
Brands we carry TAG, Now Designs, DII, MU, Mountain Weavers, Wellness Mats
Kitchen Tools &Gadgets
Mixing bowls
Timers
Colanders & strainers
Measuring tools
Jar openers & can openers
Pasta & pizza tools
Salad tools
Egg tools
Cheese tools
Meat & seafood tools
Fruit & vegetable tools
Cooking tools
Kitchen tongs
Spatulas
Cooking spoons
Kids items
Funnels
Ice cream tools
Taco tools
Spice tools
Cutlery
Knife Sets
Wusthof steak knife sets
Wusthof knife sets
Paring & utility knives
Chef knives
Santoku knives
Carving knives
Boning knives
Bread knives
Knife guards
Knife sharpeners & steels
Epicurean cutting boards
Kapoosh knife blocks
Brands we carry –
Wusthof, Victorinox, Kuhn Rikon
Kitchen Storage & Organization
Bottle stoppers
Lunch storage
Food storage
Reusable market bags
Spice racks & spice bottles
Canisters
Canning tools
Compost bucket
Towel bars
Cookbooks
Recipe books & boxes
Recipe cards
Utensil crocks
Kitchen clips & hooks
Drinkware
Glassware
Stemware
Bar & cocktail accessories
Ice cube trays
Wine aerators
Pitchers & Carafes
Brands we carry -
Fortessa Luigi Bormioli, Duralex, TAG, Denby, Copper Mugs, Rabbit, Corksicle,
VacuVin, Houdini
Coffee & Tea
Coffee Makers
French Presses
Espresso Makers
Frothers
Coffee Grinders
Tea Kettles
Tea Pots
Tea Infusers
Tea Balls
Mugs and Cups
Thermoses & Travel mugs
Coffee Accessories
Brands we carry –
Capresso, KitchenAid, Krups
Tableware & Dinnerware
Plates
Bowls
Serveware
Flatware & Serving utensils
Salad bowls & salad servers
Salt & Pepper Mills
Brands we carry Denby, Fiesta, Polish Pottery, Now Designs, Le Creuset, Libbey, Eucalyptus
Stoneware, William Bounds, Chef’n, Fortessa, Gingko, William Bounds, Trudeau,
Polish Pottery
Gifts – TAG, Reisenthel, Caldrea lotions and cleaning products
Specialty Electrics
Pizzelle maker
Belgian waffle maker
Classic waffle maker
Heart shaped waffle maker
Indoor electric grill
Citrus juicer
Egg cooker
Bread machine
Rice cooker
Pressure/rice/slow cooker
Griddle/Panini maker
Convection Bake Countertop Oven
Brands we carry –
Vitamix, Cuisinart, Zojirushi, Swissmar, Chef’s Choice
Specialty Food Items
Vanilla extract
Vanilla bean paste
Sanding sugars
Jams
Jellies
Marmalade
Marinades
Cheese spread mixes
Dip mixes
Mustards
Simmering sauces
Salsas
Lemon curd
Beverage syrups
Brands we carry Stonewall Kitchen, Tea Forte, Neilsen-Massey, King’s Cupboard, Cherchies, The
Beer Bread Company, The Baker’s Kitchen, O’Hara’s/San Juan Mountain, Torani
3. Events
Cooking Demonstrations
Mid-September through May, Cooks’ Emporium hosts cooking demonstrations in the
kitchen. Our classes are taught by our local food enthusiasts and chefs. The $5.00 fee
for the class gets you not just the demonstration but also the recipe, a tasting of what
has been prepared, and a 10% Discount coupon that’s good on any regularly priced
merchandise in the store for the following week.
Our classes draw anywhere from 20-30+ people – we recommend early arrival for best
seating. No preregistration is necessary. It’s a great place to meet your friends and
make new ones!
Instructors (photos available or to come)
 Joe Geha – Joe has been teaching cooking demonstrations at Cooks’ Emporium
for close to twenty years. An emeritus professor of writing at ISU (his latest book
is Lebanese Blonde, a novel), he is a home cook whose interest began with the
Middle Eastern dishes of his heritage, and has extended to cuisines from around
the Mediterranean and Africa, all the way to the East Coast blintzes, kugels, and
matzo brei of his wife, Fern Kupfer’s heritage.
 Margaret Welder – Margaret’s mother and grandmother were very good farm
cooks. Her first experience teaching cooking was through 4-H where she
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participated with another girl at the Iowa State Fair doing a demonstration on
sugar cookies. Little did she know where that would lead her! She began a
wedding/birthday cake business when she was at home raising her children.
Margaret has judged food exhibits at the Iowa State Fair and has done cooking
demonstrations throughout mid-Iowa. Margaret is in her 70’s and thanks both
her mother and grandmother for giving her the love of cooking good “fromscratch” farm food, as well as the desire to share it with others.
Becky Ringsby – Becky is passionate about the integrity of homemade food,
prepared healthfully, using real ingredients. She loves inspiring others to be
fearless and a little daring in their cooking and to have fun with food. Becky is
able to share her love of cooking with others through her business, Savor – a
specialty chef service that specializes in private hands-on group cooking classes.
Becky is a licensed culinary instructor.
Karen Davis - Karen Davis has more than 20 years of food marketing and
education experience working for companies such as Maytag Appliances, the
National Pork Producers Council, and the Iowa Egg Council. Karen received her
Bachelor of Science degree from Iowa State University where she double
majored in Home Economics Education and Educational Services in Family and
Consumer Sciences. She writes a regular column for Our Iowa magazine, travels
as a freelance demonstrator for Taste of Home Cooking Schools, and operates
her own freelance food marketing company, Karen Davis Communications.
Rama Sridhar - Rama Sridhar is an exponent of vegetarian cooking and has
understanding of cuisines from all parts of the world. She has been involved with
cooking for more than 30 years and has held cooking classes for the last 20
years. Her expertise and philosophy lie in cooking healthy food without
sacrificing taste. Rama is originally from India and brings authentic Indian food
that has been adapted to the American palate. With her love for healthy and
yummy food, she develops recipes with an eclectic flair.
Her passion for food and health led her to go back to school to get a degree in
Dietetics after which she worked as a dietitian in a public health facility for 15
years. Rama has lived in Ames for the last 25 years.
4. Gift Registry (instead of wedding)
Mood – upscale, “classy practical”
Registry Perks
 Receive a $25 Gift Certificate when you register your preferences at
Cooks’ Emporium
 A Completion Discount of 10% off your remaining registry items up to 30
Days after your wedding date
 On-Line purchasing available for your friends and family
 Manage your registry on-line
 FREE Gift Wrap
 FREE Delivery within the Ames city limits
 Gift Certificates
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Shipping available via UPS for your friends and family
Bridal Showers are available at Cooks’ Emporium – contact us for more
details
How to Register
Registering your gift preferences with Cooks’ Emporium not only insures that you will
receive the things you really want, but provides your friends and family with the help
they need when they choose a gift for you.
You may stop in our store to register at any time. In order to give you the best of
personal service we suggest you call ahead before 5:00pm to make an appointment registering during the week is preferred. You may also contact us to set up an
appointment for Sunday registration.
Registry Tips
 Stick to two or three stores and make sure to include your local specialty
store, Cooks’ Emporium
 Getting started early is highly recommended
 Look for stores that offer a completion program
 Don’t be afraid to register for whatever you want
 Think ahead
 Be sure your gift registry is easily accessible
 Add gift certificates if you’re not sure what to include on your registry
Currently Registered
(names of bridal couples and dates)
5. In our Neighborhood –
Ames Main Street Cultural District
Ames Convention & Visitor’s Bureau
Ames Chamber of Commerce
Downtown Farmer’s Market
6. Recipe Box
E-newsletter archive
7. Cooking Resources
Recipe conversion equivalents
8. About Us
Our Story – To be written yet
Our Staff – pictures to come
 Margaret “Marg” Junkhan, owner – Marg got her start teaching French
cooking classes through the Ames Continuing Education program.
“Cooking was just starting to become the ‘in-thing to do. Julia Child had
just come on to the horizon and awakened interest in French cooking,”
she says. “After several years of teaching I felt there was enough enough
demand for a kitchenware store. So she made the decision to start her
own business in 1979, establishing Cooks’ Emporium.
 Vicky Flaws, manager – Vicky joined Marg in 1987 and has helped to
grow Cooks’ Emporium to the business it has become today. Vicky enjoys
spending time with her family, grandchildren and friends – and loves to
cook for them. They love her cooking too! Especially the “to-go” meals!
 Holly Boman – Holly worked at Cooks’ Emporium during her college
years and then left to pursue her career in advertising. When she made
the decision to stay at home with her four children she found she still
needed a short break away from home! She decided to return to Cooks’
Emporium on a part time basis 11 years ago and is now working full time.
 Elaine Oftedal – Elaine has been with Cooks’ Emporium for over 15 years
and has become very knowledgeable in gluten free and diabetic cooking.
She loves to garden, go for walks, spend time with her grandchildren and
enjoys healthy cooking!
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Part Time Employees
Maggie White – has been with Cooks’ Emporium for two years. Originally
from Harcourt, IA and a mother of four, Maggie enjoys preparing recipes
that are short, quick and easy to make. She’s constantly “on the go” with
softball, baseball, track, basketball and more! Her favorite foods are
PopTarts and Sushi.
Kristin Harrell – Senior at Iowa State University in Family and Consumer
Science. Kristin is originally from Fort Dodge, Iowa and became
interested in cooking as early as age 2. It’s a “family event” for the
Harrell’s – they love to cook. Her favorite recipe to make is Crawfish
Etouffee.
Ania Chamberlin – junior at Ames High School, Ania enjoys biking,
gardening, and eating vegetarian foods. Her favorite family recipe is
salmon and cumin noodles.
Spencer Oh – a recent Ames High School graduate and a great hockey
player, Spencer will be attending Northwestern in the fall. He loves to grill
out!
Stephanie Meyer-Oldenberg
Kate Gleason
Media – Read more about us: Link to our articles in Kitchenware News, Main Street
Cultural District, etc… if possible.
Contact – include all information on contacting us….
Directions – Have a connection to Google Maps