Established 1979   

In 1979, Margaret Junkhan established her kitchenware store after several years of teaching French cooking classes with the Ames Continuing Education Program. She saw a demand for a store, within the Ames, Iowa community, when cooking starting to become the "in-thing" to do with Julia Child coming to the horizon and awakening interested in French cooking. 

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After 39 years, Margaret transitioned the store ownership to Mindy Bergstrom, a Minnesota native, who wanted to transplant roots in the Ames community. Mindy was a regular customer, when visiting family in Ames, for a handful of years prior to purchasing the business. 

Although under new ownership in 2018, Mindy has kept the same values Margaret had for 39 years. 

• Customer Service

• Over 20 years combined Team Experience

• Quality Products

• New and Interesting Gadgets

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Cooks' Emporium is involved with the Ames Chamber of Commerce, Cytes as well as the Ames Main Street - Downtown Ames organization where Mindy serves on the Executive Board.

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In The Press

March 3, 2018: Ames Tribune - New Owner of Cooks' Emporium Planning 2019 Remodel

https://www.amestrib.com/news/20180308/new-owner-of-cooks8217-emporium-planning-2019-remodel

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March 9, 2018: Gourmet Insider - Cooks' Emporium gets New Owner

https://www.gourmetinsider.com/cooks-emporium-gets-new-owner/

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March 2, 2019: Gourmet Insider - HTI Annouces 2019 Best of Award Winners, Cooks' Emporium Rising Star Retailer

https://www.gourmetinsider.com/hti-announces-2019-best-of-award-winners/

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March 12, 2019: Gourmet Insider - Cooks' Emporium Remodel Marks One Year with New Owner

https://www.gourmetinsider.com/cooks-emporium-remodels-marks-one-year-with-new-owner/

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April 12, 2019: Ames Tribune - Cooks' Emporium Reopening its Doors after Remodel

https://www.amestrib.com/news/20190412/cooks8217-emporium-reopening-its-doors-after-remodel

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April 15, 2019: Gourmet Insider - Cooks' Emporium Reopens

https://www.gourmetinsider.com/cooks-emporium-reopens/

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May 20, 2019: Ames Tribune - Nook & Nest opening on Main Street this Saturday, Cooks' Emporium sister store

https://www.amestrib.com/business/20190510/nook-and-nest-opening-on-main-street-this-saturday

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