Cooking Uptown opened its doors quietly on March 11, 2004 in the historic Elizabeth Community of Charlotte, North Carolina.
Upon securing the location of the cookware store, owner Cooley was determined to bring out the historic character of the building and community, while adding some contemporary, creative elements. The structure located on Seventh Street near Hawthorne Lane was originally built in 1952 and keeping it intact was important to the retailer. After being covered in its original insulation for almost 50 years, the lofty wood beam ceiling has been exposed. All new ventilation, electrical, and plumbing were added to support the exposed structure. The floors maintain a worn look to them with an updated design of etched diamonds. An interesting mix of both antique and contemporary furnishings creates interesting displays and focal points throughout the kitchen boutique. The exterior now makes a striking statement. Many were curious when the building was being renovated from its previous humdrum slate gray to its current vibrant red exterior.
The original Cooking Uptown design, built in 2004, featured a full size test kitchen located at the rear of the store for hands-on classes, for as many as twelve aspiring cooks.
In April, 2008, the cooking school was expanded to accommodate up to 24 for hands-on participation events. Our regular classes have expanded to include a morning class in addition to the standard afternoon Saturday class. We also began offering private events for those foodies who wanted to create an event around cooking. These events are similar to our regular classes but you're the host! This is the perfect group event or team building venue.
Our hands-on classes focus on a variety of subjects complementing the season or a particular trend. A number of chefs from the local community have taught classes in addition to a short list of select "guest chefs” that frequently teach at the store.
Cooking Uptown offers everything the cooking connoisseur or want-to-be-chef seeks including tabletop stoneware, bakeware, porcelain, cookware, cutlery, unique and hard-to-find gadgets, mixing bowls, salt, pepper & herb mills, mortars & pestle, cutting boards, small appliances, thermometers, scales, food preparation and specialty items. There are many unique and intriguing products in the store, all of which have been personally sought out and tested by the owner.
Prior to establishing Cooking Uptown, Cooley spent 20 years in consulting and corporate finance, honing entrepreneurial skills in order to be prepared for the eventuality of owning a business. Love of fine food and passion for cooking led Cooley to seek out a second career that would feed the desire for entertaining, cooking, and unique products.
Cooking Uptown is a free standing destination location, independent and locally owned and operated.
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