Teaching to Tasting: A Story of Main Street Delights

Words by: Meg Grice At 7:30 a.m. on Ames’ Main Street, Mindy Bergstrom begins flipping light switches, powering up computers and organizing products. Another day as a small business owner rolls out for her, but no day is the same. Her shop has more than a personal history; it has a story worth telling.

Cook’s Emporium, established in 1979, started on Ames’ Main Street under Margaret Junkhan. A few buildings away from its location in 2020, Cook’s Emporium housed cookware, bakeware and cooking classes for the Ames community. Working in a minuscule kitchen for cooking demonstrations and workshops proved inadequate for Junkhan. Luckily, a new building opened up two years later on the same street. Thirty-nine years later, the location has stayed as customers of all ages come and go.

Bergstrom, Cook’s current owner, took over after Junkhan retired in 2018. This transition sparked a store-wide renovation by Bergstrom. She said she appreciated the character of Cook’s, but the store needed some renovations. With a temporary location a few stores away, renovators added news lights, ripped up the carpet and demolished walls for two months to create a fresh look on a timeless business. Taking down interior walls at the back of the store allowed for a modern, open-concept kitchen, something Bergstrom said she was striving toward in expanding Cook’s offerings with cooking experiences. Renovations made the news in both the Ames Tribune and Gourmet Insider, according to Cook’s website.

With 12 employees and herself, up from four under Junkhan, Cook’s current owner offers an event management internship up for Iowa State students in addition to sales associate positions.

Under Bergstrom’s ownership, much is the same. Cook’s brings bakeware, glassware, cutlery, gadgets, cooking classes, small electrics and food items to the downtown district. But as with any degree of change, some variations continue to spring up. Bergstrom took it upon herself to bring in Olivelle, an olive oil seller based out of Montana with suppliers in Italy. With over 20 flavors in the store, customers have the option of sustainable cooking by using store-provided bottles. In addition to educational courses, the business provides knife sharpening and wedding registries.

Cooking classes are also a popular interest, with some sessions filling up weeks in advance. These classes cover everything, from spritz cookies to wine and cheese pairings to Korean Barbeque. Bergstrom mentioned she teaches a portion of the classes while opening up slots for other culinary artisans to act as “chef” for an hour. These classes run anywhere from 10 to 35 dollars and can host a variety of ages and skill levels - from a novice bowl stirrer to a seasoned kitchen connoisseur.

Previously from Minnesota, Bergstrom lived in the Twin Cities for 13 years working in advertising with a goal of designing websites for a living. She and her husband frequented the store whenever they came to visit her parents.

“Prior to having the dream of the store as it is now, I shopped here. I always waited to do my shopping here,” Bergstrom said.

When Junkhan readied herself to sell, Bergstrom’s husband jumped on the opportunity to ask his wife if she would consider packing up for Iowa and buying the store.

“I wasn’t planning on it, but it happened. And I’m happy!” Bergstrom said.

Two years into being a business owner, Bergstrom continues to learn item trends both locally and worldwide. Some of her biggest sellers include Swedish dishcloths with a life expectancy of nine to 12 months according to mightynest.com. She notes how retail often feels like a shot in the dark when attempting to match consumer expectations and company offerings. After completing renovations to Cook’s in 2019, Bergstrom said she saw additional potential in opening up a home goods store less than a block away. Soon enough, Nook and Nest made its way into the downtown. She says much of her success in both businesses comes from the Ames Community. Since moving here, she volunteers frequently with the Ames Convention & Vistors Bureau and other local organizations.

“I always want to be here. There’s always something to do and somewhere to make a difference,” Bergstrom said.

Rachel Wirtz, a 2019 Iowa State graduate, reflected on her involvement as Cook’s event coordinator and sales associate since joining in 2015, “My absolute favorite thing about my job is our cooking classes, whether I’m teaching them or assisting whoever came to teach. I also love when customers visit the store after purchasing something to share their experience with the products I sold them!”

Picking out a favorite memory, Wirtz said she holds on to meeting the staff for the first time and watching the store grow under new ownership. In five years, she sees the store bustling with sales and capped classes. With classes growing quickly, she said there is a constant need to meet the wants of the community. Bergstrom said she has no intention of slowing down. The thrill of a small business gives her an outlet to express her creative side,

“I don’t know how I have the energy most of the time, but I think the community drives me. I was so stressed as a project manager when I was in advertising, often working 60 to 65 hour weeks. With Cook’s Emporium, I find myself getting excited over the smallest things. You can create an environment where you’re excited to come to work and try new things, instead of hearing ‘that’s the way we’ve always done it.’”

In the future, Bergstrom sees increased cooking course offerings and monitoring of unique fads for the food industry. The possibilities remain open, and she projected her plans with a smile,

“If I’m ever bored, there are always opportunities for more things to offer our customers,” she said.