How Family-Owned Kitchen Supplies Business Thrives in Brooklyn

In the heart of Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, Indulge Kitchen Supplies stands as a testament to the passion and dedication of its founders, Luis and Amy Tapia. This family-owned business has quickly become a go-to destination for both professional chefs and home cooks, offering a diverse range of commercial restaurant equipment and household kitchen supplies. Through their extensive retail experience and a keen understanding of customer needs, Luis and Amy have created a unique shopping experience that blends quality products with exceptional customer service.

Join us as we delve into their inspiring journey, from conceptualizing the store to overcoming challenges and setting the stage for future growth.

The Inspiration Behind the Business

SBS – What inspired you to start Indulge Kitchen Supplies?

IKS – What inspired us to start IKS was the fact that other kitchen stores (of which there are very few) either lack quality items or the knowledge to explain the items they carry. Having spent over 15 years in retail, specifically kitchen supplies, I knew that we could provide customers with a pleasant experience that would be inviting and fun to visit.

Journey from Concept to Launch

SBS – Can you share your journey from concept to launching the store?

IKS – The idea to open our own shop came in late 2020 after having been in the industry for well over a decade. At first, we were tentative about starting something so big without any previous real knowledge about having an established business. After a lot of consideration, we decided to jump in headfirst, and things started moving quickly from there. We found an ideal location by January 2021 and started building our layout and deciding what items we would carry. Within three months, with the help of our family, we were able to paint, redesign, bring in our shelving and furniture, and stock our shelves. On the opening day, being able to see what we had done in such a short time and with our own hands was an amazing feeling.

Unique Selling Points

SBS – What sets Indulge Kitchen Supplies apart from other kitchen supply stores?

IKS – Our customer service and knowledge of our vast inventory. Every customer is different and it’s our job to ensure that when they are at Indulge, they are comfortable and all their questions are being answered.

Selecting Brands and Products

SBS – How do you select the brands and products you offer?

IKS – We tend to buy new items in small quantities and listen to customer feedback. They guide us and let us know what works and what doesn’t.

Biggest Challenges and Overcoming Them

SBS – What has been the biggest challenge in running Indulge Kitchen Supplies, and how did you overcome it?

IKS – The biggest challenge of running Indulge has been promoting on a budget. With us carrying such a vast variety of items and focusing our funds on that, it is hard to keep up with promotions, especially with rising costs. Social media has been a very good way to help with this challenge while keeping within the budget.

Staying Updated with Trends

SBS – How do you stay updated with trends and innovations in kitchen supplies?

IKS – Customer feedback! People constantly come in and ask for the latest trending gadgets, and we listen to our customers.

The Role of Customer Feedback

SBS – What role does customer feedback play in your business?

IKS – Customer feedback plays an important role in our business because it helps us better understand their wants and needs and helps us better serve them. Everything from what kind of merchandise we bring into the store to small things like what type of music we play throughout the day is guided by our interactions with our customers.

Importance of Knife Sharpening Service

SBS – Can you discuss the importance and impact of your knife sharpening service?

IKS – Our knife sharpening service has helped shine a spotlight on our shop. It brings in new customers who had never been in before. When they stop in to drop off their knives and see our shelves stocked with thousands of different items, their eyes light up, and sometimes that wouldn’t be possible without the knife sharpening guiding them in. We love the look on their faces when they leave with razor-sharp knives.

Effective Marketing Strategies

SBS – What marketing strategies have you found most effective for your business?

IKS – Social media has made a huge impact on marketing. We’re able to post videos of the store and our services, which lets people see what we are all about and what we provide.

Managing Inventory and Ensuring Availability

SBS – How do you manage inventory and ensure product availability?

IKS – We constantly manage our inventory throughout the day, ensuring we can keep as many items in stock as consistently as possible.

Advice for New Entrepreneurs

SBS – What advice would you give to new entrepreneurs entering the kitchen supply industry?

IKS – Generally speaking, we think it is important to take a business course before opening any type of business to help you better understand what it takes to not only open a business but maintain it as well.
In the kitchen supply industry specifically, it is important to know the basic necessities in a kitchen and remember not to overload on gimmicky items. Also, try to set yourselves apart by offering items and brands not generally available through Amazon or other online sources, as this makes your place a go-to for specific supplies.

Impact of E-commerce

SBS – How has e-commerce influenced your business operations and growth?

IKS – It has allowed us to have a larger customer base than we would have with just a brick-and-mortar store, and it definitely attracts more attention to the store.

Future Plans

SBS – What future plans do you have for Indulge Kitchen Supplies?

IKS – We would like to keep growing IKS not only in this location but in others as well. Keeping in mind that excellent customer service and attention to detail are what sets us apart from other kitchen supply stores, we would like to keep that a key part of our identity as we continue to grow.