ANDERSONVILLE — Sean Sheridan bought the two-flat at 5047 N. Clark St. in 1998 with plans to open up a business in the storefront.
His first thought was a bike shop, but then his “culinary minded girlfriend, now wife and business partner” Trina suggested a cooking school.
That idea birthed The Wooden Spoon, which opened in 2002 and will celebrate 17 years in business on Saturday with a thank-you to customers.
The Wooden Spoon specializes in selling kitchen gear and hosting cooking classes. The business has grown with Andersonville. It added a date night cooking class for the area’s growing population of young professionals and allows customers to hang out in the building’s courtyard during nice weather.
The neighborhood has changed with the business, Sheridan said.
“When we opened, we’d only get a handful of people walk by,” he said. “Now, there’s quite a bit of foot traffic.”
To celebrate 17 years in business, The Wooden Spoon will host a celebration Saturday that will include special discounts and prizes to customers.
Those who spend a minimum of $5 at the store will get to spin a prize wheel for the chance to win discounts or other giveaways. A two-person cooking class will also be raffled off on Saturday.
Sheridan said The Wooden Spoon has thrived because of Andersonville’s commitment to local business, so Saturday’s event is a small way to recognize that support.
“Andersonville really shops local,” he said. “They get that if you want small business to stay around, you have to shop there.”
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