We love our Opinel retailers! This month we're heading to Iowa City, Iowa to chat with shared-owner of Prairie Kitchen, Alex Felker. Learn more about the store, how they discovered Opinel, and why they chose to stock our knives!
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I'm Alex -- one of three owners of the Prairie Kitchen Store (it is a family-owned business). I do most of the "curation" of our knife selection. I have enjoyed every step (or almost every step) in the process of helping his parents realize the kitchen store that they have dreamed of. I enjoy using my experience as a newspaper copy editor to carefully craft PKS's organization and displays so that customers feel welcome and excited to visit the store. When I am not taste testing hot sauces, you can find me playing basketball, tirelessly testing Iowa City's pizza joints or enjoying time outside with my wife, Siri.
How would you describe your store?
It is an independent kitchen store located in the heart of downtown Iowa City's historic Northside Neighborhood. We have been open for just over three years, and we are beyond grateful for how the community has supported us (especially considering we opened during the pandemic!). We center our store around products that are sustainable, built to last, and made from high quality, durable materials, all characteristics we love from Opinel. We try to maintain an inventory a little more "cool," unique, etc. than your classic gadgets-and-serveware type of kitchen store.
Why did you choose to carry Opinel?
We went with Opinel from the beginning because of the quality, foremost, and then also specifically because it brought a unique element to our store. Opinel is not as common in the US as in Europe of course, and it brought something new to many of our customers -- something they hadn't seen before, and they were intrigued!
What do your customers like most about Opinel?
Eco-friendly packaging, simplistic, modern look, wood handles... there's lots to love!
Do you have a favorite Opinel knife or tool?
We are big fans of the folding mushroom brush knife, which has made its way to several of our friends and family as gifts. It's a perfect combination of practical and "gifty."
How did you hear about Opinel?
We tried just a few Opinel products to start our store off when we opened, but the demand for more was clear from the beginning. We had plenty of customers asking for more, and have since learned about the great following Opinel has.
What is your favorite thing to do in your city/town?
Who doesn't love going to the movies? We have a beautiful independent theater in downtown Iowa City known as FilmScene, and it's one of my favorite spots in town.
Prairie Kitchen Store
160 N. Linn St., Iowa City, Iowa 52245
Experience our knives at your local shops! With over 1,000 retailers in the US, there is most certainly one near you! Check out the Store Locator. Not finding a local retailer? We'd love to hear where you think we should be found! email retail@opinel-usa.com
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