SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - A delightful neon sign and retro-kitchen display say “Welcome to the Kitchen Table” at the East Sacramento store on 810 Alhambra Blvd.  The owner, Susan O’Brien, was busy bringing in products from her car, speaking with staff, and putting the finishing touches on displays.  For someone who appears so in charge, it may be surprising to know this is her first experience as a shop owner.

“I was a psychologist and decided it was time to leave, but I couldn't really retire. We still had kids at home.” She smiles, “My husband encouraged me to get another job, but when I decided to do this, he was surprised.”  

As anyone knows, owning a business is not a nine-to-five endeavor.  But O’Brien envisioned a kitchen boutique focused on carefully curated cooking tools and community gatherings.  It was a niche area she didn’t see represented. She entered the 2017 Calling All Dreamers competition, produced by the Downtown Sacramento Partnership and became a finalist.  “I didn’t win, but the learning and support I got through that process encouraged me to move forward independently.” 

The Kitchen Table opened in the Fall of 2017, and since then, it has grown into two locations: Land Park and East Sacramento. The East Sac location just moved into a bigger space last March. “This site is three times as big as the old one, which means we can do so much more here,” says O'Brien. And she is filling it up fast with eclectic kitchen bowls, high-end cookware, and locally sourced foods and décor.

The Land Park shop at 2665 Riverside Blvd. has been gaining attention since its grand opening in April 2023. The focal point for that store is a giant farm table, the epicenter for seasonal displays of wonderment. I spoke to employee Judy Raglan, who cheerfully walked me around the store. My head was on a swivel, absorbing the whimsical English crockery and eye-catching serving ware. She pointed to a shelf stocked with bright kitchen gadgets, and giggles: “We call these the tools you didn’t know you needed until you saw them!” 

However, for serious cooks, the most impressive items are found in products like the Smithie Ironware collection.  Hand-forged cookware from North Charleston, South Carolina, The Kitchen Table is the only carrier in the Sacramento region.  There are also beautiful saucepans and pots from Netherton Foundry, made in Shropshire, Britain (O’Brien’s husband is a Brit, and they toured the foundry themselves).  This is “heritage piece” cookware meant to be used and passed down through the family.  If you struggle to find the perfect high-end gift for the cook who has everything, this may be the item they’ll brag about to their foodie friends. 

But honestly, even if you don’t know how to boil water, the store is incredibly fun. There’s unique neighborhood home decor, Land Park and East Sac pillows, baby gifts, dog gear, and an assortment of local art.  Holidays bring new decorations and retro tchotchkes to freshen up the home. They also keep a regular supply of seasonal specialties. Mocktails are trending; visitors can find a nice array of alcohol-free organic elixirs, cocktail mixers, and recipe books. Glampers will see next level smores supplies and barbecue sauces for their summer adventures. 

Both shops have their own personalities, which are reflected in the different types of events. The Land Park location is focused on craft nights like calligraphy and succulent arrangements. Once the kitchen space is completed, the East Sacramento store will focus on cooking demonstrations and classes. And both stores offer knife sharpening days, usually on the third Thursday of the month.

Since O’Brien’s is a woman-owned shop, she believes in spreading the love. She works with SacVendorConnect to host pop-ups in her parking lots. Local family businesses offer goods such as spices, baked treats, hand-made cutting boards, and home-grown pickled green beans. 

O’Brien is proactive about hosting fundraisers and book drives for Wellspring Women’s Center, a local organization supporting women and children in crises (www.wellspringwomen.org). 

The Land Park store also has a bin to donate art supplies. So, if you went on a crafting spree and never got around to those projects, you can do some good and drop them off. 

At a time when some local businesses struggle to keep their doors open, the Kitchen Table has found a place in the hearts of Sacramento locals.  It could be attributed to Susan O’Brien’s gift of using food as her love language. She said, “I’ve always enjoyed bringing people around the table to eat good food and reconnect.” And her guest list continues to grow.

To learn more about The Kitchen Table, visit their website at: www.kitchentablesac.com.