Gilbert Whitney & Company

Once upon a time, I toyed with the idea of opening a housewares store. I traveled to major cities to stay with friends and check out great locally owned kitchen shops. I could have saved SO MUCH MONEY, if only I had just checked out Gilbert Whitney & Co.
Visiting Independence may not be as exciting as a trip to NYC, but I was just as impressed by Gilbert Whitney as I was at some of the spots I visited in Manhattan and Brooklyn. It’s split in half, with one side dedicated to gourmet foods, and the other housing all of the utensils, cookware and tools that you could need to whip up a serious dinner. In the back, there’s an open kitchen that I can only presume is for classes and maybe small events?
Each area was incredibly well merchandised, and I found a number of things I’d love to own. There’s some stuff that’s a little too frilly or country-​kitchen for my taste, but I also noticed some great contemporary brands that I haven’t seen anywhere in KC, and have had to buy online. I didn’t look quite as closely at the food side, but the large, glorious cheese case is hard to miss.
What a great store! I can’t wait to come back.

If you love to eat, as I do, you may also love stores that are all about food, as do I. In that case, I recommend a visit to Gilbert Whitney & Company at your earliest convenience. It’s a fairly small space of two rooms on the corner across from the Courthouse on the Independence Square. But the owners have made every effort to fill each room with a super variety of food and food/​cooking related items. I found cookbooks, pretty and practical aprons, wonderful cookware (including a beautiful — and pricey — Red enameled roaster that I wanted SOOOO BAD and would probably only use once or twice a year), a wonderful selection of Nordicware (made in the USA), and all sorts of fun, practical or whimsical items that are nearly irresistible.
The second room is filled to brimming with condiments, spices, teas and coffees, baking mixes, jams and jellies, chutneys, syrups and so much more that you just need to go see for yourself. The day we visited, the staff was unloading a new shipment of cheeses that had just come in. Putting them into the chilled cheese case along side a really good selection of gourmet cheeses.
Speaking of the staff: These ladies were friendly, knowledgeable and helpful and willing to answer any question. They made our shopping experience even more fun.
I found unbreakable children’s divided plates and bowls made in the USA from recycled plastic bottles that are perfect for my great-​grandkids. I also found a lovely herb-​infused olive oil, some very good veggie chips and a couple of fun stocking stuffers (so I can brag that I’ve started my Christmas shopping).
Gilbert Whitney & Company is just the kind of locally owned store that I love to shop in. I know it will become a new favorite haunt of mine. Maybe I’ll see you there.

Beautiful store on the historic Independence Square. Great collection of kitchen tools and super-​knowledgeable staff. I was hesitant to purchase a low-​priced mandoline as I’d had bad experiences in the past, but the manager was right and even offered to let me bring it back if I was not happy.
They also offer fabulous classes — I learned how to make pie crust (finally).

I learned about Gilbert Whitney & Co not because I live in Independence and should have realized there was a kitchen store on the square but because I received a Groupon opportunity for the store!
I went to visit without my groupon in hand (the website was down that day and I couldnt print) and found out the store could not use my smartphone to process the Groupon. I decided to stay and check out the store and talked to the new manager for quite awhile.
The store has good selection of specialty cooking & baking items, an ok selection of specialty food items, a small selection of cheeses, and offers classes on the weekends.
I have recently been to other specialty kitchen stores in the area and found this one to be average in it’s variety.
I did return the next day and purchased items with my $ 25 Groupon. As with most specialty stores the prices are pretty high but I was able to find some things for my sons care package!

This is such a fun store to visit and it’s impossible not to buy something before you leave. I always find a way to leave with new measuring cups or spoons!
The staff is very friendly and there is usually a coffee or food to sample.

This is a unique, locally owned shop that carries a wide range of kitchen items as well as an interesting selection of specialty grocery items (cheeses, vinegars, salsas, meats). The store is open and bright with high ceilings and wood floors. The employees are very helpful and kind to customers.
This place is a must-​visit for any foodie or wannabe. It is filled to the ceiling with interesting kitchen products, a pantry of gourmet foods, and a cold case for meats and cheeses.