The Wooden Spoon — Local services in Lake View Township

I had been looking for a place to host private cooking events and was so excited to find a place in Andersonville so, I stopped in as I read they host events and cooking classes.

I introduced myself and explained my company wanted to host events to engage the home chef. We want to do demos that utilize the Instant Pot and Pressure Cooking for those who want to learn how to make fast and wholesome meals. I said that I had about 25 people interested. Trina Sheridan, one of the co-owners looked at me with near disgust... she said "we don't sell Instant Pots," I said that was fine -- I have one to use as a demo and most people would bring their own, which was the point.

She said she had "heard of the Instant Pot and they sold for $99 on Amazon." To which I replied, "yes... and sometimes more. It's a huge trend." She seemed rather put off by the appliance and the whole idea.

I said that this was a new way to engage people who want to cook and many would most likely want to purchase knives and items they sold in their shop. I assured her I was NOT there on behalf of Instant Pot or trying to sell them anything... I just wanted to host events where people can learn how to cook and have a fun new experience.

She glanced at her colleagues as if I was taking up her time and space. I asked if I had somehow offended her... perhaps such an appliance was not something in-line with what they do -- which would have been fine, but she looked at me as though I had asked about hosting an animal sacrifice! Then, she looked at the clock and I asked if there was a better time for me to stop by to inquire about rates? She said she had to pick up her daughter and told me to leave my business card so she could think about it.

She can think all she wants. I've never had an experience walking into a small neighborhood shop -- or frankly anywhere and being treated in this manner. They were so incredibly rude. I can understand if they didn't want to host this type of cooking party, but to dismiss someone who wants to patronize your store is shocking.

I always try to support local shops rather than large stores or chains and this is clearly a store I would never recommend nor set foot in again.

P.S. I did find a fabulous new place who welcomed our idea and guests and we will be hosting our events starting...

My partner shops kitchen stuff A LOT as she loves so cook and love being in the kitchen. Before her I never heard of Sur la Table, Williams Sonoma etc. We own a nice Vitamix, kitchen aid mixer, Lodge cast irons, we have a Breville espresso machine, she recently purchased many Al-clad pots and pans, processors, fun wooden utensils etc.

Drove by and she pointed that she’s always wanted to go here so I turned around and we went. She was so excited. We are Black by the way. We walked in and I looked at some of the coffee related stuff for my machine and followed my partner around a bit because I get anxious in stores.

The lady didn’t greet us rather, quickly told us to let her know if we had questions and walked by fast. Seconds later, greeted a White couple with enthusiasm and offered to help them. I walked out to get fresh air and to give my partner free will to browse without feeling my intense anxiety building up.

Sadly, my sweet and kind partner slowly walked out minutes after I did and said “well…. that was disappointing” stuff is a bit overpriced but we usually don’t mind if people are nice. We love supporting locally and don’t ask for much but it’s not worth it if the first experience isn’t at least decent or make us feel like we belong, too.

Treat everyone the same. We are all hard working people...

The customer service here is some of the worst I have encountered at any business.

My girlfriend and I booked a cooking class as a Christmas present for her parents. Unfortunately, a last minute death of a close friend on the day of the class meant that they could not attend on the scheduled date. Her father called to see if a transfer date was possible and was told no. As a policy, refunds can only be done 7 days in advance. No refund was requested, he simply inquired about a date change. There was no alternative solution or sympathy offered.

My girlfriend then called and explained the situation. She was told that they "get the death line all the time." A bit taken aback, my girlfriend offered to provide proof if necessary and she was told that they didn't care and the policy was the policy.

She then requested to speak to someone else on the phone as the assosciate was not being helpful. His reply was "There is no one else. I am god."

We were both stunned at how rude, disrespectful, and completely discourteous the associate was on the phone.

Based on service alone, I cannot in good conscious ever recommend the Wooden Spoon to anyone and would recommend avoiding it...