River Market is proud to carry Epicurean USA kitchenware. But this isn’t your typical kitchenware, and the idea for this unique line of tools comes from a place you’d least expect. With a focus on high-quality, sustainable kitchenware, Epicurean’s origins can actually be traced to municipal skate parks across the country.
Founded in 1997, TrueRide got to work in the expanding industry of municipal skateparks. According to Epicurean’s website, “over ten years the TrueRide crew designed, built, installed, and serviced more than 450 skate parks, providing vital community spaces across the USA and abroad. The skate ramps surfaces were made using a paper composite material also used for decades in commercial kitchens.” Eventually, the owners gifted each other cutting boards made from the leftover materials of skatepark builds. Taking that spark of renewable materials into something unique that could be used for years to come, Epicurean was founded in 2003.
With production entirely housed at their Superior, Wisconsin warehouse, Epicurean’s north star is durability. Their kitchenware is designed with the aim to be long-lasting and up for any challenge the kitchen might bring. Their sustainable designs are certified by GreenGuard and the Forest Stewardship Council. At every opportunity, the Epicurean team focuses on minimizing waste, and looks for opportunities to reuse and recycle their materials, while maintaining high-quality manufacturing. According to their website, this focus on sustainability even extends to their temperature control, “Epicurean’s heat reclamation system captures warmth and uses it to heat its warehouse over the winter.” It also boasts the largest commercial solar panel array in the Twin Ports area.
The kitchen is a place of constant innovation. Usually that adage pertains to the dishes themselves, but in this case it’s a testament to Epicurean’s initial spark to gift something unique to the one’s closest to them has now spread into a truly unique and valuable resource that everyone can use. From skateboards to spoons, has taken that concept of innovation and turned into locally produced, high-quality, long lasting tools that everyone can enjoy. And you can experience that yourself at your local Stillwater grocery store, River Market Community Co-op!
