Sur La Table

Sur La Table Preparing for Bankruptcy, According to Report | Eater Seattle

"I note that Sur La Table, which started at Pike Place Market 48 years ago, grew into a national retailer with more than 125 stores and a flagship shop at the Market that has been closed since mid-March. Known for its well-curated selection of kitchen tools, ceramics, and home goods and for popular in-store cooking classes—where famed chefs such as Jacques Pepin and Julia Child have done demonstrations—the company was founded by Shirley Collins (a Pike Place advocate and dedicated home cook) and was sold in 1995 before being acquired by Investcorp in 2011 for $146 million; it even opened a 5,000-square-foot store in Jacksonville last year. Despite a rise in home cooking during the pandemic, I report that Sur La Table has had to shut much of its operations and is reportedly preparing to file for bankruptcy and may pursue a sale, with online sales likely unable to make up for lost revenue because the brand relies heavily on in-store experiences; although Washington’s phase-one reopening allows some curbside pickup, it’s unclear whether Sur La Table will pursue that option. When reached, a company representative declined to comment." - Gabe Guarente