It can be difficult to shop for cookware and like items through online vendors, while it is convenient, consumers cannot exactly hold the item, feel it, or just gauge if it is right for them. They must trust their eyes and the information presented to make the decision. Sometimes, it does not always work out as one may have hoped.
Fortunately, for the community in and around Colorado Springs, there is a local business called Sparrow Hawk Gourmet Cookware. As the name implies, you will be met with an array of high-quality items: Fiesta dinnerware, rainbow-dyed wooden utensils, an almost overwhelming array of Le Creuset cookware, and a vast number of high-end kitchen knives from local blacksmiths to foreign brands like Cangshan and Messermeister – to name just a few.
Considering the store, Sparrow Hawk Gourmet Cookware, was started in 1979 by Sam Eppley, it can be understood that the owners have had ample time to establish themselves and develop an identity that blends with their community.
Funny enough, the name came from a time when Sam witnessed a friend nursing a sparrow hawk back to health. “He might have gone for something more kitchen-y had he known we’d end up a gourmet store,” says Sam’s brother Allen Eppley. “But the name keeps us unique!”
Origins of Sparrow Hawk
The store started out as a gift-oriented shop with a small culinary/cooking section, Allen recalls. You could go in there for whatever small gift item you might have been looking for, but the section where you could find a good sauté pan was lacking. However, this did not stop customers from buying these items and making suggestions to the owners about what they should carry.
By popular demand, the Eppleys started to expand the culinary section and saw a rise in the sales following this move. Years later, they identify as a gourmet store that sells a wealth of high-end culinary products, which range from knives and pans professionals use to various coffee and other kitchen products to spruce up your home decor and kitchen life.
The staff of Sparrow Hawk continued to expand and grow their business, which garnered attention from the community, and eventually they became a staple in the community. The store has been a family effort. “Sam may have started the store, but mom was the heart and soul. People still talk about her all of the time even though it’s almost five years that she’s been gone,” Allen said.
Gazette Best of the Springs Rating
This was the 20th year Sparrow Hawk has been in the Best of Category presented by The Gazette, and with the growing attention over the years, it is natural that they have adjusted to meet new standards. When Allen was asked how the staff felt about their gold rating from the community, he said, “I was quite pleased with our Best of the Springs Gold ranking. We work hard to provide a mix of goodies for the kitchen that you can’t find anywhere else!”
Allen guaranteed anyone who steps into his shop will be met with the proper customer service, and that you will find what you are looking for. If you do not, then they will take the time to help you find it.
The future of Sparrow Hawk
Sparrow Hawk was fortunate during the COVID-19 Pandemic, while many businesses suffered, they practiced new ways to meet their customers’ needs. Allen stated, “The pandemic was interesting. We started by pushing online and phone ordering and curbside delivery. We also were quick to supply baking and cooking equipment as everyone rediscovered baking and cooking at home.”
And if you follow their social media accounts, which are simply the store name, then you know the staff dug in and frequently set up sidewalk sales, where they set up tables full of discounted products they were looking to sell quickly and limit the number of individuals allowed within the shop.
Allen mentioned the shop is not looking to expand any time soon, they plan to keep to just the one spot they have and will not be hiring anymore staff unless someone retires.
As Allen put it, “We had a second store at The Citadel mall in the mid-eighties. It stretches your resources too much. With only one location we are able to carry a much broader inventory with more unique items … like knives made by Forged in Fire Champions.”
Sticking with one location has allowed Sparrow Hawk to bring in quality products customers might not find otherwise. Allen brings in chef knives made by a local blacksmith to support other local businesses.
Sparrow Hawk does still offer small gift items like salt/pepper shaker sets, socks of various designs, an array of different glassware, tea towels and quirky cocktail napkins, and cooking utensils, etc.
Allen says they plan to continue bringing in unique and beautiful products whether you are a professional chef, an avid home cook, or you plan to host a party of your own design. The staff, and owners, of Sparrow Hawk are confident in a bright future for the shop, and a continuation of being able to serve the community that has come to love this shop so much.
