In 1979, Sam Eppley opened a small home goods shop on Bijou. It didn't take long for that little shop to find its true calling as a kitchen supply store. After 30 years of building a loyal customer base with locals and visitors alike, it was time to move into a larger building. Sparrow Hawk now inhabits a beautiful storefront right in the middle of Tejon Street.
The Value of History
If you’ve been in Colorado Springs for any length of time, you know that the historical businesses of our city are so treasured. As our skyline changes and we are embracing steady growth in bold and beautiful ways, the successful staples of our community are vital to the way newer businesses can also thrive. Sam’s leading qualities include a vast range of knowledge regarding all things kitchen. And the staff? Willing and even joyful in the way they share how these kitchen gadgets and tools work.
There's a reason Sparrow Hawk has been in business for over four decades: Amazing products and unparalleled customer service.
Keeping Up with Growth & Change
Sam and I discussed the pivots necessary in 2020, such as adding a pick-up parking spot or increased demand for items that involve creating carb-influenced dishes–hello sourdough and pasta-making from scratch!
We also visited about circumstances from days past that taught him how to make advantageous changes along the way. Things like online shopping and the growth of big box stores–changes that have significantly impacted category shops like his. But he has ridden out those waves and his steadfast spirit serves as encouragement in the thick of a pandemic’s grey cloud.
My First Visit
When I stepped foot in the store for the first time in December, I was captivated. In the past, I had added many of the items lining Sparrow Hawk's shelves to various online shopping carts. I had never bought them because I had no idea how to use them. (Let's be honest, instruction manuals only get you so far.)
The friendly staff answered every question from basic to technical. I could touch the items I was considering buying–turn the cranks, feel the weight. This felt old school and kind to my soul. I was in awe. I could support a local business, have my items the same day and didn’t have to google "how to" because the staff showed me personally. I immediately gathered a few items I’d been nervous about incorporating into my own kitchen prior to my experience at Sparrow Hawk.
I’m thankful for the resilience of entrepreneurship and that supporting local runs deep in our community. From German cooking knives to hammered copper stockpots to dishware staples, Sparrow Hawk is the place to go for quality cookware!
It’s simply lovely.
Website: http://www.sparrowhawkcookware.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SparrowHawkCookware
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparrowhawkcookware/