From shiny pepper mills to smooth cutting blocks, one of Homer’s newest shops testifies to its name. The Classic Cook, a kitchen boutique, opened its doors July 18, and so far, it’s been a hit.

Janie Buncak is the owner and sole employee — for now — and can be found daily at 158 W. Pioneer Ave. Look for the sign with copper kettles, painted by her husband, local artist Jim Buncak.

“It’s a really happy place,” says Buncak. “A lot of people come in and they’re very glad to be here.”

Following a career in public safety, Buncak said the stars finally aligned and she was able to open the business. As a Homer resident for the past 30 years, she has seen stores come and go, and says that she is in it for the long haul.

With items from $2 bottle stoppers to $700 mixers, the store offers an array of items and prices but not of quality. Better and best is how Buncak describes it. 

“It’s going to be a good quality no matter what price point it’s at,” she said. 

While some of the store’s brands, like Le Creuset, date back more than 150 years, others, like Epicurean, offer new innovations destined for longevity, with items like cutting boards made from wood fiber and recycled milk jugs — dishwasher safe, of course.

Names like KitchenAid, Mauviel and Wusthof, which not only are iconic but also are known for their quality, are product lines that Buncak says she is proud to offer in Homer. Although some items may come and go, the core brands will stay the same.

While new inventory is still arriving, Buncak says she has already sold out of some items, like Shun fishbone tweezers.

Along with brands from around the world, Buncak includes several local lines as well — like aprons and tea towels from Salmon Sisters and pottery serving trays from Maygen Jannetta Lotscher. 

Some of her favorite products include Wusthof knives and the super popular, sold-out-in-two-weeks citrus sprayer. Don’t worry — she’s got 100 more on order. 

In the future, Buncak says she would like to offer demonstrations and cooking classes showcasing local chefs, especially during the off-season of September to April. The store also offers a wedding registry, wish lists, giftwrap and special orders. 

With an easy to navigate Website and a Facebook page with frequent updates, Buncak plans to keep customers informed as she schedules future events. 

So far, the store’s Facebook page has had five reviews — and all reviewers gave it five stars. 

One local resident wrote, “Heaven! I love this store! … Finally, a shop where my husband could get me anything and I would be thrilled.”

Not sure if the Classic Cook has something you need?

“Just stop in. See what we have,” says Buncak. 

The Classic Cook

Owner: Janie Buncak

Where: 158 W. Pioneer Ave. Suite D

Store Hours:

Monday – Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday, noon-6 p.m.

More info:
Call 435-0668 or visit the web at
classiccookak.com 

or find The Classic Cook on Facebook