Chef Shop

Love this store! Super cute, little expensive but I feel right at home each time I go in! Love to buy cute baking decorative items, accent pieces (especially seasonal) and cute random kitchen items. Great staff!

Small store, but conveniently located and good service. The prices are decent, some things a little more expensive, some thing a little cheaper. Overall good.
We bought a wok here, they let us look at few before we bought ours,

The few times I have been in here, whether to browse or buy gift cards, I have always been very pleased! It feels like a more hometown-​y feel compared to a higher priced store at the mall. Thank you for keeping this a family environment! When I was in most recently to buy a gift card right before Christmas, there was a young boy playing fetch with a Heeler/​Cattle Dog… both were VERY well behaved! In fact, the dog actually was herding the boy without him knowing it! Good Dog! If he was a store dog, he needs a raise! LOL It actually made my day! I’ll be in again soon, since I have a list on our fridge of neat little gadgets that will make my kitchen days smoother!

I walked in to get some wine products. The two college girls working at the register said Hi how are you, which I replied great, thanks. and then one of the girls said «Your welcome» not sure if she wasn’t listening or was being a smart ass. I then gathered the products I needed and took them up to the counter, where I had no place to put them down because they had booklets, papers and food all over the counter. The girl said sorry, we are reading our college syllabus’s. She said this while cookies were flying out of her mouth… Yeah she couldn’t even finish eating to address me. Gross. The owner needs to get some new employee’s as it seems customer service is not important here.

If someone were to start a locally owned version of Williams Sonoma, I imagine it would look something like Chef Shop — a small footprint store selling all sorts of gadgets and accessories a well-​appointed kitchen supposedly should have. Of course, as one would expect of a locally owned version of Williams Sonoma or Sur la Table, such a store just does not compare to either chain brand in terms of variety of items offered, which makes one wonder if Chef Shop really isn’t just a calling card for its much more unique big sister store on Old County Rd, County Restaurant Supply.
Bottom line: if you need to talk with someone about your home kitchen needs, Chef Shop is not a bad place to go. If you need to get something for your home kitchen, there is half a chance that you should just proceed to County Restaurant Supply instead.

This shop has prime location in downtown San Carlos but never appears to the that busy, maybe because some of their prices are a little or high? Or that people prefer to go to the larger department store’s these days.
They have a decent sized inventory including some of my beloved Kitchen Aid along with baking cups, cook books, utensils and gadgets. But one thing I noticed they don’t have are Chef Clothes or even any Apron’s. in a ‘Chef’ shop (whaaaa??).
I was delighted to find Egg Cups here recently though which I haven’t been able to find anywhere for so long! I picked up 4 along with 2 chopping boards — one large and one small and my total came to a little under $ 100. Yeah. a lot for what they are but if they’re good quality I have no qualms in handing over the cash.
Staff are friendly enough and put a few freebies in my bag as I paid (3 miniature hand wash packets and 2 single serve Hot Chocolate, which by the way were nasty).
They appear to change their inventory a lot as they often have clearance sales on. Sale items are located right at the back of the store where you can pick up some good deals.

I absolutely love all the kitchen/​cooking gadgets at the Chef Shop! I’ve noticed some negative reviews about the store not supplying some specific items for chefs, but it’s not a restaurant supply store. Though, I’ve personally found that the store is very well stocked with cooking essentials and more technical tools. If you can’t find something there, you should try a more specialized supplier like Chef’s Warehouse in SSF or San Carlos Restaurant Supply.
I love perusing the store and getting tips from the super friendly staff. I’ve purchased wine bottle openers, a bottle cleaner, pans, and even an olive picker from them and I’ve never had a bad experience!

I must echo the comments of Mo M. on July 8. Walked in the store — two employees. Neither one acknowledged us. No «hi.» No «welcome to the store.» No «how can I help you find something.» They both just looked at us. We were looking for a roasting pan. They didn’t have any! Seems odd for a kitchen shop not to carry roasting pans. One saleswoman said she thought «she» (who?) would get some in «for the holidays.» (This is August — she is talking about maybe having roasting pans by October or November.) OK. We bought some other items and tried to redeem a 30% off coupon we got from them by email. The saleswoman obviously knew nothing about this, even seemed suspicious about whether it was genuine and valid. Very odd, unfriendly vibe from saleswoman. I can’t think of why we might ever go back.

Unhelpful for a retail shop. I have shopped here 2 – 3 times and no longer plan to do so anymore.
That about sums it up. They carry some very ordinary, some overpriced and some nice stuff. Downtown San Carlos where has a collection of smaller, independent run businesses, this is one of them. Many locals shop downtown, its convenient and it helps local businesses.
The staff at this shop on a weekend will stand around doing lots of things, mostly not helping customers, and will appear to be somewhat aloof, bordering on arrogance. When you ask them a question, you’ll get an answer that tells you a one line description, textbook answer.
To run an independent retail business, being helpful, smiling, and asking your customer questions about how you can help them will go a long way in selling.
Regardless, I bought from them to help San Carlos and its local businesses.
I do not plan to be back.

Great shop for cook related items. While some may fault them for not stocking everything under the sky, I actually think that is what makes this store appealing. They are very thoughtful in the products they carry and they make it a point to change their selection every so often (incl. their displays) so that when you walk through their store you feel refreshed and make discoveries. Yes, it does encourage me to buy. I see no problem with that. In fact, I think it’s part of the service they are providing by saving me me time by reducing my search cost and introducing me to products that I need but didnt know existed. Lastly, I appreciate businesses that give back to the community they do business in. I think that’s great.

What a great store! The ladies in there were helpful and nice! The prices are decent, and the store had things that I have never sen before!!! Cute little place! I ended up spending 300 dollars! haha!

I love this store! They have really cute kitchen gadgets appliances and tools… just what my kitchen needs, more stuff! They have a great selection of products and designs. Great place to shop for gifts for others. I found some neat gadgets here that I haven’t seen elsewhere and their place setting sets are adorable!

Embarrassed for them and do not expect them to last long. Went in on Saturday and I walked around the store and had two employees walk by me, make eye contact, and say nothing. No hello, no head nod, no can I help you. (Mind you my buddy and I were the only people in the store.)
I was looking for multiple items (claws for pulled pork, MESSERMEISTER culinary tools, and chef coats) they had none of those items. The funny part is they have a wolf stove, Sub-​Zero fridge, and a wine fridge installed in the rear of the store. They have no catalogs showing other models and none of the items were priced within view. (I’d think if you are trying to sell high end equipment you’d have some info to entice the customer to ask.)
Save your money and goto either Perfect Edge (San Mateo) or Old County Restaurant Supply.

Living in San Carlos, and being a Personal Chef, I thought this would be great. After trying it over the last 3 or 4 years, however, I have found that they are limited in stock, have almost NO knowledge of their products, and have TERRIBLE customer service. I cannot understand why they are still in business. No one greets you or asks if you need help; even if it should be obvious you do, because they are too busy talking to each other, on the phone with a buddy, or some other busy work that prevents them from even looking at the customer – and usually I’m the only one in there.
Once I purchased a kitchen timer. I could not get it to work, and thought I must be misunderstanding the directions so I took it back to ask them to show me. The 2 staff were busy so I passed time looking at the timer display. When I finally got someone’s attention and she went to ask the manager about my problem, the manager accused me to stealing the timer (evidently while I was looking at the display while she was behind the counter) and then trying to get her to believe it was defective so I could walk out with a new one! Unbelieveable. When I produced the receipt from my wallet she ‘humphed’ and didn’t even apologize. turned out the timer was defective and she almost threw a replacement at me.
Today I was trying to find an item, so went to their parent store first. They did not have the item, but called the Chef Shop and said they thought they had a couple left located near the book section and I should try them. When I went to the Chef Shop, again, 3 people behind the counter all talking to each other and paying no attention to me as I searched the book section. I finally said ‘excuse me, I hate to interrupt you when you are busy but I’m looking for…” the person very rudely said she had told the other store they did not have them. They had been on sale and were all gone, and reiterated she had told them that. (Why would I drive up there if they had said that? I thought to myself). When I asked if they knew who might carry them or be getting any more in, the very young girl behind the counter said to try a bookstore as if she could not care less. It was obvious I wasn’t pleased so on my way through the door she smugly chirped «Have A Nice Day!!». Woohoo. I hope I can avoid going in there again. I just hate the place, and frankly you can find much of the same stuff elsewhere for less (sch as at Kohl’s). I wish Sur La Table would take the place over, they know how to treat customers and have a clue about what they are peddling.
If there were negative stars, I’d award 5.

If a «chef’s shop» person does not know what a «chinoise» is, I wouldn’t call this a shop for chefs. I went in one day asking the gal at the cashier’s whether they carry a chinoise, she had no idea what I was talking about. I had to explain that it is a drainer that’s conical in shape, and she replied, with disinterest, that it doesn’t sound like that’s something they carry.
The previous time I went there, also the first time I checked this place out, I asked for chef’s pants. They didn’t carry it at the store, but did inform that their main supply store (The Country Restaurant Supply, also located in San Carlos) may carry. So I had to go there but didn’t find the right size for a tiny Asian woman like me. Well, but for this I added one star, otherwise based on the 1^st paragraph I was gonna give a 2-​star.
When I called William Sonoma at the Hillsdale Mall and asked about chinoise, the lady answering the phone immediately replied, «Yes, we do!». And you know where I got my first chinoise!
Turned out William Sonoma carries a lot more complete stuff that a serious home chef would need and they often have sales on selected name brands, so for my home chef shopping, I will not go back to this «Chef Shop».

LOVE this store! They are packed full of functional, efficient and fun items. Staff are always helpful. Can always find what I need — and then some. Like that they’re connected with County Restaurant Supply on Old County Road.

Cute, trendy store. Some great gift ideas for those who cook. Even sold high end appliances.

Do these people hate customers.
Their attitude and «can’t do» approach should put them into Chapter 11 in no time. They are unbelievable in being uncooperative, unresponsive, arrogant, cocky and discourteous.

Such a cute store, they have a little of everything. Very helpful and polite staff, any tool you are looking for I’m sure they have it! Everything is very well priced, but it is very tempting to buy everything in there!

This is a dangerous place if you love to cook. All the gadgets to play with, and someone here has an eye for making the front inviting. The window changes a lot and you can see all these cute plates and napkin ring holders etc. Right now it is Easter and it is just darling. If you want the W-​S experience without the pretension then this is the place to go. Brides you would do well to register here.