A Culinary Institution

If you're a culinary enthusiast in Calgary, it's hard to imagine the city's food scene without Cookbook Co. Cooks. Since its inception in 1984, this iconic establishment has remained a cherished haven for food lovers, and this year marks a significant milestone—its 40th anniversary. With its unrivaled selection of cookbooks and unique gift offerings perfect for the holiday season, Cookbook Co. Cooks continues to be the go-to destination for foodies in Calgary and beyond.

The Founder’s Journey

The story of Cookbook Co. Cooks begins with its founder, Gail Norton. After graduating with a degree in special education, her life took an unexpected turn while visiting Toronto in the early '80s. It was here that she stumbled upon the now-closed Cookbook Store, which inspired her to dive headfirst into the world of culinary literature. Amidst the store's shelves, she discovered Madhur Jaffrey's influential book, *An Invitation to Indian Cooking*, which fueled her passion to open her own specialized cookbook shop back home in Calgary. Despite the uncertainty in her job prospects, Norton seized the opportunity, and Cookbook Co. was born.

A Journey in Niche Retail

Reflecting on her decision, Norton recalls, "It was like the finger of God coming down and saying, 'Ah!' I've always been interested in niche retail stores and love when stores do a deep dive." This revelation set the stage for a remarkable journey in niche grocery retail.

Growth and Transformation

Initially, Cookbook Co. Cooks started as a modest store on 17th Avenue, built on what Norton describes as a "shoestring." As the years went by, it grew and eventually made the move to Mount Royal Village. However, the most pivotal moment for the store came in 1996 when Norton’s friend Richard Harvey proposed creating a food and wine hub on 11th Avenue S.W. This revolutionary idea transformed Cookbook Co. from a simple cookbook store to an expansive culinary destination, featuring not only cookbooks but also kitchen tools, specialty ingredients, and even on-site cooking classes. The expanded concept gave rise to a vibrant community of cooking enthusiasts eager to enhance their culinary skills.

Community-Centered Atmosphere

One of the secrets to Cookbook Co. Cooks' enduring popularity is Norton’s dedication to fostering a community-centered atmosphere. The store maintains a charming, old-school vibe while embracing contemporary culinary trends and innovative ingredients. Today, it boasts not just an eclectic range of cookbooks and cooking gadgets, but also showcases locally made jams, condiments, and snacks, ensuring that it caters to the tastes of modern food lovers.

Thriving in a Competitive Market

In contrast to other cookbook retailers that have struggled due to competition from discount big box stores and the online availability of recipes, Cookbook Co. has thrived. Its unique offerings, curated selection of books, and engaging cooking classes have helped solidify its place in Calgary’s culinary landscape.

Community Engagement and Culinary Tours

But Cookbook Co. Cooks doesn’t stop at offering great products; it actively engages with the community. Norton, alongside her culinary collaborator, chef Judy Wood, leads annual food tours to gastronomic destinations in France and Italy. Excitingly, next year will see the launch of a new tour to Sicily, adding yet another dimension to the store's offerings and reinforcing its role in the food community.

A Celebration of Passion and Community

As Cookbook Co. Cooks celebrates 40 years, it stands as a testament to passion, community, and the love of cooking—a must-visit for anyone passionate about food in Calgary. Don't miss out on this culinary institution; it promises not only a wide range of cookbooks but an experience that nourishes the soul!