[Jonathan K]

There are no retailers in my region (other than Bed Bath and Beyond) that sell cooking gear. I'm taking a trip pretty soon to the Mountains in Asheville and noticed this place about 40 min away from the place I'm staying. Thought it might be worth while to take a visit and finally be able to see some quality kitchen equipment up close and in person. I heard the people there are fairly knowledgable about what they're selling (though I could be mistaken). Has anyone ever heard of this place or dealt with them? Is it worth the drive or is this a cooks equivalent of an overpriced jewelryshop? (Same junk different alley lol)?

https://www.katom.com/cat/restaurant-equipment.html

 

[millionsknives]

I've bought stuff from them online, no problems

 

[halb]

... is this a cooks equivalent of an overpriced jewelryshop?

As you will learn there is a huge difference between consumer cookware and equipment and what's available for commercial kitchens and restaurants. Consumers will piss money away on flash and glitter - your analogy to an "overpriced jewelry shop" and retailers are more than happy to take your money. Most commercial kitchens don't care much about glitter and certainly don't want to spend any more money than they have to. Katom is a commercial supplier so expect to see your basic no frills restaurant cookware (for instance) at very reasonable prices compared to consumer junk. I would expect though that much of what they have on display isn't going to interest you but at least it should be a learning experience.

I heard the people there are fairly knowledgeable about what they're selling (though I could be mistaken).

I'm sure they are, but the question is just how accommodating will they be to someone not in the restaurant business asking amateur questions.

 

[Jonathan K]

I'm sure they are, but the question is just how accommodating will they be to someone not in the restaurant business asking amateur questions.

Hmmm. Thanks for the heads up. I'll make sure I'll call ahead of time and double check to see if its alright if normal passer-by-ers come and check it out. The storefront looks as though its set up to sell to consumers as well as restaurant pros....doesn't it??

Its a good thing I asked...I'd hate to make a trip all the way out there to find out they'd rather not talk me lol.

Hey man...I really do appreciate you guys on this forum and be able to run questions like this by you first. Thanks so much for taking the time to make me aware of that!

 

[halb]

I'm sure they will be happy to take your money. Those pictures look like they are from the Katom Chef's Supplies store which they point out is to the right of their main building. Very consumerish looking. Kitchen-Aid mixers in every color? I may have to take what I said about pricing back. Bring your checkbook.

 

[jay lancaster]

I have never been to a Katom storefront, but they tend to be my most often used online supplier. Their prices are generally as good or better than most. Also, I used to be able to use my Amazon Prime account on their website for payment...which made it super convenient. I haven't been able to do that in a while, and assume something on their end changed. I still order from them, however.