Larder Supply Co. Debuts in Cleveland With Knife Sharpening and More Events
CLEVELAND, Ohio — When chefs Jeremy Umansky and Allie La Valle conceived Larder Supply in spring 2024, their vision was a culinary shop that would breathe new life into beloved kitchen gear—reusing and selling cookware, tableware, books, and pantry essentials. The duo, both James Beard Award semifinalists and owners of Larder Delicatessen & Bakery (housed in a repurposed firehouse on West 29th Street in Hingetown), planned Larder Supply as a 500-square-foot storefront just across the street at 1430 W. 29th Street.
However, the plan to open a full kitchen shop hit roadblocks tied to politics. Initial funding hurdles arose with the Small Business Administration, and subsequent tariffs during the Trump administration further strained costs. “Our hopes and dreams of bringing in Japanese knives and German cookware are gone,” Umansky said. “We haven’t been able to import those items, and we couldn’t price them so that customers could afford them.”
Facing these challenges, Umansky began reimagining the store’s opening strategy. The revised plan centers on a lean initial inventory of reclaimed kitchen tools paired with a strong emphasis on education and events, with the inventory expanding over time.
Larder Supply’s inaugural event will be knife sharpening on Sunday, December 14, from noon to 6 p.m. Umansky will personally sharpen knives brought in by attendees, at a rate of $7 per knife.
A knife skills class is planned for Sunday, December 28, from 2 to 3 p.m., with gift certificates available for purchase.
“We want home cooks to feel prepared for the holidays,” Umansky noted. “We’re near Ohio City Provisions and the West Side Market—come sharpen your knives and pick up ingredients in one stop.”
Knives will be sharpened using a belt sander during these events.
For those with high-end tools—such as a $500 Japanese knife—Umansky recommends learning maintenance techniques, including whetstone use. He acknowledged that some purists view mechanized belt sharpeners as too aggressive, highlighting the Japanese tradition of cultivating a mindful, almost meditative, bond with the tool through careful whetstone work.
During event periods, Larder Supply will operate with a limited, event-based shopping window until the inventory grows. “We have a modest selection right now, but we’re optimistic that by spring we’ll be offering more typical storefront hours,” Umansky said.
In addition to selling gear, Umansky is storing his personal culinary library in the space to support research. He plans to offer chef consultations drawing on those resources and his experience.
“We’re aiming to create a home for gastronomy,” Umansky said. “The Larder Supply Company team will be composed of chefs, and people can drop in to talk about food when we’re open.”
Paris Wolfe is a dining, drinking, and culture reporter for Cleveland.com | The Plain Dealer, focusing on the region’s food, dining, spirits, and cocktails scene.
