Wonder Women

Women Owned Businesses We Love~ 

Mauviel: Valerie Gilbert, seventh generation operator 

Valerie Gilbert is the 7th generation of Mauviel to run the family business. She’s got that spectacular je ne sais quoi, and her her company produces some of the best cookware — not just in France — in the world!

Mauviel produces the very best copper and stainless steel cookware made in France. We love the traditional design combined with world-class cooking quality that have made this cookware the most beloved by French chefs throughout the world.

In our assortment, we covet the M'Heritage line of copper for its beauty and revved-up performance. The M'Cook stainless steel line is a steady rock star performer with its 5-ply construction. The M'Steel (carbon steel) is perfect for those looking to quickly up their cooking game and a perfect choice for crêpes!

Hedley & Bennett: Ellen Bennett, founder

We love Hedley & Bennet for the color, quality, and durability in some of the country's busiest restaurant kitchens.

Serious Jam: Heidi Skoog, founder

Heidi creates the best jams anywhere. Beautiful fruits made into creative renditions of old favorites and them some~

After nearly two decades as an award-winning florist, she swapped blooms for an apron to pursue her passion for food. A self-taught jam-maker, Heidi combines traditional methods and a flair for experimenting with flavor combinations and unusual ingredients. The result is a well-balanced, vibrant preserve that has a lot of love and story in every jar. Unexpected flavor combinations, such as Salted Strawberry Jam, Chai Spiced Pear Butter, and Blood Orange Whiskey Marmalade have put Serious Jam on the culinary map.

In addition to being serious about jam, Heidi is equally committed to teaching others to preserve the harvest, using food and herbs to heal, and testing her theories of kitchen-witchery on her super swell husband Kern and their eager friends. Heidi and Kern can often be found slinging jam at farmer’s markets together. They live in Scandia, MN


Our Muse~

It was on historic Grand Avenue in St. Paul, Minnesota, when a culinary revolution quietly began in 1973. It was ignited by two sisters, Martha Kaemmer and Mary Rice, who saw the potential for something extraordinary in a modest a small storefront. Little did they know, they were laying the foundation for a legacy that would inspire and empower countless food enthusiasts for decades to come.

Fast forward to today, as we celebrate International Women's Day, it's essential to reflect on the remarkable contributions of women like Martha. A visionary who not only paved the way for future generations but her legacy continues to guide our current path..

At Cooks | Bellecour, the spirit of innovation and inclusivity burns bright, thanks to the leadership and dedication of talented women who grace our teams. From our bakery to our cooking schools and retail stores,, women are not just part of the equation, they are at the forefront, driving our vision forward with passion, creativity and leadership.

Martha's legacy lives on in every aspect of our business. Her unwavering commitment to culinary quality and her spirit continue to inspire us daily. As we raise our glasses in tribute to her, we also recognize the countless other women who have played pivotal roles in shaping our journey.

With three locations and an online presence, Cooks | Bellecour is as much a culinary destination as it is a testament to the power and voices of talented women. We’re proud to employ many gifted team members, with women occupying key leadership positions across the board.

Today, as we celebrate the achievements of women around the world, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting and uplifting each other. Together, we continue to inspire, innovate, lead and create positive change, in the kitchen and beyond. We invite you to join us on our journey of culinary exploration and celebration. Because, as we've always believed, life truly happens in the kitchen~