Larder Supply Co. opens in Cleveland to sharpen knives and host more events
CLEVELAND, Ohio — When chefs Jeremy Umansky and Allie La Valle unveiled Larder Supply in spring 2024, their vision was a culinary shop that sold gently used kitchen equipment, cookware, servingware, and books, with pantry items as part of the offering. The married duo, both James Beard Award semifinalists, also run Larder Delicatessen & Bakery (https://larderdb.com/) in a repurposed firehouse on West 29th Street in the Hingetown area. Across the street, their new venture—Larder Supply— occupies a compact 500-square-foot space at 1430 W. 29th Street.
Originally, the plan was to create a kitchen shop that paired pre-loved gear with professional-grade items. However, political headwinds slowed progress. Initial funding hurdles arose with the Small Business Administration, and later, tariffs from the Trump administration further complicated imports.
“Our hopes and dreams of bringing in Japanese knives and German cookware are gone,” Umansky explained. “We couldn’t import those items, and the prices wouldn’t be affordable for our customers.”
Reimagining the timeline, Umansky is shifting the focus toward education and events while gradually growing the shop’s inventory. “We’ll expand our stock over time,” he notes.
Larder Supply’s inaugural event features knife sharpening from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 14. During this window, Umansky will sharpen knives brought in by attendees, at a rate of $7 per knife.
A follow-up offering is a knife skills class scheduled from 2 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 28. Gift certificates will be available for the classes.
“I’d like to help home cooks get ready for the holidays,” Umansky said. “We’re located near Ohio City Provisions and the West Side Market. People can sharpen their blades and pick up the ingredients they need in one trip.”
Knives will be honed on a belt-style sharpener. Umansky added that for premium tools—such as a $500 Japanese knife—care and technique matter. He suggested using a whetstone for proper maintenance.
“For some, belt sharpeners feel too aggressive,” he observed. “In the Japanese tradition, developing a quiet, almost spiritual relationship with the tool is part of the process. Sit with the whetstone, and it becomes a meditative ritual.”
During event hours, Larder Supply will briefly open for shopping its limited inventory. Regular shopping hours will return as inventory expands.
“We have a modest selection right now,” Umansky acknowledged. “If all goes well, we expect to operate with more typical hours by spring.”
Beyond gear, Umansky plans to keep a personal culinary library in the shop for research and to offer consulting sessions for chefs, drawing on his own experience.
“We’re aiming to create a home for gastronomy,” Umansky stated. “The Larder Supply Company team will consist of chefs who welcome visitors to talk food during open hours.”
Paris Wolfe is a dining, culture, and spirits reporter for Cleveland.com | The Plain Dealer, with a focus on the region’s food scene. She has three decades of reporting experience across cuisine, drinks, and culture.
