Retail Finesse
For a chef who has made his mark transforming American dining with tremendously high standards and a string of exceptional awards, Finesse feels like an extremely safe bet.
The small store in Yountville sells primarily Keller-branded goods and is the perfect spot for any enthusiast who's interested in an array of hand-selected kitchen tools, apparel, gifts and accessories. Wooden spoons sell for $8. A silver clothespin keepsake, modeled after the the iconic wooden version, for $100. And, in addition to practical logo merchandise, there's the extravagant high-end collaborations: a Thomas Keller Limited Edition MAC Knife Set with etched signatures in laser-etched logo box for $900, feel like suitable extensions for the brand.
Without the endorsements from the TKRG restaurant world, the space would naturally feel a little flat. Thankfully, the organized merchandise, streamlined presentations, and specific aesthetics provide enough differentiation and individuality to keep our interest.