Sur La Table Expands with Seattle Coffee Gear Acquisition
March 23 - 2025
Coffee Geography Magazine
Sur La Table, a leading specialty retailer of cookware, kitchen electrics, and bakeware, has announced the acquisition of Seattle Coffee Gear, a Washington state-based retailer specializing in coffee equipment. The acquisition, structured as an asset purchase, marks an exciting step for both companies as they combine their expertise to serve culinary and coffee enthusiasts nationwide.
Founded in 2005, Seattle Coffee Gear has built a strong reputation for helping customers create coffee they love. The company offers a curated selection of high-quality coffee equipment, backed by a team of knowledgeable experts and in-house servicing capabilities. This focus on quality and customer support has made Seattle Coffee Gear a trusted name in the specialty coffee community.
Jordan Voloshin, CEO of Sur La Table
"We’ve long admired Seattle Coffee Gear’s exceptional reputation and deep expertise in the specialty coffee category," said Jordan Voloshin, CEO of Sur La Table. "This acquisition allows us to expand our offerings and connect with the passionate coffee community in innovative ways. Together, we’ll elevate the shopping experience for our customers while providing Seattle Coffee Gear’s loyal consumers with enhanced national retail access."
For existing Seattle Coffee Gear customers, the transition will be seamless. They can continue to expect the same high level of service, expert guidance, and product quality they’ve come to rely on, now supported by Sur La Table’s extensive retail presence and culinary expertise.
Sur La Table was founded in 1972 by Shirley Collins, who opened the company’s first retail location in Seattle’s iconic Pike Place Market. Under Collins’ leadership, the brand quickly became known for its commitment to quality and collaboration with the world’s top chefs and kitchen brands. In 1995, Collins sold the company, but her vision of providing trusted tools for creating delicious memories continues to drive the brand today.
In 2005, Kathy Tierney took the helm as CEO and spearheaded an expansion strategy that positioned Sur La Table as a leader in the specialty cookware market. The company focused on opening stores in lifestyle centers, malls, and urban streets, often anchored by upscale or organic grocery stores. This approach helped Sur La Table grow into the second-largest specialty cookware retailer in the United States, trailing only Williams Sonoma.
Today, Sur La Table operates 184 stores across 32 states and offers its products online and through catalogs. The company’s resident chefs teach over 60,000 cooking classes annually, both in-person and online, reaching more than 700,000 people. Cooking classes are available in over 80 stores, making Sur La Table a destination for culinary education and inspiration.
The acquisition of Seattle Coffee Gear aligns with Sur La Table’s mission to inspire and equip customers to explore their culinary passions. By integrating Seattle Coffee Gear’s expertise in coffee equipment and service, Sur La Table is poised to offer an even more comprehensive and elevated experience for its customers.