Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
Kokopelli's Kitchen has been in business since 1995.
What is your primary product or service?
Kokopelli's Kitchen carries a product line of specialty foods that are influenced by the varied and diverse cultures of the Southwest. All foods in our product line are made in Arizona and are beautifully packaged. Our Southwest gourmet foods are free of additives & preservatives.
We also offer hard-to-find Southwest specialty foods such as: mesquite meal, New Mexico chile powder, sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, diced jalapenos, posole and blue cornmeal.
Our products are popular among folks in need of a unique southwest gift for their special event in Arizona! Edibles are a great way to welcome guests to your special events such as weddings & family reunions, conventions and corporate events such as conferences.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
All of our products have been and are still being developed by Carol Cunkle. Carol and her husband James authored Kokopelli's Cookbook, as a direct result of their years of research into the traditions of the Southwest prehistoric peoples, as well as the Spanish and White Settlers.
Cheryl Joseph purchased the company in 2000 so that the Cunkles would be able to move to Ohio to be with their children and grandchildren. Carol maintains responsibility for creation of new company products.
I (Cheryl) had just returned from spending 5 years working in Warsaw (alot of people thought I was a bit crazy for going out there at that time). When I arrived back in the States, I had a true appreciation of our democracy and wanted to take advantage of it.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
Now you can send a wonderful gift package from KokopelliGram, so everyone may enjoy the legends, tastes, and the fascinating appeal of Kokopelli.
Our story began many years ago in the area that is now the Southwestern United States. Kokopelli was a man who lived in this land, often pictured in petroglyphs and other drawings and art of the time. He is sometimes shown with a large sack carried on his back. This might be full of seeds, herbs, foods, and gifts of all types that he brought to his neighbors as he traveled. He is a teller of stories, a singer of songs, a flute player, and a gourmet chef (circa 2000 years ago or so). His recipes and preparations have survived to this time through the indigenous peoples that have inhabited the Southwest.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
One location in Phoenix, though we are sold throughout the state. We are also accessible through our website: www.KokopellisKitchen.com
Provide detailed directions to your location
Our address is 9116 N. Cave Creek Road in Phoenix. It's located at the very start (or end) of Cave Creek Road....just east of a 3-point intersection of Dunlap, 7th Street and Cave Creek Road.
What type of payments do you accept?
Cash
Check
MasterCard
Visa
American Express
Discover
Which areas do you service?
Primarily throughout the country, though we have shipped worldwide.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
Owner: Cheryl Joseph
Shipping Manager: Carrie Nelson
What are your hours of operation?
The shop is open Monday through Friday, 9am till 5pm.
The website (www.KokopellisKitchen.com) is open 24/7!
Contact Kokopelli's Kitchen:
