The Spa City Welcomes a New Addition to Its Shopping District
SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Spa City has added another store to its historic downtown shopping district.
The Savory Pantry, a food and gift product store, is nestled among the boutiques and quaint shops at 486 Broadway and is open for business.
The shop features a variety of food-related items, gourmet gifts and pantry items, hand selected by the staff.
“We look for product that is made by small producers,” said Tina Kehoe Cheeks, chief operations officer of The Savory Pantry. “We know their story and we enjoy the products ourselves. Then we’re able to take the products and put it into gifts that people would be proud to give.”
Gift baskets don’t have to stay local, either. With The Savory Pantry’s mail-order system, customers are able to have gift baskets personalized and shipped anywhere in the country.
The Savory Pantry also prides itself on knowing where every item in the store came from and makes sure customers know as well.
“We think it’s very important to tell the stories of the people who produce the foods,” said Keeley Ardman DeSalvo, president and chief executive officer of The Savory Pantry. “It’s what they do. It’s their life work and so many people don’t know that. We’re trying to help those people bring their product to market.”
Customers can find everything from jams, hand-crafted pastas, specialty vinegars, olive oil, snack foods, chocolates, and more.
“It’s important for people to know what they’re eating and what they’re getting and why there’s a difference between artisan foods and those that are mass-produced,” said DeSalvo. “People are more conscious of what they’re eating.”
DeSalvo started The Savory Pantry 16 years ago in her home state of Arkansas and moved to Saratoga with her husband about eight years ago. The Savory Pantry opened its doors in mid-July, 1,400 miles away from its original location.
DeSalvo and Cheeks also have a blog called “Taste. Savor. Share.” where they share recipes, tips on how to use products in multiple ways, and general food knowledge.
“You can’t be afraid to be creative in the kitchen,” said DeSalvo. “We have unique recipes, great photography, easy tips for entertaining, that kind of thing on the blog. We also give shout outs to local restaurants we’ve enjoyed.”
As for their personal favorite items, DeSalvo says she enjoys chutney and wine jellies while Cheeks’ current obsession is with their pesto and strawberry chipotle jam.
Visit The Savory Pantry’s blog at www.SavoryPantryBlog.com