Some buildings seem to breathe a life all their own. On a triangle of land off of Westport Road, The Helen Thomes School of Dance opened in 1922, and visitors today to 115 Westport Road still fondly recall their time spent there.

After the dance studio closed, it became the home of the Local Electrical Worker’s Union until 1972 when John Perucca and his wife Connie Pryde Perucca fell in love with the building and moved their Wood and Iron store from down the street into the building in the middle of a triangle.

Visiting Pryde’s Old Westport today is somewhat like venturing into someone’s warm and welcoming home (albeit a 10,000 square foot, very crowded one). The staff offers tea and coffee samples for customers to sip on while browsing the store. Often local vendors will be offering samples of their baked goods or crackers and dips.

“If we don’t have it, you don’t need it.” is just one of many sayings you may hear at Pryde’s Old Westport Kitchen and Home according to Louise Meyers, the current owner and caretaker.

Pryde’s carries a staggering array of tabletop, cookware, bakeware, glassware, linens and kitchen gadgets. From floor to ceiling on two floors, the nearly 100 year old building is chock full of beautiful and unique kitchen and home products.

“Architectural Digest called us ‘The Hardware Store for Cooks.’” said Meyers.

In addition to the extensive collections of Denby, Fiesta ware and Portmeirion, Meyers also offers many locally made products.

“Forever Herbs makes wonderful sauces, and we carry locally made cutting boards and wooden bread boxes by Bob Deland, hand thrown pottery by local artist Elle Biggerstaff, we have two ladies that make hand knitted potholders for us, and another older lady who makes hand towels with dainty little crochet tops.” said Meyers.

Pryde’s also carries Olde Westport Spice Company and Creative Candles products which are made in Kansas City. The outdoor terrace features pot racks, custom Swedish iron pot racks made exclusively by a farmer in Tonganoxie, Kansas, garden decorations as well as a diverse selection of planters and containers.

Midwest Living magazine’s September edition called Pryde’s a “Must See” destination for Kansas City visitors.

Pryde’s Old Westport began by selling Wood for butcher block tables and iron wares like kettles and planters. Louise Meyers, daughter of John and Connie, purchased the store from her dad in 2001 and continues their labor of love.

“Over the years the store has slowly evolved into a kitchen and gourmet store” said Meyers.

When asked how the economic downturn has affected her business, Meyers replied that she has not seen any slowdown in her sales as yet, but is aware that retail fortunes can change quickly

“We try to give people a great selection in different price ranges,” Meyers explained. “Everybody is griping about the economy, but I am selling affordable, fun and nurturing products. I think people are striving to cook more at home, to entertain at home - and not spending money eating out.”

“It’s just an empty vessel eating out –and then you have a $60 charge on your credit card and nothing to show for it,” continued Meyers

“Everyone that works at Pryde’s loves to cook.” asserted Meyers.

Three years ago, Meyers added the Upper Crust Pie Shop to the lower level. The pie shop is open from 10-6 Fridays and Saturdays and you can purchase whole pies and baked goods, or relax at one of the café tables and have tea or coffee and indulge in Banana Cookies with Burnt Sugar Frosting or Giant Macaroons.

“You have to constantly reinvest in the business, constantly replenish stock, I don’t take a lot out of the business, I put it back in. I am always thinking of fun and new things. It has so little to do with money, it’s such a family place. It’s always been a labor of love.” said Meyers.

All six of Meyers’ children, ranging from almost 19 to a new baby, have grown up in the store.

Along the stair wall leading to the upper floor, there is a tribute of photographs of Mary Thomes and her dance school from the 1920’s. Meyers daughter Elizabeth is now a student apprentice with the Kansas City Ballet, maybe some of Mary Thomes Dance School magic had something to do with that.

816-531-5588

www.Prydeskitchen.com