A New Chapter at Kitchen Collage

For nearly 30 years, Kitchen Collage in Riverwalk at Edwards has been the Valley’s prime culinary destination — a retail space with both the cook and gift-giver in mind. In early 2026, longtime locals Gabe and Jesse Starr became the store’s newest owners and operators, introducing fresh offerings while preserving its history. 

Jesse, whom you may recognize from his photography business Two Elk Studios, comes from a family integrated into the kitchen and restaurant industry. Since he was 15 years old, he has always kept one foot in the door in retail. He is proud to consider himself the next steward of Kitchen Collage, where he can not only connect people with products but also inspire others to connect with one another in the kitchen. 

“Gabe and I love entertaining and having people over around a meal,” Jesse shares. “We are in an area where community is so important. It is a place where friends become your family. Having those culinary experiences, dining experiences, eating experiences with your friends who become your family helps you stay here long term.”

Photos by Charles Townsend

An Updated Destination for Gourmet Offerings 

When you open the door to Kitchen Collage you will find the beautiful, timeless treasures that have sparked joy and inspiration for decades. But you will also find updates sprinkled around the space that serve both the second-home owners, year-round locals and visitors. Jesse wants Kitchen Collage to be a store where anyone can enhance their cooking, entertaining and gift-giving experiences. 

“I want to adapt the store to the different demographics in the Valley,” Jesse says. “Bringing in new and fun, different products helps with that and listening to customers. We are always considering which things make sense to bring in, and we are going to kitchen trade shows to see what’s next.” 

The Starrs are stocking the shelves with high-quality coffees, coffee makers, teas, tea tools, mocktail drink mixes and gourmet foods and candies. These everyday indulgences are sourced both locally — from Colorado and mountain town businesses — and globally, including Sweden and beyond. The Starrs are also bringing back in-store tastings, where customers can sip and sample while they browse. 

As a mom-and-pop shop — and proud parents — Gabe and Jesse are working to integrate kids into the Kitchen Collage experience. Keep an eye out for a “Junior’s Chef Corner” and products designed to encourage parents to bring their little ones into the kitchen, including age-appropriate, creative utensils that spark creativity and a love of cooking for the whole family. 

An Inspiring Events Space 

Kitchen Collage is also set to double as a community events space. Jesse says he wants the store to not just be a place to purchase tools but also be a resource for getting the most out of your products. 

“My goal is to have regular events that revolve around food and entertainment,” Jesse adds. “Pasta making classes, knife skills classes, centerpiece arranging, care and use classes for your cookware. For example, how to not have an egg stick on your pan … I am working to enhance the fun energy in a place like this. A place that is fun to spend time.” 

Gabe and Jesse invite community members to welcome Kitchen Collage as a place to chat about your entertaining and cooking goals. When asked what they hope people find at Kitchen Collage, Jesse responds: “That feeling of seeing that cool kitchen gadget that makes them want to try a new recipe. Or that beautiful Dutch oven that they want to use to cook a meal for friends. Or those glasses that serve a perfect cocktail or a bottle of wine they have been saving.”