Kensington's Adams Avenue just got a splash of color and flavor. The trendy corridor welcomed a unique pairing – Home Ec Store, a beloved purveyor of specialty pantry items, has teamed up with Best Bud, a creative floral design studio, to open a combined storefront at 4153 Adams Ave.
Previously headquartered in a James Coffee Co. warehouse in Little Italy, Home Ec has grown from its humble beginnings, fostering a dedicated following thanks to its gourmet goods and support for food startups. According to an article by Eater San Diego, owner Carynn Pinckney chose the Kensington scene for its more prominent space, which now also includes an expanded selection of cookbooks, kitchen tools, and gifts. On the inventory, shoppers will find local favorites like Karachi chili crisps and shrubs from Cool Hand Co., articulating a commitment to showcasing San Diego's very own.
Despite a burgeoning product line, Pickney isn't forgetting her baked roots. "The Kensington space will continue to be a pick-up location for other area businesses like Companion Bread, Relic Bageri, and grains grower Farmer Mai," she told Eater San Diego. This strategic alliance cements the store's reputation as a retail hub and a lifeline for local suppliers to reach their community.
Meanwhile, Best Bud, the horticultural half of the enterprise, is blossoming under the care of Kathleen Dore, a Native Poppy alum. Offering whimsical arrangements for weddings, events, and those seeking everyday beauty, Dore is set to encourage the space with nature's artistry, a fresh complement to Home Ec's edible offerings. "People were loving the flowers & all the goodies the store had to offer," a beaming post from libresphoto on Instagram proclaimed in celebration of the store's grand opening on Small Business Saturday.
