When doors first opened in July on Van Dorn Gourmets in Magnolia Park, owner Brian Van Dorn saw a long-held dream become reality.
“Since moving to Burbank over 15 years ago, I knew I wanted to open a business in Magnolia Park,” he commented. “After selling my spice blends at food shows, farmers markets and festivals for years, I knew that a brick and mortar store was naturally the next step. So, when a space became available on Magnolia Boulevard, I decided to go for it.”
While Van Dorn’s custom-mixed spice blends and olive oils have been available for purchase for years through the company website, the shop allows Van Dorn to also stock kitchenware and knives and bring in a wider range of products.
After creating a buzz at recent Ladies Night Out events in Magnolia Park, the shop has continued to grow an interested following.
“We’ve had a lot of good feedback from the tastings we held at Ladies Night Out with return customers visiting the shop,” added Van Dorn.
The shop continues to slowly expand, with plans to add locally-produced specialties like jams, pickles and crackers to the items for sale. Van Dorn Gourmets is also the only Los Angeles distributor of Ergo Chef specialty kitchen knives.
Van Dorn’s most popular spice mixes are the Santa Maria seasoning, which goes really well with everything from vegetables to meat to fish, he said. The Key West seasoning, with its flavors of garlic and dill, is designed for seafood, but is another popular all-purpose seasoning.
The shop also stocks small packets of a variety of salts and seasonings, from the eclectic to the commonplace, including pink Himalayan salt, black salt, gray salt, various kinds of pepper and a large collection of herbs.
Van Dorn Gourmets is located at 3212 W. Magnolia Boulevard, between California and Ontario Streets. Open Tuesday through Saturday, more information on new products and special items can be found on the shop’s Facebook page as well.
