I LOVE this shop! It's like the time-honored "General Store" some may remember. It's truly a charming store from the beautiful flowers outside the front door, to the back walls, to the 2nd room, including life-size cutouts of Travis & Taylor there to greet you! Everywhere I turned, around every corner there was something that caught my eye and interest, especially all the unique food items, many hand-crafted by well-known independent companies in the KC Metro area. And the most extensive variety of Stonewall Kitchen jams, jellies, and preserves of every sort! I swooned at the sight of Pink Grapefruit Marmalade...you just can't leave here empty handed! Gift-able items galore, sure to please, because you know YOU want them too! Kitchen and housewares, unique grocery items, games...an almost endless variety. It's just delightful place to shop and browse. And be sure to try the epic assortment of the locally produced Polly's Pop! read more

See all

I had visited this store a few years back and remembered it fondly as a cute store with neat kitchen nick nacks and delectable food items. However, while in the area I decided to stop by since I am in the midst of a kitchen remodel, and I did not like the vibe I received from the woman in the store. I do not believe that she was the proprietor but someone who seemed to have hawkish eyes and a bit of cynical skepticism about her. I do not present myself like the regular provincial type of women from these parts. I am cool and confident and humble (but not in that Mary Kay way, if you know what I mean). It seems that I didn't fit her particular vision of who she wanted in there. B.T.W, I was the only there and am not surprised if this is because others have felt the same. I almost was about to purchase something that I liked but decided that I could definitely find it elsewhere. read more

Once upon a time, I toyed with the idea of opening a housewares store. I traveled to major cities to stay with friends and check out great locally owned kitchen shops. I could have saved SO MUCH MONEY, if only I had just checked out Gilbert Whitney & Co. Visiting Independence may not be as exciting as a trip to NYC, but I was just as impressed by Gilbert Whitney as I was at some of the spots I visited in Manhattan and Brooklyn. It's split in half, with one side dedicated to gourmet foods, and the other housing all of the utensils, cookware and tools that you could need to whip up a serious dinner. In the back, there's an open kitchen that I can only presume is for classes and maybe small events? Each area was incredibly well merchandised, and I found a number of things I'd love to own. There's some stuff that's a little too frilly or country-kitchen for my taste, but I also noticed some great contemporary brands that I haven't seen anywhere in KC, and have had to buy online. I didn't look quite as closely at the food side, but the large, glorious cheese case is hard to miss. What a great store! I can't wait to come back. read more

See all

This is a unique, locally owned shop that carries a wide range of kitchen items as well as an interesting selection of specialty grocery items (cheeses, vinegars, salsas, meats). The store is open and bright with high ceilings and wood floors. The employees are very helpful and kind to customers. This place is a must-visit for any foodie or wannabe. It is filled to the ceiling with interesting kitchen products, a pantry of gourmet foods, and a cold case for meats and cheeses. read more

See all

Organized and fully stocked store for many needs, from foods to coffee equipment and cookware to drinks, this is like the most upscale Walmart around (I mean that in a good way, of course, no offense intended). Stuff is what they have and cute would be the only way to describe this shop. It can be quiet in there and a bit claustrophobic but it works, it really works well with the square. read more

See all

If you love to eat, as I do, you may also love stores that are all about food, as do I. In that case, I recommend a visit to Gilbert Whitney & Company at your earliest convenience. It's a fairly small space of two rooms on the corner across from the Courthouse on the Independence Square. But the owners have made every effort to fill each room with a super variety of food and food/cooking related items. I found cookbooks, pretty and practical aprons, wonderful cookware (including a beautiful -- and pricey -- Red enameled roaster that I wanted SOOOO BAD and would probably only use once or twice a year), a wonderful selection of Nordicware (made in the USA), and all sorts of fun, practical or whimsical items that are nearly irresistible. The second room is filled to brimming with condiments, spices, teas and coffees, baking mixes, jams and jellies, chutneys, syrups and so much more that you just need to go see for yourself. The day we visited, the staff was unloading a new shipment of cheeses that had just come in. Putting them into the chilled cheese case along side a really good selection of gourmet cheeses. Speaking of the staff: These ladies were friendly, knowledgeable and helpful and willing to answer any question. They made our shopping experience even more fun. I found unbreakable children's divided plates and bowls made in the USA from recycled plastic bottles that are perfect for my great-grandkids. I also found a lovely herb-infused olive oil, some very good veggie chips and a couple of fun stocking stuffers (so I can brag that I've started my Christmas shopping). Gilbert Whitney & Company is just the kind of locally owned store that I love to shop in. I know it will become a new favorite haunt of mine. Maybe I'll see you there. read more

Beautiful store on the historic Independence Square. Great collection of kitchen tools and super-knowledgeable staff. I was hesitant to purchase a low-priced mandoline as I'd had bad experiences in the past, but the manager was right and even offered to let me bring it back if I was not happy. They also offer fabulous classes - I learned how to make pie crust (finally). read more

They carry a LOT of stuff for such a small space, but well arranged and not crowded, pleasant staff. All kinds of quality items for your kitchen, necessities & novelties alike. Very high priced. Small deli area carries specialty cheeses and other goodies. read more

cute store in Independence on the square. they had all types of candles & chocolate & local coffees. They also sold great kitchen stuff & gadgets. I had a ball in there during the Chocolate Walk. read more

I learned about Gilbert Whitney & Co not because I live in Independence and should have realized there was a kitchen store on the square but because I received a Groupon opportunity for the store! I went to visit without my groupon in hand (the website was down that day and I couldnt print) and found out the store could not use my smartphone to process the Groupon. I decided to stay and check out the store and talked to the new manager for quite awhile. The store has good selection of specialty cooking & baking items, an ok selection of specialty food items, a small selection of cheeses, and offers classes on the weekends. I have recently been to other specialty kitchen stores in the area and found this one to be average in it's variety. I did return the next day and purchased items with my $25 Groupon. As with most specialty stores the prices are pretty high but I was able to find some things for my sons care package! read more

Gilbert Whitney & Company is a charming kitchen gift shop on the west side of the Independence Square. The store blends in nicely with the spirit of Old Independence. There, you will find many interesting and useful items pertaining to anything in the kitchen. It has an old-fashioned-store atmosphere with a modern, upscale twist. I've bought several items there in the past couple of years. I've found the staff to be more than helpful and friendly. A real tourist attraction to match the theme of the upcoming Santa Caligon activities. read more

This boutique shop of a kitchen store is just the place to relax and browse. I love to come in and grab a cup of coffee while I take in all the cute spices and gadgets. This is not a grocery store or a discount store! It is pricy; with the occasional exception of a good sale. This is more of a gift shop. It had wedding registry available. Sometimes cooking classes are offered. If you want to try something new. Stop in here and check what they have in stock. read more

This is a fun little kitchen shop, with everything you could possibly need for your kitchen! The gourmet food section is outstanding. I like the selection of local meats. read more