Celebrating 15 years: Total Food Equipment
Sandra McLay knows all about the difference good quality kitchenware can make in a home, building a store–or legacy–that embodies this. This year, she’s raising her glass to 15 years in business.
“I can’t believe how fast the 15 years have gone, and the amount of things we have had to go through to get here. It really has been a journey,” says Sandra, owner of the kitchen and homewares haven Total Food Equipment.
The first Total Food Equipment store was lost in the Christchurch earthquakes, and relocations ensued until the beloved store returned to its rightful home on Moorhouse Avenue. “It’s been a long and winding road,” Sandra laughs. That true grit, determination, and loyalty is what you can still expect inside the store every day.
Growing up in a household that cherished cooking and baking, Sandra’s store became a place that would empower and provide families with the opportunity to continue making such moments. “We’re a small family business and sometimes we just can’t compete with the big boys and it will always be like that,” Sandra says, on the overwhelming amount of online retailers in the market.
The Total Food Equipment difference is a collection handpicked for quality and displayed beautifully, with advice and understanding to ensure you take home what you need–something you can’t get through a screen. “We have one lovely lady who flies down from Wellington with her daughters to come shopping.” For that satisfaction is why Sandra and her team are dedicated to the service they provide. “We go the extra mile,” she explains. “The day I don’t want to go to work is the day I have to get out. I’ve never had a day like that,” she confides. Sandra hasn’t had a sick day in 15 years – there is no greater testament to her devotion of the store.
“We keep up with the trends and offer people things they can enjoy using in the kitchen,” explaining how exciting it was when lockdowns forced a surge in cooking and baking, specifically bread. Each product in store is of extreme quality from ultimate kitchenware brands, often with the ability to be fixed. Consider it a one-time investment, instead of buying lower quality pieces and replacements every few months. From gorgeous decor to kitchen essentials and commercial kitchen ranges, every need is catered for.
Total Food Equipment carries massive ranges from reputable brands including Le Creuset, Maxwell & Williams, Vitamix, WMF, Dualit, Bialetti, Lodge, Kai Shun, and more. Whether it’s a housewarming or wedding gift, kitchen appliance upgrade, or something special for your home, you can trust the team to have what you need and all the knowledge to assist best.
What does Sandra hope the next 15 years bring? “Retirement,” she laughs, before sharing her enthusiasm for the comeback of bricks and mortar stores and in-person shopping experiences and connections. Park right outside at 218 Moorhouse Avenue and enjoy so many gorgeous things you won’t know where to look, plus complimentary gift wrapping and a fabulous loyalty program.
