Viking Cookware

A Feast for the Senses

21.02.11

From its genesis as a small German delicatessen in San Francisco, Draeger's has grown to become one of the most successful and most revered food stores in the Bay Area. In fact, the history of the store and its subsequent success is the stuff American dreams are made of.

Richard Draeger is third-generation scion of what still is a family-owned business. The flagship store is in San Mateo, a short drive south of San Francisco. Charming and friendly, with an infectious enthusiasm for his work, Richard shows off his store with obvious pride before excusing himself and heading off for a day's work.

His official title is vice president and treasurer, but in reality, Richard's job encompasses much more. He handles the various real-estate deals and overall operations of the company. He was the one who brought in the housewares department and the cooking school. It's apparent that he is knowledgeable about the company's background and intent on carrying on his grandfather's legacy, even pointing with pride to the fact that 85 years later, they still are using his great-grandmother's German potato salad recipe.

Source: Gourmet Retailer