Function Junction closes its Crown Center brick-and-mortar, celebrating 47 years of service with a fire sale

Photo by Brenda Cox

Beloved Kansas City kitchenware business, Function Junction, will be closing its Crown Center location permanently on June 30, 2024. After 47 years in business, the store will have an “End of an Era” sale on all products. Various kitchen tools, barbecue tools, bakeware, and more will be marked down from 20-70%, starting May 22 and ending June 30, or while supplies last. 

As co-owners of Function Junction, Mary Merola and her wife Rebecca hold a bittersweet taste in their mouths as they say goodbye to what they once knew, and look forward to the road that lies ahead. “These decades were more than introducing the newest, most innovative kitchen tools and cookware. It has been a privilege to forge friendships and long-term relationships with customers. I know many by name, and we share memories each time we meet.”

Photo by Brenda Cox

The “Kitchen Queen” bonded with customers and employees with cooking demonstrations alongside her vast knowledge of the next big thing in culinary products. “Writing for Function Junction was a highlight of my career,” says Katie Van Luchene, an award-winning writer who worked as a copywriter for Function Junction in its early days. “Mary’s love for cooking, baking, and entertaining was at the heart of everything we did.”

The company has grown tremendously over the years, with stores in St. Louis, Omaha, Wichita, and other cities across the Midwest. “I have been very fortunate to share my dream of owning and growing a gourmet housewares store here in Kansas City,” Merola says. “Over 2500 people have worked for Function Junction in our 17 locations over the past 47 years.  I am grateful to them for investing their time and talents to achieve our success.”