At 26 South Third Avenue in Sturgeon Bay is Door County Cutting Board Co. The store-- historically known as Cutting Boards and More-- is not only in a new space but its enhanced store signage honors a rich tradition of handmade cutting boards and deep local roots. There is pride in making nationally recognized products in Door County, according to owners Rose Miranda and Rick Odea.

The refresh solidifies the company's commitment to represent one-of-a-kind artistry in a diverse Door County marketplace, and the couple's resilience to stand the test of time as a place “where every day is a Fine Art Fair!”

As an outlet for some of the finest kitchen wood products in the country. Miranda and husband Rick Odea’s stunning wood products and business Richard Rose Culinary represents their commitment to business success together.

Odea’s handcrafted end-grain cutting boards, butcher block tables, charcuterie boards, utensils and other custom pieces are the culmination of a passion that is rooted in three generations of woodworking.

“My grandfather worked at a wooden box company, and I followed my dad around,” said Odea, who mixed his budding woodworking skills with a passion for music. “I’m a drummer,” he added with a smile.

But Odea explains the path that has led the couple to the quaint little downtown store that is an outlet for his workshop is always away from Arizona, where Odea started his odyssey in 2002 by purchasing Ozark West.

“The previous owner had a relationship with Food Network,” he said. “The ‘foodie’ movement was just starting to develop, and our company couldn't have timed it any better,” he said. “Our solid Cherry and Walnut End-Grain Cutting Boards were spotted at Dean and DeLuca's in New York City by a set designer/producer for Food Network. They were ‘fresh’ and very different from the status quo maple cutting boards that were being used. Under the lights of the studios set, the background of the Walnut End Grain made the food 'pop' on TV.”

Over the past two decades, Odea’s cutting boards have collectively appeared in many Food Network and The Cooking Channel cooking shows. It has generated “fan mail” from the likes of Giada De Laurentiis and an order in 2021 had Odea pressed to produce dozens of striking wooden spoons for an Emeril Lagasse event.

But as successful as Odea was as his Ozark West product rode the budding “foodie” wave, the recession of 2008 hit, and Odea realized for the first time how economic downturns can affect the food-related industry and those businesses reliant on it. Coming off divorce, Odea admits he struggled to get his business back off the ground.

“Business just wasn’t happening,” he admitted. But then, as fate would have it, Odea met Miranda. Both were living in Tucson, and during a trip to Wisconsin for an Odea family wedding, Richard Rose Culinary started to take form.

Food Network celebrity chef Guy Fieri working on a Richard Rose cutting board. Contributed photo.

“She had the vision,” said Odea, motioning towards his wife. The couple relocated to Manitowoc, but Miranda saw the potential Door County offered in expanding the business beyond Odea’s restaurant- based clients. A retail shop could tap the county’s tourism draw and provide online business.

Her vision was right on; Miranda’s vision for the Richard Rose brand allowed the couple to withstand a second and possibly even more severe economic hardship when the pandemic hit the restaurant industry.

While Odea saw some of his custom restaurant orders dry up, the internet and the store helped fill the gap. Then, Miranda shared three critical parts to the business. As much as Odea’s work is the centerpiece to the Cutting Boards and More inventory, Miranda takes equal pride in the work of other Door County artisans. It provides shoppers a cross-section of the Peninsula’s diverse creative talents from pottery and some of the county’s most well-known food brands. Today, artisans recovering and upcycling ash wood as well as epoxy creations in their new store.

Still, cutting boards are the signature item in the Richard Rose collection, and end-grain quality is unlike any other chopping block.

“End-grain cutting boards are the finest wood surface to cut or chop on,” said Odea. “As your knife passes over the end grain, the knife does not sever the wood fiber and the end grain self-heals. Consequently, the boards show minimal cut marks and keep your knives sharper longer.”

Richard Rose also features specialized cutting boards in the store and online for charcuterie, bread, cheese, meat and pizza, in addition to a wide assortment of wooden utensils. Custom island tops are one Odea’s particular favorites, and also proving popular is the classic butcher block table, which can be customized for any size kitchen. 

One of Odea’s most creative designs are the Stovetop Covers.

“FoodNetwork requested a cover for Giada De Laurentiis’ kitchen stove made out of face grain maple," Odea explains. "We took that idea and continued to develop the cover with end grain, front handles, side handles and juice grooves.”

The covers resemble the end-grain cutting boards and can be custom-made to cover the desired area of a gas stove.

Whether it’s the stunning custom work that accents a new kitchen or restaurant or a piece that sets off the work of a high-profile television chef, Odea seems as comfortable today sitting at the back of the Cutting Boards and More store.
 

Fish shaped Cutting Board

Amazing "Fish" Cutting/Charcuterie Board! Perfect for the summer....perfect for those who love fishing!