Function Junction Hosts Grand Opening at Crown Center on Saturday, November 14

Expanded Location Features State-of-the-Art Viking Demonstration Kitchen; Free Gifts to Customers While Supplies Last and Drawings for Free Products Every Hour; Product Demonstrations Throughout the Day

Function Junction, a local, independent retailer offering innovative items, housewares and home furnishings since 1977, is re-launching with an expanded, newly designed space and additional product offerings at its flagship location within Crown Center.

The 32-year old company recently acquired additional space next to its existing location on the third floor in Crown Center, effectively doubling its footprint to make room for additional product lines, special events and a state-of-the-art Viking demonstration kitchen, which serves as a centerpiece attraction.

The kitchen, which features dual cook tops (radiant and magnetic induction), double convection ovens, steam oven, warming drawer, two dishwashers and a side-by-side refrigerator/freezer will be used to host vendor and chef demonstrations, cooking classes, special promotions and charitable events. The kitchen also gives store employees an opportunity to interact with customers, teaching them to use the products before making a purchase. The additional square footage has made room for a new line of kid-friendly products, laundry section, closet storage and organizational items, as well as expanded dinnerware, barware and cutlery. From the mid-range kitchen tools to the top-of-the-line small appliances, everything seen in the store is available for purchase at Function Junction.

"Function Junction was originally founded to instill 'kitchen confidence' for everyone from the amateur cook to the professional chef," said Mary Merola, founder and owner. "For more than three decades, we've offered the very best kitchen tools for a broad range of foodies and we have prided ourselves on providing advice and consultation. Our new demonstration kitchen enables us to go the next step, because now we have an opportunity to allow our customers to try and compare the latest kitchen tools before making a purchase. It is a unique and meaningful approach that we believe our customers will appreciate."

To celebrate the recent expansion and addition, Function Junction will host a grand opening event on Saturday, November 14. Beginning at 10am, the first 100 customers through the door will receive a free gift and additional prizes will be presented every hour. Product demonstrations will take place throughout the day and customers will enjoy special pricing on cookware, glassware, dinnerware, furniture and tools.

"We want our customers to feel at home in our store and walk out feeling confident about their kitchen skills," said Merola. "We hope the addition of the demonstration kitchen and expanded product offerings encourage everyone who eats to visit us more frequently and learn how to operate all the tools and gadgets they see in our store."

About Function Junction

Founded in 1977, Function Junction is a privately owned company that operates from its flagship location at Crown Center in Kansas City, Mo. Over the years, Function Junction has provided unique items for the home and has been recognized in local, national and international trade publications, and named among the "Ten best houseware stores in America" by Housewares Magazine and "Best managed companies in America" by Inc. Magazine.

Committed to improving the lives of those in the Kansas City community, Function Junction has formed partnerships with many local organizations including Harvesters, Gifted Hands, Human Rights Campaign, Back In the Swing, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Kansas City Women's Chorus, Sheffield Place and ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, among others.

www.functionjunction.com