One-Handed Grapefruit Spoons
I know I’m a bit off-season with this, as it will still be a couple of months for grapefruits to come back around. But, it’s not too early to think about them—or the discriminatory silverware policy in place at Williams-Sonoma.
Williams-Sonoma makes perhaps the best grapefruit spoon I have ever used. My father and sister, on the other hand, will never be able to use it because for some inexplicable reason, Williams-Sonoma has toothed this spoon on only one side. As a result, southpaws cannot use this spoon without putting themselves through considerable contortions.
I first contacted Williams-Sonoma about this matter in 2005, at which time I noted in my letter to them that their 2004 annual report lamented, “we may not be able to reposition existing brands to improve business” (33). I pointed out to them that a simple re-toothing of the spoon so that both sides are serrated could increase their potential market for that particular product considerably. I never heard back.
Two years later, the spoons are still the same. Narrow and well-proportioned to get every piece of the grapefruit section out, but only if you are right handed. Their 2007 annual report declares, “Our success depends, in large part, upon our ability to anticipate and respond in a timely manner to… customer demands” (10). Well, if you’re a lefty who likes grapefruits or are friend or family to someone who fits that description, let them know that as a customer, you demand citrus equality! Write W. Howard Lester, Chairman of the Board & CEO; and Laura J. Abler, President at Williams-Sonoma, 3520 Van Ness Avenue, San Fransisco, CA 94109.
September 26th, 2007 at 5:47 am
That’s hilarious. And, of course, a terrible injustice… I’d be happy to post it up for our friends out here on the left coast if you’re down with it. BTW, I used my cloth napkin for the first time the other day, and wanted to say thanks again for that. The paper towels are starting to get nervous!
September 26th, 2007 at 8:10 am
I’m imagining an employee at Williams-Sonoma HQ reading your letter.
“Hey, Jennifer, get a load of this letter. This guy thinks we should make left handed spoons.”
The workers both break into laughter.
I didn’t laugh at your idea though, it was them.
September 26th, 2007 at 2:03 pm
Someone interpreted the description “this spoon should be the right way to eat a grapefruit” a little too literally.
September 26th, 2007 at 7:12 pm
As the parent of a developing southpaw I appreciate the gross injustice.
I think the solution may be to boycott $4 single-tasking spoons, and do what my mom did — loosen the grapefruit with kitchen shears and serve it with a regular spoon.
Take that, Williams-Sonoma!
September 28th, 2007 at 10:38 pm
What makes this spoon so great? I’m perfectly happy using the non-biased grapefruit spoons out there!
December 24th, 2007 at 5:43 pm
I just bought your grapefruit spoon and since I am left-handed, it does not work for me. Guess I will have to take it back. Too bad!
If Williams-Sonoma won’t accommodate us lefties, who else will? I am very disappointed with your attitude. Many years ago on a trip to Chicago I purchased a nice grapefruit spoon with serrated edges on both sides at a Crate and Barrel. However, that one got lost in the shuffle. So now I’ll have to make due with a regular spoon. Not a happy situation.
Any chance, you could make a lot of lefties happy and find a distributor who makes these little spoons with BOTH sides serrated? We would once again think highly of Williams-Sonoma!