The Untold Story Of Barefoot Contessa Store In Hamptons NY: Why Ina Garten Closed Her Iconic Shop

For fans of Ina Garten, the name "Barefoot Contessa" conjures images of rustic elegance, simple yet delicious food, and the idyllic Hamptons lifestyle. However, many are surprised to learn that the culinary empire—which includes over a dozen best-selling cookbooks and a long-running Food Network show—began not with a TV camera, but with a small, specialty food store in East Hampton, New York. As of late 2025, the original Barefoot Contessa store is permanently closed, a decision made by Garten nearly two decades ago to pursue a different path in her career.

The history of the Barefoot Contessa store is a fascinating look at the genesis of a cultural phenomenon. It was here, in a bustling Hamptons storefront, that Ina Garten honed her signature style of entertaining and cooking, creating the gourmet dishes that would eventually become the foundation of her brand. Though the physical shop is gone, its legacy lives on, with the building itself still playing a surprising role in Garten's life and the East Hampton community.

Ina Garten: A Complete Biography and Profile

Ina Garten, the beloved American television cook, author, and entrepreneur, was born Ina Rosenberg on February 2, 1948, in Brooklyn, New York. Her journey from a government budget analyst to a culinary superstar is one of the most unique in the industry.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

• Full Name: Ina Rosenberg Garten
• Born: February 2, 1948 (age 77 as of 2025)
• Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
• Spouse: Jeffrey Garten (married 1968)
• Education: Syracuse University (dropped out), George Washington University (M.B.A. studies)
• Former Career: Nuclear policy analyst in the White House Office of Management and Budget (during the Ford and Carter administrations).
• Culinary Career Start: Purchased the Barefoot Contessa specialty food store in 1978.
• Television Show: Host of *Barefoot Contessa* on Food Network (since 2002).
• Major Works: Author of numerous best-selling cookbooks, including *The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook*, *Barefoot Contessa Parties!*, and *Barefoot Contessa Foolproof*.
• Signature Style: Known for her approachable recipes, emphasis on fresh ingredients, and the catchphrase "Store-bought is fine."

The Barefoot Contessa Store: History, Location, and Closure

The story of the Barefoot Contessa store is the foundation of Ina Garten’s career. Its purchase was a major pivot from her high-stakes job in Washington, D.C., and it cemented her place in the Hamptons food scene.

From Westhampton Beach to East Hampton: The Store’s Evolution

The original Barefoot Contessa specialty food store was not Ina Garten's creation, but a business she bought. In 1978, while working as a nuclear policy analyst, Garten saw an ad in the *New York Times* for a specialty food store for sale in the Hamptons. She impulsively bought the existing business, which was already named "Barefoot Contessa," a reference to the 1954 film starring Ava Gardner.

The store was initially located in Westhampton Beach, New York. However, in 1985, Garten moved the shop to a more prominent, larger location in the heart of East Hampton village. The final and most famous location was at 46 Newtown Lane, East Hampton, NY. This shop became a culinary landmark, attracting both wealthy summer residents and local food lovers for its high-quality, prepared gourmet foods.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

Why Ina Garten Closed the Store in 2004

The Barefoot Contessa store permanently closed its doors in 2004. The decision was a strategic one, made by Garten to focus on her rapidly growing career as a cookbook author and television personality. By the early 2000s, her first few cookbooks had become massive bestsellers, and her Food Network show, *Barefoot Contessa*, which premiered in 2002, was gaining widespread popularity.

Running a demanding, high-volume retail and catering business in the Hamptons, especially one known for its meticulous quality, was all-consuming. Garten realized she could reach a far wider audience by writing and filming. She sold the business to two of her employees, but the store eventually closed. This move allowed her to transition from a local entrepreneur to a global culinary icon, proving that sometimes, scaling back a physical presence is the key to expanding a brand's reach.

The Enduring Legacy: What the Store Sold and What Replaced It

Even though the specialty food shop is no longer there, the spirit of the Barefoot Contessa store permeates Ina Garten’s current work. The recipes and items developed within its walls are now staples in her cookbooks and on her show.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

Iconic Dishes and Specialty Items

The Barefoot Contessa store was famous for its elegant, pre-made gourmet foods, which catered to the Hamptons clientele who wanted high-quality dishes for entertaining without the effort. The store was a pioneer in the specialty food market, offering items like:

• Ina’s Coconut Cake: A multi-layered, creamy, and iconic dessert that remains one of her most requested recipes. It is now available to order for delivery nationwide, a direct legacy of the store.
• Decadent Chocolate Espresso Cheesecake: A rich, luxurious dessert that was a top seller and featured on her show.
• Specialty Salads: Gourmet prepared salads, sandwiches, and hot entrées, designed for easy entertaining.
• Freshly Baked Goods: A variety of pastries, cookies, and other baked goods that established her reputation for simple, yet perfect, desserts.

The store was a testing ground for all the recipes that would eventually fill her first cookbooks. The store's success proved that there was a massive appetite for the kind of accessible, high-quality cooking that Garten championed.

The Current Status of 46 Newtown Lane

The physical building at 46 Newtown Lane in East Hampton is a piece of culinary history. While the Barefoot Contessa store is closed, Ina Garten still owns the property. Today, the space is occupied by the high-end clothing retailer, Rag & Bone. This detail is a poignant reminder of how the Hamptons—and the retail landscape—have changed since Garten first opened her doors in 1978. While the storefront no longer sells gourmet food, its ownership by Garten ensures a continued connection to the "Contessa's" origins.

The Barefoot Contessa Brand Today

The brand's current focus is entirely on media: cookbooks, the Food Network show, her website, and her newer show *Be My Guest*. The store’s anniversary, which Garten celebrated in May 2024, highlights how the small shop remains the emotional and historical heart of her entire career. Instead of visiting a single brick-and-mortar location, fans can now "shop" the Barefoot Contessa experience through her recommended products, recipes, and books, all of which carry the indelible mark of her East Hampton specialty food shop.

The original Barefoot Contessa store may be a fond memory, but its influence on modern home cooking and the specialty food industry is undeniable. It was the launchpad for a woman who taught millions that a home-cooked meal, made with good ingredients and a little style, is the ultimate way to show love.