Pans On Fire Sold To Former Employee, Avid Cook

PLEASANTON, CA — Mona Sethi, a former employee of popular local kitchen store and cooking school Pans on Fire, has purchased the company from founder Linda Wyner.

Wyner listed Pans on Fire in August, with an eye toward retirement. Sethi stepped in to purchase the business after Wyner shared that she planned to close up shop if there were no takers by October.

"I love that place so much," Sethi said, so she decided to make an offer.

Sethi said she previously worked as event coordinator there and assisted in classes. She said she's excited and honored to return to Pans on Fire, which first opened in 2006.

For Sethi, cooking is a creative and fun outlet, she said. It's her passion. She's even taught classes at home to fundraise for local schools.

Sethi, who has lived in Pleasanton with her husband and two sons since 2007, has served as executive director of Pleasanton's Huntington Learning Center for three years, she said. She will continue working at both companies, spending her mornings at Pans on Fire and afternoons at the learning center.

"Seeing people learn, that's always been my thing," Sethi said. "Whether it's a recipe or it's a skill, it's really rewarding.

Pans on Fire (3059 Hopyard Road) is hiring employees to work as instructors, assistants and dishwashers. Anyone interested may contact Pans on Fire at 925-600-7267.