Growing up in a Scandinavian community in northern Minnesota, Gwen Welk Workman said she was ensconced in Scandinavian culture—food, traditions, work ethic and more. As an adult, she moved to Texas and missed her roots. She eventually found a variety of Scandinavian groups in the Dallas metroplex which got her thinking maybe she wasn’t the only one looking for cultural connection.

The backstory

Workman opened The Wooden Spoon in 1988 in McKinney, moved the business to Fairview Farms in 1989 and in 1992 she purchased The Forman Home, circa 1867, and has been there ever since.

When she first saw the house, she was smitten.

“I peeked through the door, it was so filthy. There were mushrooms growing and boxes everywhere,” Workman said. “I had such a draw [to the building]. I got in my car and I drove around the back and said a little prayer, ‘If it's meant to be.’ And here we are.”


What they offer

Workman stocks Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, Finnish and Icelandic Items. She said top selling categories vary with the seasons but are typically candy, cheese and books.

She supplements inventory she orders with Norwegian cookies she makes, children’s books and cookbooks she authored, and gift items such as signs and clothing she designed.

The children’s books center around a troll named Magnus and intertwine Norwegian culture with her grandchildren’s names.


Workman makes a concerted effort to appeal to the next generation.

“One Saturday in April, the whole parking lot was loaded up with ... all these fancy cars. In comes these gorgeous young girls wearing sweatshirts, shorts, bedroom slippers, fake fingernails and fake eyelashes,” Workman said. “[They said] ‘We saw you on TikTok and we've come for the Bubs.’”

Workman said she had no idea what Bubs were and definitely didn’t have any. The girls showed her numerous videos proclaiming The Wooden Spoon carried the Swedish candy.

“Before the day was over, I found a vendor and I placed a huge order,” Workman said.


Who it’s for

In addition to customers following a social media craze, Workman said Scandinavian expats as well as those who married a person of Scandinavian descent enjoy shopping at The Wooden Spoon.

Scandinavian groups hold meetings in her upstairs meeting space and two viking weddings have been held here.

Going forward


Workman put the business on the market three years ago and includes retirement as a five year goal.

“I love what I'm doing but my dream and my prayer is that someone will come in and replace me, and keep the business going,” Workman said. “I don't care if I sell or not. As long as God gives me the strength, I'll carry on. If someone says, ‘We'd like to take over, will you help me?’ [I’d say] ‘Absolutely, I'll stay as long as you need me.’”