Entrepreneur Ellen Hunter realized that she could fill a need in the Tri-Cities for quality cookware, kitchen gadgets and contemporary household accessories. The name "Ariel" the free and airy spirit of Shakespeare's "The Tempest", exactly captured the open, playful and creative theme with which she planned to offer merchandise that would excite her customers and show them ways to enhance the enjoyment of cooking.

The product mix has evolved since the store's inception and now includes Northwest gourmet foods, Northwest wines and a selection of international foods.  Customers can also find unique specialty cookware and bakeware for ethnic cooking, such as Swiss Raclette grills, Spanish Paella pans, Scandinavian Krumkake bakers, Norwegian Lefse grills and Italian Pizzelle bakers.