The Dutch Pantry — Local services in Rural Retreat

My husband took the day off and recommended this place for my birthday where we could take our 2 young children, get groceries and enjoy lunch. While we are not from the local area we do live within a commutable distance. I am originally from Los Angeles where I still have residence and this would be the kind of place the community would appreciate the wholeness of the organic ingredients, gravitate toward and thrive. Like the prior review, I felt as though our mere presence was an overwhelming burden, some sort of hardship on each one of the encountered staff. We couldn't figure out why we were being looked down upon, our children were well behaved and we tried our best to keep our cart out of the staff's way. We were all wearing masks even our two year old. It was as if no matter how polite we were, it was not going to be reciprocated. A simple friendly gesture especially with today's ongoing uncertainty goes a long way. I'm not so concerned with their mask policy as I am more than happy to comply, as I am with the feeling of discontent exerted from the staff. If it weren't for that whole experience I wouldn't bat an eye at leaving a five star review. This place has so much potential. The banana bread and Verna Cajun turkey wrap is off the hook! It really is a shame our experience was tainted with the feeling of being unwelcomed and left us feeling as if we shouldn't go back. Typically after paying $400+ in groceries, some kitchen gadgets and lunch wouldn't turn into buyer's remorse had it been to an establishment with some basic common courtesy toward its paying customers. Nor shoud it be with a $2 bill. I really hope they can improve the morale and over all interactions/ relations between staff and customers, if that's even valued here. V/r, a...

I am torn on how many stars I should leave. When it comes to their products, I have never been disappointed. Their homemade sour dough bread is wonderful! The deli is delish and hand dipped ice cream is a regular special treat. However, when it comes to their service, I feel like I am a burden to them. Now this isn't something I notice every time I go, however, it happens enough for me to question why I continue supporting their business. I live in the area and visit Dutch Pantry on a regular basis. I rarely feel welcomed or appreciated as a customer. Most of the staff is not friendly. They have a sign on the door stating any staff not wearing a mask has a health issue as a reason. However, no employees were wearing masks and most were young adults or teenagers. They receive lots of interstate traffic coming in contact with people from all over, which is why them not wearing a mask concerns me, especially during food preparation and check out. So in conclusion as far as I am concerned, I'm not sure their products out weigh their poor...

Although I've always loved this place when in the area, I was very disappointed today. After seeing a post they posted about having extra boxes of "40 pound chicken breast" for sale, I comment that I wanted one and would be there today to pick it up. The Dutch Pantry replied with, "I'll put your name on one" and I replied with Thank you, which they liked. Having a trip plan with my dad to Glad Springs already, I figure we would go the extra 30 miles down the road to dutch pantry for my chicken. I got there only to find out that no one put my name on a box and they didn't have any chicken for me. A business shouldn't offer to "put your name" or hold an item if it isn't going to honor it. If it's too hard to keep up with, make it 1st come, 1st serve, but don't tell people they have it that may come way out of their way for nothing. ...