Black Valley Provender — Restaurant in Everett

When we moved to the the area, we were thrilled to see charming spot like Provender come to Everett and have been rooting for them to continue to establish a foothold in the community. Their emphasis on quality ingredients and supporting local partners is an ethos needed in this small town (and nearly every other).

Somehow, I think, ownership, in particular Joe, has forgotten (or perhaps never fully understood?) that a hospitality venture requires an emphasis on service beyond all else. Previously when popping in we’ve noticed some things that were concerning on this front but had hoped some kinks would be worked out. After a couple years in business, though, today’s experience was frankly shocking.

From the moment we walked in, Joe was expaserated and visibly rattled. They were getting a bit of a breakfast rush but were not at full capacity. After some time not being greeted by Joe (who was running FOH), Alanna popped out from BOH to take our order - two coffees and two breakfast items.

Joe continued to be frantic, forgetting to bring our coffee (after being given our order) for nearly 20 minutes. After 10 of which he popped over to ask if we needed menus, we responded that “we already ordered but…” we tried to say we were waiting on coffee but he was gone.

Okay, so they’re busy, he’s out of rhythm, etc. right? That would be fine. Except the entire time that he’s this much in the weeds (apologizing to 5 different tables for forgetting to bring things, needing to brew coffee, etc), he spent several different periods schmoozing a table and presenting the values of their enterprise to a table. Explaining where the coffee was sourced from, what their mission statement was, etc. I applaud these efforts, and I love that he’s adding a personal touch… but he was drowning at the moment and nearly every other table needed service ASAP. It felt very much like Joe stroking his own ego in lieu of giving service.

The worst part about this is that I think Provender wants to give hospitable service and feel welcoming to the community. Joe went out of his way to try to get everyone’s name (or nearly everyone) and give a spiel about their goals. That’s great, truly, but if feels scripted and performative (as do the “I’m sorry for the wait on the coffee”) when he’s seen doing everything but helping patrons when they need things. He has simply, at least today, lost the forest for the trees.

Edit/Addendum: Above was my review in its entirety. Rather than reaching out to talk about my experience, offer some explanation or apology, ownership took to Instagram to share my review claiming it was “unkind”.

Moreover, they made a quite distasteful and disrespectful comment (entirely distorting reality) that Joe wasn’t giving service because he was “helping a table of two hearing impaired guests” and implied that this table was the one I mentioned he was “schmoozing”. This is absolutely untrue as it was the table next to that one where Joe went on 4-5 different occasions, spending 5-10 minutes each time, to talk about various values of the business. The table Joe was spending so much time at was the only of 6 in my sight line or ear shot that did not need to remind Joe of a missing or delayed item.

It is so exceptionally gross, not to mention dishonest, to attempt to dismiss or silence my feedback by suggesting the reason Joe was unable to take care of his patrons was some implicit difficulty in taking care of a table of hearing impaired guests. We watched them, too, have to remind Joe missing items from their order.

What I took to be a bad day or a misstep (and gave grace in my review accordingly) seems far more likely to be a pattern of inconsideration, especially given ownership’s flat refusal to accept construction criticism, and, moreover, active hostility towards it. Zero accountability, a plethora of excuses, and rampant dishonesty.

As a final note, despite waiting over 20 minutes for drip coffees and returning a filthy cup after they arrived, we paid full price and tipped 20%, only hoping to...

I'll start out by saying I was super pumped to finally try this resteraunt and ended up leaving super disappointed. I ordered the special, Matty melt smash burger and it was supposed to come with sweet potato fries. a children's Mac n cheese which was cold, and 1 latte. 34 dollars! Which if the food is fresh and good cool but that wasn't the case. We waited for atleast 30 mins for our food and when it came I noticed I didnt get the sweet potato fries but it was ok accidents happen I ate the fresh cut that came with it. Once I took a bite of my burger I quickly realized my whole order was wrong. I took my burger up to the counter and politely said hey I think my order was wrong I ordered the smash burger, she says that is the smash burger (clearly wasnt) I Pointed out that the smash burger comes with Swiss, caramelized onion and mine had cheddar and bacon.... mind you there is only 2 burger options butcher burger (which comes with bacon and cheddar, and the smash burger.) She did offer to remake it after telling me what i had was the the smash burger, but I just went and sat down. I seen them clear plates of other patrons while we ate, they would always ask how was your food. I waited for our waitress to come around for the burger I didnt eat and the rest of our plates but without any doubt the waitress completely avoided our table for atleast 20 mins after we were finished till we left. I doubt I'll ever go back, such a shame seemed like it would of been...

Wow! Who’d have thunk a place like this would exist in our newly adopted hometown of Everett!

I’ve been wondering for years why Bedford County doesn’t capitalize on its British roots at all. And then The Provender opens up, with its Union Jack beautifully displayed in the front window, and we HAD to go in.

They have breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. We went for lunch. I ordered the Lavender London Fog tea latte, Petite Wellingtons, and mushroom soup. My husband ordered the Toad in the Hole BLT.

The pictures speak for themselves! BEAUTIFULLY plated and delicious all around. My petite beef Wellingtons and Lavender London Fog tea latte were my favorites! And my husband’s BLT was dressed with lovely greens, scrumptious crispy bacon, and the deepest purple heirloom tomatoes.

The mushroom soup was pleasantly earthy, but thick and rich. One bowl could easily serve 2-3 people. A couple of bites in and you’re teetering on a food coma. But in a good way.

They sell fresh baked pastries and ALSO Milk Bar cakes and ice creams, select beef cuts, cheeses, kombuchas, organic milk, and a plethora of bougie beverages in their refrigerated section.

The Provender does...