Providence Bagel — Restaurant in Providence

UPDATE After the negative experience at the Providence Location, the owner was kind enough to offer a gift card and offer us a chance to change out opinion. This Saturday we were nearby the North Providence location, so we decided to stop in and give the company another chance.

I have to say, it was a much better experience overall. The food was prepared with more care, the restaurant itself was cleaner and clearly had more upkeep, and while we placed our order online and were able to enjoy the pickup relatively hassle-free, we still saw some interesting problems.

We knew we were 15 minutes early so we went in and had a seat while we waited. Our food ended up being ready only a few minutes later (we saw and heard them put it aside to wait for us, and so I went up to the counter and gave our name and it was quickly bagged and were on our way just as another customer entered the restaurant. As I climbed in the car I noticed my cream had slightly curdled (which is no one's fault), so I went back in to ask for a new one.

I was surprised to find the woman from the front counter gone and a woman in drive through repeatedly calling for the front counter person. She called for her several times before the gentleman who entered as we left through his hands up and walked away. The woman in drive through saw and tried to come help him but it was too late. She quickly asked me what I needed and made me a new coffee, and proceeded to cover the front counter while I took my coffee and left, but it was strange that for a second time it was the front counter person who seemed to be throwing a wrench into the service. I can't believe I'm saying it, but Providence Bagel may have permanently lost my business.

I don't visit Providence Bagel often, it's not exactly close to home, but I do go out of my way every few months to pick up a dozen or two bagels with cream cheese to bring to the office or to get togethers. This was the first time in a while I went just to get breakfast on a nice Sunday morning.

As usual there was a huge line, but that's to be expected and I was ready to wait. However, upon entering the restaurant I was almost instantly regretful. A room full of people, no direction or layout to make it clear which side to enter the ordering queue from, and a staff of five very angry looking people.

I want to go fully into detail, but I don't have time to write a book. Needless to say after hearing three people angry because their names were taken down wrong and they didn't know their food was done, after receiving an ice coffee full of coffee grounds and being looked at like I was a jerk for asking for a new one, and just the genuinely terrible service I don't know that I'd go back.

I've worked in food service for over 20 years... this was an embarrassment to the company. Slow service happens when it's busy. Bad service happens when you have employees like these. It was unfortunate because the one person that looked like they were genuinely trying couldn't keep things running...

Buyer Beware! I purchased a $15.00 bagel sandwich on the app (actually $2.00 of that was the tip) from the Attleboro, MA location and when I arrived for pickup it was not ready (it never is) but I was acknowledged and told it would be ready asap. Perfect. Then another person came out and said we are all out of turkey, you can have ham or pork roll. I said I will need a refund, I cannot eat those. I then went to the counter. I asked if they had any kind of turkey or chicken, either was fine. I was told they cut meat once a week on the slicer, no one is there trained to do it (it's 1pm on a Thursday) and they are out. I was told they could not refund me and I would have to request one myself on the app. I protested and she said that's all they can do for me, is tell me to figure out how to get my own refund on the app. So I open the app and there is no way to request a refund. I ask for their help. They said they don't know. I ask them to give me my money back, now I am out of time and have no lunch, and they have my $15. They say that is not possible. I ask for the name of someone I can call who can help me since they just keep saying no, can't help you. The woman behind the counter (who was firm but polite and nice) kept giving me HER name. I said I you already told me you cannot help me, I am not leaving until this is resolved, you are not allowed to keep my money for a product you advertise and cannot provide. She then gets on the phone, goes in back, and I am waiting 10 minutes MORE out front. Still no lunch, out of time, my boss is calling me and I just want what I have paid for or my money back. And I am hungry and need to find a place that has in fact what they are selling. She gets on the computer for a bit, comes over and says you will have your money in 3-5 days refunded to however you paid. I ask for some type of receipt for that. She prints out my original receipt, no refund receipt. She said she cannot give me a receipt for the refund. I ask for the Owner's name if I don't get it so I can follow up. She says she is not allowed to give that out. I protest and she says Chris. I said Chris what? She says that's private. I said you have my full name, my money, have provided no product or anything to me and tell me I have to wait 3-5 days for a refund without any proof that I am due it. She writes down the owners name and will not give a contact number. I leave - how on earth is this ANY WAY to do business and treat your customers! I am a frequent customer and they definitely have service issues there but this is literally outrageous. You need a refund method. They know I paid. They do not care that they did not give me anything, anything at all and in fact stole my money. I will be happy to update if I actually get my money back but I do not have high hopes. Had I been provided with a contact name and number I would have been happy to resolve this privately (with just my money back) and you should also not set up your employees so they need to communicate a...

Providence Bagel on N. Main street is great! The bagels are always fresh, perfect light crunch on the outside, not too doughy on the inside their homemade cream cheese is so good. Lots of flavor options make PVD Bagel a great spot for even the pickiest of eaters. I grew up on bagels from NYC, this is the only place that compares. They have a huge menu and are now serving deli sandwiches too, which I have yet to try but i hear are great. They also have a selection of Knead Donuts, cereal treats and other yummy treats. Their coffee menu is extensive, options for everyone. They have a nice selection of fresh squeezed juices too.

Now to get down to what makes PVD Bagel extra great, the staff! This store is one of several, I often see the owners working alongside the staff. But even when the owners are not present, the people who keep this busy bagel spot going are so nice. They're friendly, they make a point of remembering your name and how you take your coffee. I have worked in food service, this is a well run establishment that is friendly and even at the height of the morning rush these coworkers work well together. When a restaurant is busy it can be stressful. This group just works well together. Sometimes theres a wait, but good things come to those who do. This is an all around 5+++++++ establishment. Great food, great service, overall happy environment. Ive been coming here 1-2 times a week for at least 4 years and never had a bad experience. Mistakes will be made, thats life. The couple if times i got the wrong order, they fixed it immediately, and offered me a free bagel card for my next visit. I have nothing but good things to say. The one thing i would want is a location in Garden City so my family could get these yummy bagels daily!! I know a lot of people in Cranston who would love a PVD bagel in the neighborhood😊 If you're looking for a great bagel, look no further, PVD Bagel is the one and only bagel shop you...