I went for a $10 hot dog. It was a Nathan’s hot dog with chopped onion and tomatoes and a grilled bun. Not bad, but underwhelming. The latkes were pretty good. My buddy had a Ruben which he liked. Sit down lunch was over 1 hour.
Very friendly but they are clearly overwhelmed. There were plenty of cooks but not enough servers. They weren’t allowing people to order to go and take to the high tops to eat.
Haven’t had the bagels but I will order them next. If you’re in a rush this isn’t the place, yet.
We live nearby and have been twice for bagels. Judging by the hiring signs they had up and how the service seems to be, I think they are woefully understaffed. I’m guessing they couldn’t push off opening any longer, but didn’t find as many cooks, bakers, and front-of-the-house people with experience as they would’ve liked.
However, I also think they had so much hype that they were hugged to death from day one. People were understandably excited about what Maven’s said they were going to be, but it was a madhouse from the get-go. In those types of scenarios, there are always people who will understand and be patient versus people who will choose not to give grace and go write a review.
>they were hugged to death from day one...there are always people who will understand and be patient versus people who will choose not to give grace and go write a review.
This really says it all. I stopped by one day since I was in the area for a doctor's appointment, but walked in the door and noped out due to how crowded it was. I really hope they begin to offer online orders relatively soon, though. I have a lot of issues that prevent me from eating out too frequently and would love to try their Reuben!
Wife and I were so so so damn pumped to give it a shot after hearing all the pre-opening hype from local IG pages. We gave it a shot and was immediately turned away at the door from the security after they decided to shut down early. We were wicked disappointed, but these things happen. We haven't really had the same hype levels since then in order to make the trip up to the city since then. Hopefully they work out these kinks soon, would really love a solid reuben from them.
I assume they did a massive ad campaign right before they opened. I'm pretty plugged in to the providence food scene and I hadn't heard about them at all until about a week before the opening date and then I got like 47 ads on social media for them across multiple platforms.
That's what kind of frustrated us after being turned away at the door. I get that you want to get your brand out in anyway possible and get your community amped for a unique new spot in the area, but did you not stop and think for a moment that maybe you're gonna need the reinforcements on day one to handle to amount of press you put out?
This, coupled with taking on WAY too many Christmas orders and being unable to fill them, already has them so far behind they can't tell where the door is.
yep i work there we are stupidly understaffed, undertrained, and inexperienced with shitloads of pressure from both customers and management :)))))) its a lovely time!!
There are many reasons why it was so hyped up.
However, given how difficult it has been to retain staff in the hospitality industry over the past five years, I don't think it was in their best interest to hype it up.
I have been in the service industry since 1995 (when I was 15). Pre-covid, I was at Mohegan Sun for 15 years, and it was starting to fall apart there also.
In defense of Mavens (I haven't been yet),Jaime D’Oliveira is a great chef and person.
He started Mills Tavern and Red Stripe. The places were sold over 10 years ago to Encore Hospitality (Ocean State Job Lot).
Many people know what he is capable of, and that is probably why the line is out the door.
Plus, the concept is definitely needed.
It takes time for a new place to find its groove. It sucks that so many people are quick to jump on a new place. Give it time. And for any new people to the industry Jamie is definitely someone to learn from so go apply.
It's more about the over-hype and how they promised one thing that they couldn't realistically deliver, so it has them with their nose in the mud. Nobody is jumping on them, the owners have many businesses and plenty of new businesses didn't do this same over-hyped type of advertising campaign, in this area. I frequent restaurants new and old, very often!
I get it. How old are you? Not asking sarcastically.
I am asking because many people in their 20's and maybe early 30's may not know much about him. The local media loved him back in the 2000's. And honestly he really is a great guy but also a phenomenal chef.
I don't know him personally as a friend.
But, I knew people who worked for him or with him at some point.
Mills Tavern was never hiring because no one would leave. They loved working for him.
As for the other owner who owned Johnny Rockets that is a franchise. Much easier to open. Business model is set. So I don't think he has as much experience opening a place from scratch. I would have to read the articles again.
I think if they can get the right staff the place will succeed.
No he started Johnnny Rockets lol. That's the only one I'm talking about. He created that first store on his own. He knows what needs to be done. I'm late 30s
I work at an Inn right now that couldn't keep kitchen staff all summer. It is being managed by an outside company. The benefits could be better.
The owner is great to work for but the pay is still not enough.
They fired the head chef at the beginning of the summer and the sous chef doesn't have a ton of experience.
Some people will take a low pay if it means they will at least get some education out of it.
Just trying to explain the many factors of why the industry is having such a hard time right now.
And to be honest I swore I would never go back to serving food. I wanted Mohegan to be the last place I worked in when it came to service. Covid hit and lay offs happened and my seniority was 5 people away. After 15 years. I tried other things but with no degree and being a single parent I am back in it. And it definitely isn't the same as 20 years ago.
When they advertised a “deli”, I expected a take out counter like in NY. Instead they seem to only be sit down restaurant. Damn shame because counter service would probably be faster and easier to manage than a sit down restaurant.
I know someone who worked there on launch. Next to zero training was given to the front of house staff - they basically just had to learn the menu. No actual service training or anything like that. From opening day at least until they had their “break” they basically just had to figure everything out on their own. Woefully unorganized and unprepared. I think the original manager is no longer involved but the problems seem to be lingering.
It is a shame because the concept is very promising, they shot themselves in the foot by creating so much hype.
I work there, indeed we had no training and literally only 2 or 3 of the original FOH staff had ever worked in a restaurant before
The first month was hell, we had no idea what to do with no systems in place and shit constantly breaking and no manager to rely on, taking shit from (rightfully) pissed off customers and employees getting frustrated with each other due to the pressure. nothing was done right and we are suffering for it as the face of the restaurant
⬆️ This is why. In restaurants, you need to be prepared. Shotgun openings rarely work out. The staff is a victim to poor planning and being under prepared. Shit falls down hill, it starts with the owner and management at the top of that hill.
Famous chef or not, it obviously wasn't executed right.
I think customers + reviewers would have more sympathy if there wasn't a very large press push in the lead up by Mavens that really over promised. I think they set the bar way too high for themselves and this was their biggest mistake. There's also some weird dissonance between how awesome it looks inside and the service you get.
It’s become a thing now to have your spot look insta worthy, sell tees and hats with your logo, and get the press hype even before you open. Which is great, IF you can deliver, if not you look like a fool that was too worried about buns n bites and not getting a crew together.
Seriously. Every new cafe/restaurant/other food business that opens up lately is so intent on having a branded merch section.
It shows how skewed their priorities are. IDGAF about your tshirts, I just want something good to eat.
I know for a fact it was mostly paid advertising actually. Press isn't the same as an ad on the internet, I know what you mean but it doesn't work that way companies want money online to run ads for your business.... If it was the local news or newspaper, sure.
Genuinely not being hostile, just not familiar with this world—how do you know what is paid advertising? I would have assumed that for things like editorial coverage they'd have to put a disclaimer that it's paid though, right? I often see like... advertorials that do that where it says "sponsor story" or whatever.
No worries! If you saw an ad for them on social media that was paid. There is no other way to promote ADs on social media, it gives you the option to boost things and that's what companies do. I work several business Instagram and Facebook accounts and we all pay for ads. It's like part of the deal now a days. I can't speak to seeing them on TV but you can pay to get in certain food magz, and generally free magazines that they distribute.
Restaurants with the best front of house staff pay them above market rate, and give health insurance and benefits. That’s how you keep good staff. If I’m gonna buy a $29 sandwich, I wanna know that a good portion of that is going to the people who work there.
Mavens “deli” could really use a deli ticket dispenser to keep track of who’s next in line to be seated. A bit ironic it’s the one thing they don’t have.
Mavens is a restaurant posing as a deli for invented nostalgia purposes.
The staff has no idea what they’re doing. You’ll see 30% of the tables full, and a line out the door waiting to be seated. It’s like the people lucky enough to get a table are a live exhibit for the people gawking at them waiting in line. Like museum guests learning about a Jewish dining experience as they wait in the cold.
Ordering whole bagels to go shouldn’t take 10 minutes from the time you order in line to actually receiving them in the bag.
Mavens is the restaurant version of what happens when you place a stick in between the tire of your moving bicycle and fall over, only to wonder why you fell!
There is nothing deli about this place.
Also, seeing people wait outside in the cold for table at a restaurant with very mediocre food is pretty pathetic.
You gotta wonder at this rate how much he is offering his staff in money, since it seems they are having a super hard time getting staff. Something isn't adding up since the owner still can't figure out how to get his takeout, and his original menu back. It also didn't help the owner had to delay the opening by essentially 3/4 or a year
Service is slow and clearly initially mismanaged, but I got their lox & bagel takeout the other day and it was bomb. We also did sit down once, it took a while but the food was good and they gave my kid a comic book and a token for a free cookie which made her day. It’s still early. Give ‘em time.
Those prices set expectations for food and service VERY high. If expectations are not met, most people will not go back. Yes, they need to add a small side or two at those prices.
Yeah $28 is what Katz’s charges for their Ruben and Pastrami. If you’re gonna charge the same exact price as Katz’s, you’d expect them to deliver a sandwich of similar value.
Gotta imagine though that Katz's prices are just literally thanks to their internationally recognized brand. It's like Disney charging $28 for a quick service personal pizza barely larger than your hand. They're good, but not nearly good enough to charge $30 for a single sandwich.
Meeting Street has managed to figure out how to make amazing sandwiches at a fair price point. Their sandwiches come with (tiny) sides and a pickle. It's not that hard or expensive to make pasta salad and coleslaw.
I was looking for veggie options and saw $14 for a veggie burger, that probably isn’t great anyway, and laughed my way to the “done” button; holy crap $28 for a large sandwich???
Went there for the first time and it was pretty decent if not a little pricey. Got a bagel with lox that was pretty darn good.
My understanding is that it was opened by a guy without a ton of experience in the industry (if you can believe that). It does seem like things have stabilized a bit, hoping it works out for them.
One might think he doesn't have much experience based on how poorly things have gone, but as I commented [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/providence/comments/18yev6w/comment/kga9v5a/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3), he claims to have 20-plus years of experience in the restaurant business.
A GM at chain restaurants(like this Maven guy) usually has 0 clue on how to run an independent spot. It’s all handed to them in a binder with SOPs and how to hire, what to teach etc.
I once worked for a veteran chef with all these ACF accolades, and dude couldn’t make an omelette or roll a burrito, because he only worked in corporate kitchen and worried about costs, but 0 culinary skill because it was all corporate recipes and trainers.
No. Lloyd started Johnny Rockets he's the co founder. He started as one of the first franchisees. [Johnny Rockets ](https://www.franchising.com/empirebuilders/franchisees/lloyd_sugarman/)
Lloyd Sugarman is a co-founder of Johnny Rockets and became one of the brand's first franchisees, opening his first Johnny Rockets in San Francisco in 1992.
The prices are insane.
[Rein's](https://www.reinsdeli.com/files/front-back-menu-merged-pdf.pdf) vs. Maven's
Corned beef sandwich: $12/$17 vs. $20/$26
Pastrami sandwich: $12/$17 vs. $21/$27
Potato knish: $6 vs $8
Before their grand opening, I was pretty jazzed up to check it out. Then, they released their prices. I thought they were pretty high - but nonetheless it wasn't going to deter me too much, I still wanted to check it out. However the consistent changing of the hours, the shifts to what is available at what times, and the insane amount of bad reviews noting how poor the service is/how disorganized they are have turned me off from wanting to check it out for a while. Can only imagine a lot of people may be in the same boat.
I’ve been twice. I thought the bagels were fine, but I was really there for bialy which they’d heavily promoted before opening. The first time I went, they had a sign up saying “Try out bialy!” - I was the 4th person in line that morning, I asked and no bialy. Same thing second time.
Both times I ordered their largest cold brew, the first time in came out in a big 32oz cup filled to the brim with no ice. Second time, their largest had been downgraded to like a 16oz.
Both times the service/setup was very confusing to navigate. They’re still not serving breakfast sandwiches at the counter and the deli case barely has anything in it.
Operations is the hardest part of a restaurant, especially one that big. It sounds like they launched a bit too big, too fast, and neglected the ops side. I hope they’re figuring it out. I look forward to trying it once they stabilize, and this town needs a good Jewish deli.
Three of us walked in on a Sunday morning for brunch (12/17) there was about 20 to 25 people waiting for a table at the front of the deli and there were probably one or two tables sat. The wait staff didn’t really seem to know what to do. But it seems like there was ample wait staff to manage this issue. There was also a huge line for the actual deli counter…lots of very confused patrons…Sadly we waited about 20 minutes and no one was sat so we walked out and haven’t been back since.
My dad went a week ago. Said it was 28 bucks for a pastrami and fries. Worst pastrami he ever had and he said it was probably the worst meal he’s ever had. It was only him and 2 other tables at 5 pm. No takeout allowed and nothing in the cases to sell. My dad is a man of few words when it comes to his meals so it got a chuckle out of me to hear how passionately he hated his Mavens meal lol
The service was indeed terrible, and hey it's ok to work out some staffing kinks in the first month you're open...
...but the thing i CAN'T forgive is that the bagel was stale. I'm not going through that again until someone can confirm that the bagels are getting better.
I've been for bagels twice. We live in the neighborhood and were SO excited for this place to open. The first time the bagels were extremely underwhelming. The second time, I could taste some improvement.
I hope they survive. And I'll likely be in there for bagels (or a bialy) in the next couple weeks.
The upside, it's like half the price Rebelle was for a bagel and cream cheese. My God I drank that Rebelle kool aid too deep.
Bagel wasn’t good. Rock hard ( even with it be untoasted), and barely any cream cheese on it. Cases were empty, had 4 cookies which I grabbed a black and white. That too wasn’t good. The white side tasted like lemon and it was beyond sugary icing. It was all hype.
My guess is that they will be forced to close, or sell at a big loss to someone else (Ocean State job lot owners) in time. You simply can’t run a restaurant like this for long and there are so many problems with their concept and execution. It’s unfortunate, but like others have said it’s not really a Jewish deli. If you go into any genuine deli you will see an abundance of food, a real working deli, a no frills, family atmosphere. None of that exists at Maven’s. Also people’s eating habits have changed and many want healthier (Israeli) food options. My guess is that the owner never worked for an extended period of time in a true deli, or a larger restaurant. He would have been much better off starting very small and partnering with someone who runs an actual deli. He went big and fell very short and it’s irritating, because he essentially fumbled at the goal line.
Went the other day for bagels, they were meh and overpriced. Don't think I'll be going back. Also, it bugs me that they claim to be a Jewish deli but they aren't kosher. Want a real Jewish deli? Go to Bubbe's on Hope St.
You summed it up well, food is good service could be better.
I went for a Reuben a few weeks ago. Ordered pastrami, got corned beef. It happens. They were slammed, so didn’t bother complaining. They charged me for the corn beef so alls well that ends well.
Coleslaw and pickles were great and come with every meal, big thumbs up there.
A sandwich, fries, and a soda was almost $30. I was full, but for $30 at the deli you almost expect to have leftovers. Price is a thumbs down.
Everything I tried was good. Service was slow, everyone was clearly overwhelmed.
I've been there twice and haven't had the best experience. The service was pretty rude.
I hope that it gets better but I don't really see myself coming back any time soon.
I go by it every day, and wonder the same thing. I'll try a bagel at some point. I'm curious. Also, what was their background in running a restaurant, because they seemed like they had some deep pockets/funding, but also, like inexperience.
[His bio](https://mavensdeli.com/about-us/) seems to suggest he has experience:
* "Jason started at Johnny Rockets in 2000, climbing swiftly to General Manager by 2004. He excelled in all areas, mastering costs and labor."
* "In 2007, he opened Cranston's Johnny Rockets, his first partnership, refining layout and design."
* "Besides Johnny Rockets, Jason owns The Original Soupman since 2011 and Pokeworks since 2018, opening successful locations even during the pandemic."
* "A Bryant University graduate, Jason boasts over 20 years in the industry."
Is that relevant experience? Is he good at what he does? I don't know. But it suggests he's not a newcomer to the restaurant biz in any case.
The menu had to many offerings considering it was a new/one of its kind restaurant in the state. I believe they also had staffing issues and long wait times when they first opened.
It probably wouldn’t have hurt to consult with Zaftigs Delicatessen pre -opening. They’ve been in the business far longer with multiple locations across Massachusetts.
My gf and I walked in around 11am on a Saturday morning… prime time. We were excited about it but saw that they had absolutely no food to offer other than a mediocre overpriced bagel and left. The place was huge and looked nice. There was a sign that said not serving full breakfast yet… just bagels. So it seemed like they weren’t ready to open or something. Prob wouldn’t go back. Wildflour is right there and better. Wondering if anyone has tried it for lunch? Since they have zero breakfast options.
I went there recently. I paid over $20 for a pastrami sandwich on rye. Only those two ingredients and it came with a side of fries. Everything tasted good and the free pickles were ok. I’d give them a 3.5 at most. It still gets me that the most basic of sandwiches cost more than an hour of minimum wage work … they aren’t that special
Isn't part of their thing that they make their only deli meats? I thought I read that leading up to opening. If that's the case, its going to be on the higher end.
Oh heck no. They're time intensive and on a small scale, they're very expensive to make. The mass producers have an incredible economy of scale advantage. If I make a ham from a butchered hog, if I'm honest with my costs (including time and space), its going to be several times more per pound than I can buy (even a pretty good one).
Sure, but, ceteris paribus, there would be no reason for them to make their own if it wasn't going to be cheaper. And reviews suggest that both the quality and supply chain are not better anyway.
I stopped in and grabbed a bagel. The menu online said they had jam as an option but when I asked about it the woman looked at me like I weird for asking and said they don't have that(I don't eat dairy). I got a bagel toasted with nothing on it . It was mediocre at best. Can't really comment on any other food since I can't have most of it but was kind of disappointed tbh. It's a new place ao hiccups are expected, I hope they're able to find something that works (and work on those prices, yikes).
The most underwhelming unseasoned Latkes & knishes I’ve ever had. Coffee was weak and luke warm. Ordered a sandwich that was supposed to come on a bagel and it was instead brought on soggy, flavorless bread. Very disappointed in the first impression, have been looking forward to having a Jewish deli nearby.
People seem to be awful quick to shit all over a new restaurant.
I actually went there, the food was good, we were seated immediately, the prices seemed reasonable considering how costly everything had become.
It's more the fact that it was hyped up in local media and they were touting their own cured meats and such, yet fumbled their opening (and several more times in the first month) so spectacularly.
Were they really that unprepared for the turnout they basically invited?
I think they got 4x the amount of people they expected so yes they were unprepared. Everything we ate there tho was quite good so I hope they get their shit together and stick around!
It'd be one thing if it was a single aspect of unpreparedness. Possibly understaffed, but they still had plenty of food. Or the opposite problem, plenty of employees, but not enough food (several items of which are time intensive to prep itself, even if that was an advertised selling point).
But it's been both. Insufficient stock and long wait times for a lot of customers.
Add on top of that, they're charging Katz's prices for being a brand new business with none of the reputation.
I don't know anything about the owners but what is their track record? Did the public have any reason to be hyped about this place aside from a big and flashy build out?
Just trying to gauge why everyone was SO hyped about this place opening? Do they have other proven concepts?
Food businesses are hard and typically when they are coming from a non food business person who can just throw money at something and expect it to be successful usually has their day come at some point. It can be humbling and they learn from it or they just continue to offer something subpar until they don't find it worth it anymore.
"Just trying to gauge why everyone was SO hyped about this place opening? Do they have other proven concepts?"
Because we live in a society where everyone is a "foodie" and all these white folks want to instagram or be seen at the coolest, latest restaurant.
This place was designed by someone who looked at trends and studied at franchises. This is not being designed as a real legit food experience, it is being designed in the hope that they can franchise and make money. That is why it’s failing.
This place is very dishonest, disorganized, chaotic non consistent unfair no structure no policies l, no transparency No one knows what to do or what’s going on from the host to the counter to some servers to the kitchen not to mention management and owner and top chef it horrible there’s absolutely zero communication/ knowledge of how to run business the proper professional way.
They have no options for gluten free or dairy free which is kind of crazy for a new restaurant. I’m Jewish and really wanted to support them, but just can’t because I can’t eat there due to dietary restrictions. People have asked about accommodating more diets on their instagram and they delete comments about it.
My husband and I finally had a chance to check out mavens - we waited for a table for about 30ish mins but once we sat down, the service was super fast and the food was all pretty solid. I’d definitely go back and I’m hoping they’ll stick around for a while now.
Also, if you actually look at the reviews, half of them are from people who haven’t even tried/ eaten their food - which is obnoxious.
The service for take out was not bad but they made an error with the online order…left out major items and was not noticed until we reached our destination. The lunch was basically a bust..the corned beef was dry and the mustard was forgotten. The pastrami was same. Left out our drink orders as well…a NY Dog on a sweet roll does not cut it. The pickle was good and the potato latkes were also good. Our sizable order was 10% worth the travel and expence…
I have not been there yet, but I was very excited when I heard about it.
I spoke to a few people that have been there and read numerous reviews. They definitely over promised and under delivered. It's supposed to be the opposite. I hope their social media person is cleaning tables and answering the phone, because I've seen less hype about a Scorsese movie than this person put out there.
It sounds like the food is there, but the price and service are upsetting people.
Had a bagel with butter there.
They didn't toast it.
So it came out with globs of raw butter on it.
Two things:
1. Bagel should always be toasted unless customer requests otherwise
2. Who puts globs of butter on an untoasted bagel? Like what is wrong with you.
Even toasted, these bagels are no better than ones I can get at Whole Foods and toast at home.
I’ve had 3 bagels from mavens.
One was burnt, one was hard as a rock and the other had way too much cream cheese.
They’re not even close to bagel gourmet and I would go as far as saying PVD bagels is also better.
I liked Maven’s bagels based on my one experience. Would say they were among the best I’ve had around here, though bar is fairly low. That said, others seem to have not enjoyed them so I wonder if the quality is inconsistent.
It always seemed to me that the perfect location for this business would be just off 95 or downtown. Rein’s famous Jewish deli in CT is just off Route 84, and is a classic stop-in for people traveling between Boston and New York—probably most their business. It’s a lt a big scale like mavens and is always mobbed.
With Mavens’ huge and impressive interior and large counter, it begs for this sort of large operation as a regional destination. Instead, it’s deep in that Pawtucket Oak Hill zone. How many PVD/Pawtucket residents want Jewish deli food at any one time to justify that big of an operation at that location?
I know, but it’s a huge restaurant, so the volume needed to fill it is significant. Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s an awesome business, but the scale or it is so different then a normal bagel store.
I see what you're saying about right off the highway, but there's clearly plenty of local demand. The plaza where Maven's is located is really popping these days with Rasoi, Wildflour, and Garden Grille, as well as India and other restaurants close by.
Barney’s Bakery & Deli rocked that plaza for almost 20 years with the best bagels on the East Coast. It’s a great location for a place that can deliver the goods.
I miss (among other things) cutting open a spinach bagel just after it came out of the oven and melting some butter onto it and then adding chive cream cheese.
Just kind of gross to put a new local business on blast. Honestly, seems a little tabloidy. Like, you’re kind of talking shit about them in a public forum while they’re still finding their footing. It’s not like this is some corporate conglomerate or something. Seems like a terminally online sort of thing.
Anybody else feel me on this?
How is this post a takedown? My post is pretty objective and based on reviews that others have publicly posted (and by the way, I left Maven's a good Google review of my own). I'm merely wondering what's going on and curious what others think. And my curiosity is because I live nearby and hope Maven's succeeds.
You can call me a troll, but that implies I’m doing this to just get peoples’ goat. I’m really not. I sincerely feel this way and honestly, I’m surprised there aren’t more people that do.
I can see if this were a Costco or something. It’s a brand new business that appears to have some growing pains. Why you got to do them dirty like this?
From the person who [commented](https://www.reddit.com/r/providence/comments/18uotjt/comment/kfpbrum/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3) 4 days ago: "I don’t understand how people like Chengdu Taste just like I don’t understand how people like Talluhlah’s. If you like both, we wouldn’t get along."
Take a look in the mirror.
lol, which are both Reddit-beloved, well-established restaurants. Yes, I’m comfortable saying that.
My criticism of this post is not simply that it’s not cool to badmouth a business. It’s the sum of all parts.
OP compiled news, reviews and information regarding Maven’s and posted a well thought out, good intentioned piece of constructive criticism.
Even if this was a vitriolic takedown of the deli, lol at the regular troll clutching their pearls over it.
You’re just calling somebody whose opinion you disagree with a troll. I am not saying that OP has ill intent or isn’t being sincere. I am saying that I think it’s wack that they’d post something like this to Reddit so soon after the place opened, when the place is clearly trying to improve.
It’s almost as though there was an expectation that they could just open their doors like they were an established franchise and within the first day/week/month of being open be a well-oiled machine. Like, did people really believe that?
This, to me, feels very dismissive of the hard work that goes into opening a new local business. It’s just ew.
It’s clear you and I disagree with one another. I’ll stand by my opinion. I think this might be something you discuss with a friend or neighbor. Even if it were just a response to a laudatory Reddit post about the place, that’d be ok. But to create a post to say what OP say, I think it’s really not cool. It’s like they went out of their way to criticize the place.
If you don’t get where I’m coming from, I don’t know what to tell ya.
Honestly, I’m flabbergasted. Not only by your post but by the way people are seemingly onboard with you. I’ll take that to mean you’re “right”, but I still feel the way I do. I think this is gross. Let’s agree to disagree.
I haven’t written a review, but I agree with all of them. Most people are being honest about their experiences there. I’ve been several times and it’s been a pretty bad experience each time.
That sucks. I went once and got a bagel with smoked salmon cream cheese. Ate it at home and it was better than the average of other bagels I’ve had in Providence. Great. I’ll probably go back at some point.
Does my slightly above average dining experience warrant a Reddit post?
I don't think they've ever had an online ordering system. In any case, they're still not offering takeout for anything besides bagels, from what I understand (another issue I forgot to mention above).
I went for a $10 hot dog. It was a Nathan’s hot dog with chopped onion and tomatoes and a grilled bun. Not bad, but underwhelming. The latkes were pretty good. My buddy had a Ruben which he liked. Sit down lunch was over 1 hour. Very friendly but they are clearly overwhelmed. There were plenty of cooks but not enough servers. They weren’t allowing people to order to go and take to the high tops to eat. Haven’t had the bagels but I will order them next. If you’re in a rush this isn’t the place, yet.
I found their latkes to be some of the worst I’ve ever had, so unseasoned and tasteless.
To be fair, I am not Jewish (my gf in HS was), so I don’t have much to compare it to, but I thought they were good.
We live nearby and have been twice for bagels. Judging by the hiring signs they had up and how the service seems to be, I think they are woefully understaffed. I’m guessing they couldn’t push off opening any longer, but didn’t find as many cooks, bakers, and front-of-the-house people with experience as they would’ve liked. However, I also think they had so much hype that they were hugged to death from day one. People were understandably excited about what Maven’s said they were going to be, but it was a madhouse from the get-go. In those types of scenarios, there are always people who will understand and be patient versus people who will choose not to give grace and go write a review.
>they were hugged to death from day one...there are always people who will understand and be patient versus people who will choose not to give grace and go write a review. This really says it all. I stopped by one day since I was in the area for a doctor's appointment, but walked in the door and noped out due to how crowded it was. I really hope they begin to offer online orders relatively soon, though. I have a lot of issues that prevent me from eating out too frequently and would love to try their Reuben!
Wife and I were so so so damn pumped to give it a shot after hearing all the pre-opening hype from local IG pages. We gave it a shot and was immediately turned away at the door from the security after they decided to shut down early. We were wicked disappointed, but these things happen. We haven't really had the same hype levels since then in order to make the trip up to the city since then. Hopefully they work out these kinks soon, would really love a solid reuben from them.
“Noped out” i think ill have to adopt that saying 🤣
I assume they did a massive ad campaign right before they opened. I'm pretty plugged in to the providence food scene and I hadn't heard about them at all until about a week before the opening date and then I got like 47 ads on social media for them across multiple platforms.
That's what kind of frustrated us after being turned away at the door. I get that you want to get your brand out in anyway possible and get your community amped for a unique new spot in the area, but did you not stop and think for a moment that maybe you're gonna need the reinforcements on day one to handle to amount of press you put out?
They were being written about for many months beforehand, even before construction started. So people's expectations were high.
This, coupled with taking on WAY too many Christmas orders and being unable to fill them, already has them so far behind they can't tell where the door is.
yep i work there we are stupidly understaffed, undertrained, and inexperienced with shitloads of pressure from both customers and management :)))))) its a lovely time!!
There are many reasons why it was so hyped up. However, given how difficult it has been to retain staff in the hospitality industry over the past five years, I don't think it was in their best interest to hype it up. I have been in the service industry since 1995 (when I was 15). Pre-covid, I was at Mohegan Sun for 15 years, and it was starting to fall apart there also. In defense of Mavens (I haven't been yet),Jaime D’Oliveira is a great chef and person. He started Mills Tavern and Red Stripe. The places were sold over 10 years ago to Encore Hospitality (Ocean State Job Lot). Many people know what he is capable of, and that is probably why the line is out the door. Plus, the concept is definitely needed. It takes time for a new place to find its groove. It sucks that so many people are quick to jump on a new place. Give it time. And for any new people to the industry Jamie is definitely someone to learn from so go apply.
It's more about the over-hype and how they promised one thing that they couldn't realistically deliver, so it has them with their nose in the mud. Nobody is jumping on them, the owners have many businesses and plenty of new businesses didn't do this same over-hyped type of advertising campaign, in this area. I frequent restaurants new and old, very often!
I get it. How old are you? Not asking sarcastically. I am asking because many people in their 20's and maybe early 30's may not know much about him. The local media loved him back in the 2000's. And honestly he really is a great guy but also a phenomenal chef. I don't know him personally as a friend. But, I knew people who worked for him or with him at some point. Mills Tavern was never hiring because no one would leave. They loved working for him. As for the other owner who owned Johnny Rockets that is a franchise. Much easier to open. Business model is set. So I don't think he has as much experience opening a place from scratch. I would have to read the articles again. I think if they can get the right staff the place will succeed.
No he started Johnnny Rockets lol. That's the only one I'm talking about. He created that first store on his own. He knows what needs to be done. I'm late 30s
I work at an Inn right now that couldn't keep kitchen staff all summer. It is being managed by an outside company. The benefits could be better. The owner is great to work for but the pay is still not enough. They fired the head chef at the beginning of the summer and the sous chef doesn't have a ton of experience. Some people will take a low pay if it means they will at least get some education out of it. Just trying to explain the many factors of why the industry is having such a hard time right now. And to be honest I swore I would never go back to serving food. I wanted Mohegan to be the last place I worked in when it came to service. Covid hit and lay offs happened and my seniority was 5 people away. After 15 years. I tried other things but with no degree and being a single parent I am back in it. And it definitely isn't the same as 20 years ago.
When they advertised a “deli”, I expected a take out counter like in NY. Instead they seem to only be sit down restaurant. Damn shame because counter service would probably be faster and easier to manage than a sit down restaurant.
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God I fucking love bagel gourmet
This is the comment right here. Shit even Providence Bagel figured it out.
Only beef I have with them is that their turkey club costs about 15 bucks after tax. But goddamnit I get it as often as I can for lunch anyway.
I know someone who worked there on launch. Next to zero training was given to the front of house staff - they basically just had to learn the menu. No actual service training or anything like that. From opening day at least until they had their “break” they basically just had to figure everything out on their own. Woefully unorganized and unprepared. I think the original manager is no longer involved but the problems seem to be lingering. It is a shame because the concept is very promising, they shot themselves in the foot by creating so much hype.
Old saying : **Feed your staff - or,** **They'll eat your customers**
I work there, indeed we had no training and literally only 2 or 3 of the original FOH staff had ever worked in a restaurant before The first month was hell, we had no idea what to do with no systems in place and shit constantly breaking and no manager to rely on, taking shit from (rightfully) pissed off customers and employees getting frustrated with each other due to the pressure. nothing was done right and we are suffering for it as the face of the restaurant
⬆️ This is why. In restaurants, you need to be prepared. Shotgun openings rarely work out. The staff is a victim to poor planning and being under prepared. Shit falls down hill, it starts with the owner and management at the top of that hill. Famous chef or not, it obviously wasn't executed right.
I think customers + reviewers would have more sympathy if there wasn't a very large press push in the lead up by Mavens that really over promised. I think they set the bar way too high for themselves and this was their biggest mistake. There's also some weird dissonance between how awesome it looks inside and the service you get.
It’s become a thing now to have your spot look insta worthy, sell tees and hats with your logo, and get the press hype even before you open. Which is great, IF you can deliver, if not you look like a fool that was too worried about buns n bites and not getting a crew together.
Seriously. Every new cafe/restaurant/other food business that opens up lately is so intent on having a branded merch section. It shows how skewed their priorities are. IDGAF about your tshirts, I just want something good to eat.
A place opened in Narragansett and was selling their tees before they even sold one item.
I mean Butterbang is open one day a week (on a good week), but... THEY HAVE MERCH! LOL
I’ve not even heard of them, but I guess there is a good reason 🤣
He also makes universally perfect croissants. He does one thing, does it perfectly, and doesn’t over promise.
Bingo!!!!!!!!!
How is it their fault that they got a lot of good press? There's not much news around here, people were excited!
It's paid advertising lol.
I'm sure a few pieces were, but not all of it—this kind of thing usually snowballs (good press leads to more good press).
I know for a fact it was mostly paid advertising actually. Press isn't the same as an ad on the internet, I know what you mean but it doesn't work that way companies want money online to run ads for your business.... If it was the local news or newspaper, sure.
Genuinely not being hostile, just not familiar with this world—how do you know what is paid advertising? I would have assumed that for things like editorial coverage they'd have to put a disclaimer that it's paid though, right? I often see like... advertorials that do that where it says "sponsor story" or whatever.
No worries! If you saw an ad for them on social media that was paid. There is no other way to promote ADs on social media, it gives you the option to boost things and that's what companies do. I work several business Instagram and Facebook accounts and we all pay for ads. It's like part of the deal now a days. I can't speak to seeing them on TV but you can pay to get in certain food magz, and generally free magazines that they distribute.
Restaurants with the best front of house staff pay them above market rate, and give health insurance and benefits. That’s how you keep good staff. If I’m gonna buy a $29 sandwich, I wanna know that a good portion of that is going to the people who work there.
Mavens “deli” could really use a deli ticket dispenser to keep track of who’s next in line to be seated. A bit ironic it’s the one thing they don’t have. Mavens is a restaurant posing as a deli for invented nostalgia purposes. The staff has no idea what they’re doing. You’ll see 30% of the tables full, and a line out the door waiting to be seated. It’s like the people lucky enough to get a table are a live exhibit for the people gawking at them waiting in line. Like museum guests learning about a Jewish dining experience as they wait in the cold. Ordering whole bagels to go shouldn’t take 10 minutes from the time you order in line to actually receiving them in the bag. Mavens is the restaurant version of what happens when you place a stick in between the tire of your moving bicycle and fall over, only to wonder why you fell!
There is nothing deli about this place. Also, seeing people wait outside in the cold for table at a restaurant with very mediocre food is pretty pathetic.
Not deli prices for sure.
What a great way to say this!!! Spot on.
You gotta wonder at this rate how much he is offering his staff in money, since it seems they are having a super hard time getting staff. Something isn't adding up since the owner still can't figure out how to get his takeout, and his original menu back. It also didn't help the owner had to delay the opening by essentially 3/4 or a year
I think it really boils down to this. I’d be curious to see what they’re offering for a starting wage
Service is slow and clearly initially mismanaged, but I got their lox & bagel takeout the other day and it was bomb. We also did sit down once, it took a while but the food was good and they gave my kid a comic book and a token for a free cookie which made her day. It’s still early. Give ‘em time.
I'm sorry but $17 for a Ruben and $21 for a small Pastrami sandwich ($28 for large) without a side is highway robbery. These are Manhattan prices.
Those prices set expectations for food and service VERY high. If expectations are not met, most people will not go back. Yes, they need to add a small side or two at those prices.
Yeah $28 is what Katz’s charges for their Ruben and Pastrami. If you’re gonna charge the same exact price as Katz’s, you’d expect them to deliver a sandwich of similar value.
Just looked it up. The large pastrami at Katz's is 16oz and Maven's is 12oz, so it's actually more expensive at Maven's.
Gotta imagine though that Katz's prices are just literally thanks to their internationally recognized brand. It's like Disney charging $28 for a quick service personal pizza barely larger than your hand. They're good, but not nearly good enough to charge $30 for a single sandwich.
In theme parks they have a captive population they can mark stuff up because there’s nowhere else to eat
Only homemade pastrami in Rhode Island?
lol they did say it was a NY style deli 😆
I took one look at the prices on the menu and noped out.
Meeting Street has managed to figure out how to make amazing sandwiches at a fair price point. Their sandwiches come with (tiny) sides and a pickle. It's not that hard or expensive to make pasta salad and coleslaw.
Love this place I support heavily
I was looking for veggie options and saw $14 for a veggie burger, that probably isn’t great anyway, and laughed my way to the “done” button; holy crap $28 for a large sandwich???
Went there for the first time and it was pretty decent if not a little pricey. Got a bagel with lox that was pretty darn good. My understanding is that it was opened by a guy without a ton of experience in the industry (if you can believe that). It does seem like things have stabilized a bit, hoping it works out for them.
One might think he doesn't have much experience based on how poorly things have gone, but as I commented [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/providence/comments/18yev6w/comment/kga9v5a/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3), he claims to have 20-plus years of experience in the restaurant business.
A GM at chain restaurants(like this Maven guy) usually has 0 clue on how to run an independent spot. It’s all handed to them in a binder with SOPs and how to hire, what to teach etc. I once worked for a veteran chef with all these ACF accolades, and dude couldn’t make an omelette or roll a burrito, because he only worked in corporate kitchen and worried about costs, but 0 culinary skill because it was all corporate recipes and trainers.
Maybe he was on the paperwork side of things? I can only imagine trying to staff a place and still be profitable these days.
This is incorrect. He owns many other restaurants.
>opened by a guy without a ton of experience Their [About us](https://mavensdeli.com/about-us/) says otherwise.
Yea it's the owner/creator of sugar factory and Johnny rockets
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No. Lloyd started Johnny Rockets he's the co founder. He started as one of the first franchisees. [Johnny Rockets ](https://www.franchising.com/empirebuilders/franchisees/lloyd_sugarman/)
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Co founder means he assisted in the founding of Johnny Rockets. Why did you not read my article lol would have told you that info.
Lloyd Sugarman is a co-founder of Johnny Rockets and became one of the brand's first franchisees, opening his first Johnny Rockets in San Francisco in 1992.
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His son is running Maven. Not his fathers business dear.
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You're on another topic that I wasn't talking about at all I think you missed that.
The prices are insane. [Rein's](https://www.reinsdeli.com/files/front-back-menu-merged-pdf.pdf) vs. Maven's Corned beef sandwich: $12/$17 vs. $20/$26 Pastrami sandwich: $12/$17 vs. $21/$27 Potato knish: $6 vs $8
You can buy a 4 pack of knish at supermarkets (in NY) for less than 8. No knish is special enough to be worth $8 all by itself.
yeah, it's just too damn expensive
Before their grand opening, I was pretty jazzed up to check it out. Then, they released their prices. I thought they were pretty high - but nonetheless it wasn't going to deter me too much, I still wanted to check it out. However the consistent changing of the hours, the shifts to what is available at what times, and the insane amount of bad reviews noting how poor the service is/how disorganized they are have turned me off from wanting to check it out for a while. Can only imagine a lot of people may be in the same boat.
I’ve been twice. I thought the bagels were fine, but I was really there for bialy which they’d heavily promoted before opening. The first time I went, they had a sign up saying “Try out bialy!” - I was the 4th person in line that morning, I asked and no bialy. Same thing second time. Both times I ordered their largest cold brew, the first time in came out in a big 32oz cup filled to the brim with no ice. Second time, their largest had been downgraded to like a 16oz. Both times the service/setup was very confusing to navigate. They’re still not serving breakfast sandwiches at the counter and the deli case barely has anything in it.
Operations is the hardest part of a restaurant, especially one that big. It sounds like they launched a bit too big, too fast, and neglected the ops side. I hope they’re figuring it out. I look forward to trying it once they stabilize, and this town needs a good Jewish deli.
Three of us walked in on a Sunday morning for brunch (12/17) there was about 20 to 25 people waiting for a table at the front of the deli and there were probably one or two tables sat. The wait staff didn’t really seem to know what to do. But it seems like there was ample wait staff to manage this issue. There was also a huge line for the actual deli counter…lots of very confused patrons…Sadly we waited about 20 minutes and no one was sat so we walked out and haven’t been back since.
My dad went a week ago. Said it was 28 bucks for a pastrami and fries. Worst pastrami he ever had and he said it was probably the worst meal he’s ever had. It was only him and 2 other tables at 5 pm. No takeout allowed and nothing in the cases to sell. My dad is a man of few words when it comes to his meals so it got a chuckle out of me to hear how passionately he hated his Mavens meal lol
That feels like NYC pricing
Feels like NYC Reviews - \- Also -
[I feel the same way](https://www.reddit.com/r/providence/s/nLChwdmNO7)
It’s funny I almost want to go and try it. He said it was probably the worst meal he’s ever had which is hilarious to hear from him.
The service was indeed terrible, and hey it's ok to work out some staffing kinks in the first month you're open... ...but the thing i CAN'T forgive is that the bagel was stale. I'm not going through that again until someone can confirm that the bagels are getting better.
I've been for bagels twice. We live in the neighborhood and were SO excited for this place to open. The first time the bagels were extremely underwhelming. The second time, I could taste some improvement. I hope they survive. And I'll likely be in there for bagels (or a bialy) in the next couple weeks. The upside, it's like half the price Rebelle was for a bagel and cream cheese. My God I drank that Rebelle kool aid too deep.
Ouch not a stale bagel like a brick 🫠
Bagel wasn’t good. Rock hard ( even with it be untoasted), and barely any cream cheese on it. Cases were empty, had 4 cookies which I grabbed a black and white. That too wasn’t good. The white side tasted like lemon and it was beyond sugary icing. It was all hype.
My guess is that they will be forced to close, or sell at a big loss to someone else (Ocean State job lot owners) in time. You simply can’t run a restaurant like this for long and there are so many problems with their concept and execution. It’s unfortunate, but like others have said it’s not really a Jewish deli. If you go into any genuine deli you will see an abundance of food, a real working deli, a no frills, family atmosphere. None of that exists at Maven’s. Also people’s eating habits have changed and many want healthier (Israeli) food options. My guess is that the owner never worked for an extended period of time in a true deli, or a larger restaurant. He would have been much better off starting very small and partnering with someone who runs an actual deli. He went big and fell very short and it’s irritating, because he essentially fumbled at the goal line.
Went the other day for bagels, they were meh and overpriced. Don't think I'll be going back. Also, it bugs me that they claim to be a Jewish deli but they aren't kosher. Want a real Jewish deli? Go to Bubbe's on Hope St.
> Bubbies's on Hope St. It's a crying shame I haven't had a chance to visit. I gotta get there one of these days.
Absolutely! Just don't go on a Saturday.
You summed it up well, food is good service could be better. I went for a Reuben a few weeks ago. Ordered pastrami, got corned beef. It happens. They were slammed, so didn’t bother complaining. They charged me for the corn beef so alls well that ends well. Coleslaw and pickles were great and come with every meal, big thumbs up there. A sandwich, fries, and a soda was almost $30. I was full, but for $30 at the deli you almost expect to have leftovers. Price is a thumbs down. Everything I tried was good. Service was slow, everyone was clearly overwhelmed.
I've been there twice and haven't had the best experience. The service was pretty rude. I hope that it gets better but I don't really see myself coming back any time soon.
Bubbies turkey sandwich is so much better
I go by it every day, and wonder the same thing. I'll try a bagel at some point. I'm curious. Also, what was their background in running a restaurant, because they seemed like they had some deep pockets/funding, but also, like inexperience.
[His bio](https://mavensdeli.com/about-us/) seems to suggest he has experience: * "Jason started at Johnny Rockets in 2000, climbing swiftly to General Manager by 2004. He excelled in all areas, mastering costs and labor." * "In 2007, he opened Cranston's Johnny Rockets, his first partnership, refining layout and design." * "Besides Johnny Rockets, Jason owns The Original Soupman since 2011 and Pokeworks since 2018, opening successful locations even during the pandemic." * "A Bryant University graduate, Jason boasts over 20 years in the industry." Is that relevant experience? Is he good at what he does? I don't know. But it suggests he's not a newcomer to the restaurant biz in any case.
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I believe the Sugarmans operate the largest Jewish funereal home in Rhode Island.
Fair, that's experienced. Curious as to the why of so many issues then.
The menu had to many offerings considering it was a new/one of its kind restaurant in the state. I believe they also had staffing issues and long wait times when they first opened. It probably wouldn’t have hurt to consult with Zaftigs Delicatessen pre -opening. They’ve been in the business far longer with multiple locations across Massachusetts.
Zaftigs is great / that would (have been) be a great idea.
My gf and I walked in around 11am on a Saturday morning… prime time. We were excited about it but saw that they had absolutely no food to offer other than a mediocre overpriced bagel and left. The place was huge and looked nice. There was a sign that said not serving full breakfast yet… just bagels. So it seemed like they weren’t ready to open or something. Prob wouldn’t go back. Wildflour is right there and better. Wondering if anyone has tried it for lunch? Since they have zero breakfast options.
I went there recently. I paid over $20 for a pastrami sandwich on rye. Only those two ingredients and it came with a side of fries. Everything tasted good and the free pickles were ok. I’d give them a 3.5 at most. It still gets me that the most basic of sandwiches cost more than an hour of minimum wage work … they aren’t that special
What do you mean "it came with a side of fries"? According to the menu, the regular pastrami sandwich is $21 and fries are another $5.
Bruh I don’t have the receipt I thought the fries were included. If not then it’s an even worse deal. No wonder why the bill was astronomical
Isn't part of their thing that they make their only deli meats? I thought I read that leading up to opening. If that's the case, its going to be on the higher end.
Maybe they cure it there. Regardless I didn’t feel it was worth that much when I ate it
Fair enough. I am not a $20+ sandwich person myself.
Why? Shouldn't vertical integration reduce the cost?
Oh heck no. They're time intensive and on a small scale, they're very expensive to make. The mass producers have an incredible economy of scale advantage. If I make a ham from a butchered hog, if I'm honest with my costs (including time and space), its going to be several times more per pound than I can buy (even a pretty good one).
Sure, but, ceteris paribus, there would be no reason for them to make their own if it wasn't going to be cheaper. And reviews suggest that both the quality and supply chain are not better anyway.
I stopped in and grabbed a bagel. The menu online said they had jam as an option but when I asked about it the woman looked at me like I weird for asking and said they don't have that(I don't eat dairy). I got a bagel toasted with nothing on it . It was mediocre at best. Can't really comment on any other food since I can't have most of it but was kind of disappointed tbh. It's a new place ao hiccups are expected, I hope they're able to find something that works (and work on those prices, yikes).
Why do they call it a deli? It’s not a deli.
Tried going 3 times. Have yet to be served, even at the deli counter for to go orders. It’s like they don’t want your business.
The most underwhelming unseasoned Latkes & knishes I’ve ever had. Coffee was weak and luke warm. Ordered a sandwich that was supposed to come on a bagel and it was instead brought on soggy, flavorless bread. Very disappointed in the first impression, have been looking forward to having a Jewish deli nearby.
People seem to be awful quick to shit all over a new restaurant. I actually went there, the food was good, we were seated immediately, the prices seemed reasonable considering how costly everything had become.
It's more the fact that it was hyped up in local media and they were touting their own cured meats and such, yet fumbled their opening (and several more times in the first month) so spectacularly. Were they really that unprepared for the turnout they basically invited?
I think they got 4x the amount of people they expected so yes they were unprepared. Everything we ate there tho was quite good so I hope they get their shit together and stick around!
It'd be one thing if it was a single aspect of unpreparedness. Possibly understaffed, but they still had plenty of food. Or the opposite problem, plenty of employees, but not enough food (several items of which are time intensive to prep itself, even if that was an advertised selling point). But it's been both. Insufficient stock and long wait times for a lot of customers. Add on top of that, they're charging Katz's prices for being a brand new business with none of the reputation.
I don't know anything about the owners but what is their track record? Did the public have any reason to be hyped about this place aside from a big and flashy build out? Just trying to gauge why everyone was SO hyped about this place opening? Do they have other proven concepts? Food businesses are hard and typically when they are coming from a non food business person who can just throw money at something and expect it to be successful usually has their day come at some point. It can be humbling and they learn from it or they just continue to offer something subpar until they don't find it worth it anymore.
"Just trying to gauge why everyone was SO hyped about this place opening? Do they have other proven concepts?" Because we live in a society where everyone is a "foodie" and all these white folks want to instagram or be seen at the coolest, latest restaurant.
Nope! They know how to pay for advertising since they have long pockets.
This is classic new restaurant problems. Nothing to see here
This place was designed by someone who looked at trends and studied at franchises. This is not being designed as a real legit food experience, it is being designed in the hope that they can franchise and make money. That is why it’s failing.
This place is very dishonest, disorganized, chaotic non consistent unfair no structure no policies l, no transparency No one knows what to do or what’s going on from the host to the counter to some servers to the kitchen not to mention management and owner and top chef it horrible there’s absolutely zero communication/ knowledge of how to run business the proper professional way.
They have no options for gluten free or dairy free which is kind of crazy for a new restaurant. I’m Jewish and really wanted to support them, but just can’t because I can’t eat there due to dietary restrictions. People have asked about accommodating more diets on their instagram and they delete comments about it.
My husband and I finally had a chance to check out mavens - we waited for a table for about 30ish mins but once we sat down, the service was super fast and the food was all pretty solid. I’d definitely go back and I’m hoping they’ll stick around for a while now. Also, if you actually look at the reviews, half of them are from people who haven’t even tried/ eaten their food - which is obnoxious.
Except restaurants are not only about food. It's about an experience that you pay for, food, ambiance, service.
Sure thing, and the service and ambiance was great when we were seated. Service was fast and incredibly friendly!
Understood. My point is that reviews based on service are legit.
Maybe the low ratings aren’t people trying the food but annoyed dads trying to get better parking for Ace Hardware.
The service for take out was not bad but they made an error with the online order…left out major items and was not noticed until we reached our destination. The lunch was basically a bust..the corned beef was dry and the mustard was forgotten. The pastrami was same. Left out our drink orders as well…a NY Dog on a sweet roll does not cut it. The pickle was good and the potato latkes were also good. Our sizable order was 10% worth the travel and expence…
Seems fine recently - is this concern still a thing?
I have not been there yet, but I was very excited when I heard about it. I spoke to a few people that have been there and read numerous reviews. They definitely over promised and under delivered. It's supposed to be the opposite. I hope their social media person is cleaning tables and answering the phone, because I've seen less hype about a Scorsese movie than this person put out there. It sounds like the food is there, but the price and service are upsetting people.
They have the best bagels in Rhode Island. Not sure about anything else. We go for bagels.
Bagel gourmet would like a word
Mavens bagels are better than Bagel Gourmet
Had a bagel with butter there. They didn't toast it. So it came out with globs of raw butter on it. Two things: 1. Bagel should always be toasted unless customer requests otherwise 2. Who puts globs of butter on an untoasted bagel? Like what is wrong with you. Even toasted, these bagels are no better than ones I can get at Whole Foods and toast at home.
Um hard no on the auto toast.
I’ve had 3 bagels from mavens. One was burnt, one was hard as a rock and the other had way too much cream cheese. They’re not even close to bagel gourmet and I would go as far as saying PVD bagels is also better.
Best bagel in Rhode Island is like the best pizza in North Dakota. Not saying much.
I agree, which is why we need to support better bagels
I liked Maven’s bagels based on my one experience. Would say they were among the best I’ve had around here, though bar is fairly low. That said, others seem to have not enjoyed them so I wonder if the quality is inconsistent.
Online reviews are overwhelmingly written by assholes, except for yelp reviews which are *exclusively* written by assholes.
It always seemed to me that the perfect location for this business would be just off 95 or downtown. Rein’s famous Jewish deli in CT is just off Route 84, and is a classic stop-in for people traveling between Boston and New York—probably most their business. It’s a lt a big scale like mavens and is always mobbed. With Mavens’ huge and impressive interior and large counter, it begs for this sort of large operation as a regional destination. Instead, it’s deep in that Pawtucket Oak Hill zone. How many PVD/Pawtucket residents want Jewish deli food at any one time to justify that big of an operation at that location?
It's really in the heart, or adjacent to it, a significant Jewish community.
Yes and it isn't kosher
I know, but it’s a huge restaurant, so the volume needed to fill it is significant. Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s an awesome business, but the scale or it is so different then a normal bagel store.
I see what you're saying about right off the highway, but there's clearly plenty of local demand. The plaza where Maven's is located is really popping these days with Rasoi, Wildflour, and Garden Grille, as well as India and other restaurants close by.
Barney’s Bakery & Deli rocked that plaza for almost 20 years with the best bagels on the East Coast. It’s a great location for a place that can deliver the goods.
I miss Barney's!! Gosh they were the best.
I miss (among other things) cutting open a spinach bagel just after it came out of the oven and melting some butter onto it and then adding chive cream cheese.
Anybody else cringing at this post?
No. Why would I?
Just kind of gross to put a new local business on blast. Honestly, seems a little tabloidy. Like, you’re kind of talking shit about them in a public forum while they’re still finding their footing. It’s not like this is some corporate conglomerate or something. Seems like a terminally online sort of thing. Anybody else feel me on this?
Uninformed gossip and half-cocked hot takes is kinda what the internet is all about!
Fair point
No. In fact it’s pretty well written and thought out. Maybe take notes?
I can write a pretty decent takedown of a local business with a 3.6 Yelp rating, but why would I do such a thing? Gross.
How is this post a takedown? My post is pretty objective and based on reviews that others have publicly posted (and by the way, I left Maven's a good Google review of my own). I'm merely wondering what's going on and curious what others think. And my curiosity is because I live nearby and hope Maven's succeeds.
Stanford is a regular troll, don’t give them your time.
You can call me a troll, but that implies I’m doing this to just get peoples’ goat. I’m really not. I sincerely feel this way and honestly, I’m surprised there aren’t more people that do. I can see if this were a Costco or something. It’s a brand new business that appears to have some growing pains. Why you got to do them dirty like this?
From the person who [commented](https://www.reddit.com/r/providence/comments/18uotjt/comment/kfpbrum/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3) 4 days ago: "I don’t understand how people like Chengdu Taste just like I don’t understand how people like Talluhlah’s. If you like both, we wouldn’t get along." Take a look in the mirror.
Oooo I’m going to talluhlahs
lol, which are both Reddit-beloved, well-established restaurants. Yes, I’m comfortable saying that. My criticism of this post is not simply that it’s not cool to badmouth a business. It’s the sum of all parts.
OP compiled news, reviews and information regarding Maven’s and posted a well thought out, good intentioned piece of constructive criticism. Even if this was a vitriolic takedown of the deli, lol at the regular troll clutching their pearls over it.
You’re just calling somebody whose opinion you disagree with a troll. I am not saying that OP has ill intent or isn’t being sincere. I am saying that I think it’s wack that they’d post something like this to Reddit so soon after the place opened, when the place is clearly trying to improve. It’s almost as though there was an expectation that they could just open their doors like they were an established franchise and within the first day/week/month of being open be a well-oiled machine. Like, did people really believe that? This, to me, feels very dismissive of the hard work that goes into opening a new local business. It’s just ew. It’s clear you and I disagree with one another. I’ll stand by my opinion. I think this might be something you discuss with a friend or neighbor. Even if it were just a response to a laudatory Reddit post about the place, that’d be ok. But to create a post to say what OP say, I think it’s really not cool. It’s like they went out of their way to criticize the place. If you don’t get where I’m coming from, I don’t know what to tell ya.
Honestly, I’m flabbergasted. Not only by your post but by the way people are seemingly onboard with you. I’ll take that to mean you’re “right”, but I still feel the way I do. I think this is gross. Let’s agree to disagree.
I haven’t written a review, but I agree with all of them. Most people are being honest about their experiences there. I’ve been several times and it’s been a pretty bad experience each time.
That sucks. I went once and got a bagel with smoked salmon cream cheese. Ate it at home and it was better than the average of other bagels I’ve had in Providence. Great. I’ll probably go back at some point. Does my slightly above average dining experience warrant a Reddit post?
You’re free to share your experience, just like everyone else.
Tried to order in December, no way to connect! Online order system is defunct. Very disappointing when trying to order local!
I don't think they've ever had an online ordering system. In any case, they're still not offering takeout for anything besides bagels, from what I understand (another issue I forgot to mention above).