A report by Dana Eastland. Tony Ferrari and his brother Austin Ferrari have partnered up to open a coffee shop in the former Baked spot on Potrero Hill. They’ve also brought on Aran Healy (Ruby Wine Company) and Dave Tullis as partners in the project, which is called PROVENDER. The brothers grew up in a large Italian family, where drinking espresso was an important ritual, and they want to bring that same spirit to the neighborhood. They’ll be using Sightglass beans and focusing on making the best coffee and espresso they possibly can. Tony Ferrari is also an owner at Hillside Supper Club.
The 300-square-foot space was built out by partner Dave Tullis, and the original Victorian style has been rendered in clean lines with a white and blue palette, hex tile flooring, and wooden countertops. As for the name, provender is an old term for dry feed for animals and so they figured: “Hell, let’s offer provender to the people of Potrero, YES?”
There is also a selection of housemade pastries, like black sesame banana bread; a savory biscuit with goat cheese, scallion, and bacon; and a chocolate chip cookie with sea salt. The small, tight menu offers food to go, like a lamb sandwich with charmoula aioli, a vegetarian beet sandwich, split pea soup with garlic, a quinoa salad, and an arugula salad.
They are still waiting on a health department inspection, but hope to open next Tuesday June 9th. Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for up-to-date information on the opening. Hours will be Tue-Sun 8am-7pm, closed Mondays. They may stay open until 9pm in the future, depending on business. 1415 18th St. at Missouri.
Menus above the counter at Provender. Photo courtesy of Provender.
