For Lisa Vigil and Ken Posko, co-owners of Provisions, a fresh-food market located in the center of downtown Waxhaw, being a business owner in a small town is more than just a job, it’s a commitment to a way of life. Provisions, which has expanded in the recent years to offer made-to-order breakfast and lunch options, is as much a staple of the little town as the railroad tracks that run the length of its main street.
Provisions is the quintessential small-town shop. Before there was a kitchen, there was just the eclectic home and kitchen emporium. With over ninety-five local vendors being represented, Provisions is a proud supporter of the Shop/Eat local initiative that is gaining momentum across the nation. With items that range from alpaca socks and reusable snack bags to gourmet spices and specialty pasta, chances are if you’re looking for it, Provisions will have it. The shop also features tote bags, dry goods, fresh foods, home decor, soaps and toiletries, candy, and my personal favorite, Iva Jean’s Fudge. Local artists’ wares and folk art are also on-hand, such as Pat Kitto’s boiled-wool crafted tree sculptures available in a variety of colors that vary with the seasons and major holidays.
Getting by with a little help from their friends
Ken and Lisa can be seen at their shop, making it work every day. In fact, it was working together as a community that made Provisions a possibility for the enigmatic couple. Provisions, which was founded by Tyler Jones of Fallston, opened its doors in June of 2013. During that time, Lisa had been the owner and operator of Main Street Grill, a former Waxhaw institution. When the opportunity arose to purchase Provisions three years ago, Ken and Lisa jumped at the chance. They had envisioned owning such an establishment for years. Neighbors coming together, the couple’s friends, family, and connections from Main Street Grill, all made the purchase of Provisions possible (along with Tyler Jones providing owner financing). Realizing your dreams is hard work. Both Ken and Lisa are grateful for the outpouring of love and support from family, friends, and neighbors that allowed them to purchase the store in 2016. They’ve since expanded the store to include a large dining area/function room.
Both Ken and Lisa are every bit as interesting as their shop and restaurant. When she moved from Los Angeles, California to North Carolina ten years ago, Lisa brought with her a strong work ethic and a love of nature. Los Angeles has some pretty progressive recycling programs, and Lisa takes pride in keeping Provisions as environmentally-sound as possible. For Lisa, Ken, and their children, recycling is a way of life. From reusable straws and shopping bags to bamboo utensils for the to-go orders and plant-based plastic water cups, Lisa is helping to keep Waxhaw in the green. She even furnishes the eclectic-styled shop with dinnerware and furniture from Goodwill. Ken, a Navy veteran and volunteer firefighter with the Waxhaw Fire Department, is also a highly-skilled chef who trained at the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute. Ken believes in good food and happy customers. His cooking style is intuitive and Lisa jokes that his recipes are merely guidelines — Ken adds the magic as he goes.
A little known fact about the Provisions kitchen is that it doesn’t have a fryer — something that both Ken and Lisa are proud of. Their food is fresh and lively, and radiates positive energy. You can almost see the sandwiches smiling. Food at Provisions is honest, fresh, and flavorful. With Ken’s cooking and Lisa’s vast customer knowledge, Provisions aims to please. They offer special diet options such as gluten-free bread, vegetarian, and vegan meal options. They feature Barvecue™, a local vegan company from Cornelius, that offers 100% plant-based barbecue food options, which can be incorporated into many of the meals at Provisions. Another product the couple is excited about is Windham Pimento cheese. Owned by Brenda Windham of South Carolina, Windham’s offers a variety of flavored pimento cheeses. Supporting local businesses that mirror their core values is what Provisions is all about.
The “Vintage and Antique Back Room Market”, located in the rear of the main store area, features Sweet Salvage Antiques. Here, you can find unique home decor, jewelry, art, and a variety of “farmhouse finds”. Many of the items are rescued from local homes or estates that were slated to be torn down.
The Time’s They Are A-Changin’
It’s no secret that the tiny town of Waxhaw is growing in leaps and bounds. In the past few years, several new businesses and restaurants have opened in its downtown area. When asked about how she felt about the competition, Lisa just smiled. For her, the rule is “the more, the merrier”. Lisa wants to see everyone succeed, and feels that Provisions fills a void that other restaurants don’t, and vice versa. “With more people come more opportunities,” Lisa explained. Those opportunities walk through the door daily, heralded by the tinkle of the tiny bells hanging overhead. Lisa Vigil and Ken Posko are excited to celebrate the store achieving its sixth anniversary of being in business. It’s nice to know that despite the bustle of breakfast and lunch rushes, Provision’s is here to offer customers a moment to sit back, slow down, relax, and chat awhile. Great food, great service, and intriguing conversations are guaranteed daily, especially with the dining room displaying local artists like Bonita Summers, whose whimsical flying pig in alcohol ink is certain to be a conversation starter.
Provisions is located at 107 W. South Main Street in Waxhaw, NC. They are open daily from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., offering breakfast and lunch from 9 to 3. For more information, please visit their website at provisionswaxhaw.com or find them on Facebook.
