MONGERS PROVISIONS

By Jenn Goeddeke

FOUNDED IN 2017 BY ZACH BERG AND WILL WARNER, MONGERS’ PROVISIONS has consistently surprised and pleased their customers with specialty food from both here and abroad.

It’s clear that Berg and Warner have a stong passion and enthusiasm for selling hard-to-find delicacies. After meeting in summer camp at age ten, the business partners formed a solid friendship before forging ahead many years later with their joint goal of forming a “store with a story.” Berg emphasized that Mongers' Provisions is designed to give their customers an experience of “going on a trip while you’re still at home!” This includes being highly detail-oriented and familiar with the background of all items sold. Although the focus is on cheese, craft chocolate and charcuterie, there are many other items on offer, along with wine (selected to pair up with food items), beer, and non-alcoholic beverages. Additionally, Berg and Warner feature a pantry section with various spices, sauces, chutneys, plus heirloom beans and grains. Both owners started out smart: They spent a couple of years trying out different locations in the form of “pop-ups” in order to gauge customer responses and preferences. Next, they set up for one year at a butcher shop in Ferndale, before opening their own Detroit locale in 2018 (at the Cass-and-Canfield area of Midtown). Part of their decision to establish a retail location in that particular area, Berg explained, is because “Detroit deserves world-class amenities!” No other store like Mongers was available for customers to enjoy, and this initial location has been going strong ever since.

After establishing themselves in Detroit for three years, Berg and Warner expanded their business operations, opening their Berkley store (at Griffith and 12 Mile) just prior to Thanksgiving 2021. At 2,800 square feet, the Berkley location is three times larger than the space in Detroit. Berg added that it's easier now to organize all store shipments, and there is plenty of retail space. It features a 12 foot deli case full of food from around the world, and a whole wall of craft chocolates.

UP UNTIL THE TIME OF THE COVID19 PANDEMIC IN MARCH 2020, Mongers' Provisions catered many events, such as wed-dings. However, most of those group events are now canceled. Berg said, “We had to learn to pivot and stay on our toes!” So the E-commerce aspect of their business really took off around that time. For example, they began offering online virtual tastings, where items are ordered and shipped in advance to a specific group of people. Then the group can schedule a meet (via Zoom) to experience food and drinks together! As a sweet perk to being a Certified Cheese Professional, Berg just won an exciting trip at the beginning of January, an allexpenses paid scholarship awarded through the Comté Association (Comté is a cheese from the Jura region of France). He will spend five days this coming July in France, on a press tour which will include traveling throughout the Jura and seeing the entire process, from fields, to the cheese- making, and finally through the caves where they are aged. Meanwhile, the retail aspect of Mongers' Provisions continues to thrive. Both owners are focused on strengthening their brand through both locations.

BERG AND WARNER STAY INVOLVED WITH LOCAL CHARITABLE EVENTS and worthy causes through donations of items and gift cards. Their efforts have been noticed by local media over the years, and their many favorable online reviews show they're popular with customers. Berg complimented his customers and neighbors at both locales, saying everyone has been, “so welcoming and incredibly warm.” He also added that foot traffic at their Berkley location has been “shocking!” Mongers’ Provisions continues add new, appealing items at each store, and they also accept suggestions or special requests. In this interactive and friendly way, they keep their loyal customers coming back, and continue to attract more.

Mongers' Provisions currently has two locations: Detroit (4240 Cass Ave, #111) and Berkley (3127 W.12 Mile Rd.) Plenty of free parking is available to the rear of the Berkley location. Free shipping is offered within Michigan for any online order over $70. Masks are required for all guests. n 313.651.7119 or 248.468.4487 | www.Mongersprovisions.com www.facebook.com/mongersprovisions www.instagram.com/mongersprovisions

AJ O’Neil - C.B.O (Chief Bean Officer): Proud Graduate of Berkley High School!