Thank you Jamie for always being so helpful and working with me helping me find the right products…read morefor work. I know I can always count on you helping me!

Bargreen Ellingson is distributor of supplies and equipment to restaurants, bars, hotels,…read morejanitorial companies and caterers. The Bend store is one link in the national chain.. Although clearly a trade supply store and some things (as in glassware and dishes and flatware) are only sold in gross quantities , it is open for sales to the public and there are things here that home cooks can buy in singles that might come in handy. As example, on our most recent visit we purchased more of our fav things to buy at Bargreen...stainless steel whisks of various sizes in good quality at a fraction of the price of other retail. (We've given a number of these away and hence the return for more.) We also picked up a single muddler of pretty decent quality from the bar section. As another example, if you were in the market for a big plastic, food quality storage tub in which to brine a holiday turkey, this would be the place to find one at a decent price. Or a REALLY big, unbreakable, salad bowl to take that salad for 30 to the school potluck at a price point that wouldn't break the bank if it wasn't returned. Located in the building originally constructed a couple of years ago to house Austin Tile, a great business now sadly defunct due to Bend's recession, as you enter from the private parking lot (hooray - ample parking) you'll note all the stonework on the building exterior and a massive high ceilinged lobby with a sort of spiral staircase up to the second floor. (If you're not able to climb stairs, have no worries...there is an elevator at the rear of the first floor...with nicely mosaic tiled walls to remind us all of the original tile company.) In our experience, there has always been a very helpful someone at the front desk to ask if you're looking for something specific and to point you in that direction, or to invite you to wander if that's what you are there to do. Maybe it's just us, but our recent visit to Bargreen's it seemed darker, less well stocked and overall less "zing" than on earlier visits. Bargreen's seemed to show the impact of the economic slowdown in Bend. Hard to fathom as even now restaurants seem to be opening and closing and changing hands at a pretty good clip in this tourist fueled city of about 80,000 people. But maybe the restaurant ownership changes mean old existing equipment and materials get recycled not purchased new. The second floor is where the restaurant specific glassware, dishware, furniture and accent "stuff" (like menu covers) are displayed. The first floor houses bar supplies, janitorial supplies and a plethora of kitchen use / cookware of all knds. It's probably the second floor more than the first that shows the "bloom off the rose" these days. We are people who can easily entertain ourselves for long periods by looking about in well stocked cooking stores, even in smaller stores like the delightful Ginger's on Bend's westside or the kitchen / baking section of Newport Avenue Market. We go in for one thing, and end up browsing to find something else useful. When we travel, cooking stores (and great grocery stores for that matter) are destination stops for us. We had quite a lot of fun exploring Bargreens when they first opened in Bend...but now it's a place where we are on a hunt for something specific, we get it and leave. But three stars means AOK after all, and while we recognize we are not their target market, Bargreens is that for us as home cooks. .

I discovered the Great Silipint thanks to Think NY, Drink NY Craft Brewers association. I…read moreabsolutely love these items! What is a silipint you ask? Well the description is right in the name! It is a silicone material that is somewhat flexible yet useful. Funny enough the company started out with it's foldable dog bowls and grew from there! On my first direct order I got the 22oz bomber with an XL travel lid. The reusable straw was included free in the order. I also just had to purchase one of the dog bowls, as they fold up so much nicer than my collapsible bowl I use now. I could not be more impressed. The cup is perfect for around the house and all my outdoor adventures whether poolside, camping, or a driveway happy hour. It is dishwasher safe, keeps my drinks incredibly cold or hot, and doesn't sweat. The dog bowl is huge, yet folds down to a very tiny size that fits in my pack or even my dog's backpack. It too is dishwasher safe. I have now ordered a human bowl, a smaller pint, another straw, and another dog bowl. Shipping is quick and free over a certain threshold. You can also find their products at many retailers/breweries with their special branding on it, such as Lake Placid Brewery, Founders, Salty Dog, Duluth trading and more. Have a business, wedding, or special occasion? These guys will work with you to create your own special design! Love this great company from my birth place of Bend, OR!

LOVE MY SILIPINTS!!!! If you have never associated themat name with one of those weird…read moresoft"glasses", this is what they are called and this is the best place in town to find them. Although this is primarily the shipping center for the entire world, they also have a small retail location in front where you can shop to your heart's delight. Don't be fooled by Google maps. The mapping system will take you directly to their loading dock at the back of the building. Do yourself a favor. Walk around to the front of the building and enter through the front door. There's a beautiful courtyard out front that is shared with the brewery next door as well as some other businesses. These glasses and bowls have great insulating properties, keeping cold cold and hot hot. They also don't sweat. Best of all they are unbreakable. Perfect for packing on a trip, taking camping, or just drinking on the back porch. Then when your dog knocks over your drink while trying to get a snort, the glass doesn't break and leave a pile of glass to pick up..... Being that this is the world headquarters you can have custom designs added to your Silipint..... but that option is primarily available for larger commercial orders. If you're in Central Oregon, come here and pick up a couple. You'll be glad that you did!

My freezer unexpectedly died. We decided to replace it rather than have it repaired since it was…read morefull of frozen food that was still frozen. Mark at Johnson Brothers was wonderful. He had the new freezer, a Frigidaire, delivered the very next day so that we wouldn't suffer a food loss. Several days later I wanted ice cubes and found that the freezer had heated up to 66 degrees! All of the food had spoiled. A process then started in order to ascertain the problem and replace the freezer. Mark and Johnson Brothers were again great. A technician arrived the next day and said the freezer couldn't be fixed. Frigidaire in comparison, gave me a day they would sent a technician, who never came, evidently the repair company had closed...wait for it...8 months previously. They wouldn't replace the freezer until a technician they sent said it couldn't be repaired. Frigidaire wanted to fix the freezer rather than replace it. Another day. When the technician came he said the freezer couldn't be fixed. Mark was even able cover the food loss. The entire time Mark was very supportive. I feel the value of a company is truly felt when there is a problem and am very grateful for the service I received.

A full year ago, we 'kept it local' and bought a Bosch dishwasher and paid for the install. They…read moresent out two kids (clearly not licensed plumbers which is requirement for any appliance install involving water and electricity). Three weeks later we noticed the floors buckled in the kitchen. They didn't even bother to get the hose fitting tight! I called and they sent out some company that put a fan with some painters tape around the area and left! Short story: They refused to report the issue to their insurance. Blew me off for DAYS! I'd call back into the office and ask for a manager and never was able to speak with one. Poor sap management makes deal with these situations said, "I've talked with 'them' and they aren't going to report it to our insurance.'" Talk to enough people and they have gone through the same ordeal with Johnson Brothers. That's why they wouldn't report it to their insurance. We had no choice but to file a claim with our insurance and the same day had Sierra James out here. Kitchen and laundry room DESTROYED! We had to move out of our house for 8 months. Took two weeks to find a furnished house for rent. Complete nightmare putting our house back together. Try dealing with insurance these days.....even when it's not your fault. That alone took years off my life. Took a couple months to get them to refund the dishwasher and had to FIGHT to get the install charge refunded. "The installation is not refundable." Seriously, you can't make this stuff up. Not a single apology throughout. Not until I asked for an apology did I get the 'I already did, you just aren't listening'. Worst company and people I've ever dealt with......and that's saying a lot these days. One year later, we are finally done with all this crap. Our insurance subjugated the claim against JBs insurance and won. Our deductible is finally coming back to us. Do yourself a favor and go to Lowe's. The founder died. His son took over and died. Now, the grandkids took over and have nothing but a fancy website with empty slogans and values and promises of commitment and integrity. It's total bullshit.

Not saying I wouldn't use them again, but on one job they managed to send out a slab with the wrong…read morefinish, the installers dropped a metal tape measure into a beautiful, brand new stainless steel sink (twice!)? This is now our "backup" countertop company.

Blown away. Super, super folks. After downsizing we wanted to change out our laminate counter top…read morein the kitchen. It's a small house and the counter top is large. Any flaws WILL be seen. We shopped a couple of stores in town and nobody really connected with us. We had granite in our kitchen when we built our home over 20 years ago. And hated every minute of it. The seams were huge, the edge was poor and the experience was beyond awful. So we wanted to avoid all that. As we are laying out the stone we walked back into the shop and talked with the foreman about our concern w/the seams. He showed us the method they use and we were satisfied. He turned over a slab and showed us the cams to keep the seams tight. It really helped to talk to the people that would be doing our work. We also chose a chiseled self edge. Which we were a bit apprehensive about. Done right it looks great. Done "not right" you catch your shirt on the edge as you walk past. Demo day comes and the crew pops off our old counter in a jiffy, clean up and lay out for the new granite. I think we got the layout as a pdf that afternoon. Approved it and we were off. The time from layout to install was a tiny bit long. I think there was a Holiday in there as well. This would probably be the only thing Imagine could improve on. Tub washing the dishes was getting old. The install went great. And all our fears about large seams and off kilter counters over the cabinets were allayed. You literally have to look closely to see where the seams were bookended. Pass your hand over the seam and there is nothing. The chiseled edge was honed down so it still looks great...but doesn't catch your clothing We are beyond happy with Imagine Stone. Next project...bathrooms

Our case took two years to reach settlement and Gary was involved the entire time. He handled the…read morecase personally, without passing us off to someone else; he answered emails or calls quickly (often on weekends or after hours) & explained things every step of the way. Dealing with an injury changes your life, Gary understands that & uses his years of experience to make the process less stressful. I cannot recommend or thank him enough.

Gary and his staff went above and beyond to help me through the process of getting a settlement…read moreafter my car accident. He made sure to really get to know me and my situation in order to get the best results and he exceeded my expectations! He is very knowledgeable about the Oregon laws and really cares about his clients. He made what could have been insanely stressful easy. I did a lot of research to find the best lawyer in town and I certainly did. I highly recommend!

Attorney Myles Conway of this firm performed the difficult task of achieving a M49 partition…read moreapproval and plat recording. He was skilled and responsive during this process. This difficult process was performed for a very reasonable fee. Very satisfied.

This place is so awesome to work with! Darla is incredibly kind and so helpful! If you need…read moreembroidery work done this is the place! We have had various shirts and hats done. You can order clothing items from her or bring in your own. She will order shirts so you can see quality before you purchase. She contracts out for silk screening too! I can't say enough good things about this business! Prices are very reasonable and service is incredible.

I'm 100% satisfied with custom T-shirts made by Rainbow Threads!!! Great turn around too! Highly…read morerecommended