Since I moved to Whidbey Island seven years ago, I have seen an increasing emphasis on selling local products and promoting “buy local.” In this small community, I believe that offering local products is one of the smartest business practices. It helps local businesses to thrive and sends a message that any business that promotes “buy local” really has an investment in the community.
A great example of this concept is Neil’s Clover Patch Café just off Highway 525 in Bayview. Neil’s has been an institution on Whidbey since 1983. Owner Neil Colburn makes a practice of buying as much produce, eggs and beef as he can from people he knows on Whidbey.
He promotes his ethic with the statement: “Our goal is local, healthy, delicious and affordable food!”
Currently, his restaurant is featuring beef from Long’s and Three Sisters, eggs and produce from Camille’s Raven & Spade, greens from Molly’s Island Garden, Screaming Banshee Bread, cheese from Little Brown Farm, and produce and products from other local farmers. Neil says, “I love knowing which cow is the source of the beef I am serving.” And, he adds: “We love our farmers and look forward to continuing to expand our local and affordable focus.”
In his more than 30 years in business, Neil has made a strong commitment to buy products from local people, but in the last year, he has ramped up his efforts. He is a strong believer in the slow food movement (a commitment to the community and the environment), and he notes that “People are impressed with the high quality of the food I serve.”
He began buying local because “It is the right thing to do.” Much of the customer feedback he receives reinforces the value of buying local. Neil Colburn appreciates that the right thing to do also is building his customer base.
Neil's Clover Patch Cafe is also featured in on the Whidbey Island Life Examiner.