Jim W.
Yelp
We were headed north on I-75 to Cartersville and scheduled the trip so as to arrive here shortly after they opened at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday. We used to live close to a different Provino's location and miss eating there; now we seldom get the opportunity to stop in.
We had never dined at this location before. The first challenge was the Waze directions from the highway. Basically, you exit on Barrett Parkway, turn right, and then make an almost immediate left. The restaurant will be diagonally to your left at the first light on Barrett Pkwy. However, I'm not even sure that it is possible to do these 2 turns sequentially. After turning right off the exit ramp, we noted that the upcoming left turn lane had a curb separating it; so we ended up having to go to the next light for a U-turn. I'm not at all familiar with this area, but just offering a heads-up based on our experience...
The restaurant itself is in the sea of strip-mall plazas surrounding whichever mall is located at this exit. It appeared to have ample parking when we visited. The layout of the restaurant is the same as you'll see at other Provino's locations - some small 6-table aisles with booths as well as several separate themed rooms (library, etc.). The lighting was a bit dim when we visited.
We were seated promptly. Our server, Jules, was good. She checked back on us regularly. As is usual here, we received the bowl of garlic rolls (delicious, if not the healthiest thing), a large bowl of shared salad, and a bit later our entrees. I am especially fond of the spinach tortellini, which is harder to find at other Italian places. Everyone in our party enjoyed their meal. And as usual, no one finished their dish so we had another meal from this the next day.
With 7 or more locations, Provino's may not exactly qualify as a 'mom and pop' restaurant, but it is much further from being a generic chain a la Olive Garden. I remain a fan, though it may be another 6+ months before I have the chance to visit again.