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Sons of Liberty Spirits Co. Flavored Whiskies
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News Bites: New Sons of Liberty Flavored Whiskies / Anchor & Hope Wins Four Awards / RI Seafood Launches New Site and App / Help Giusto Donate Lasagnas / Neon Marketplace Opens in Providence

by David Dadekian December 7, 2022
written by David Dadekian

Current news releases—Eat Drink RI is not the source for these items—please follow any links for more information.


Sons of Liberty Launches New Flavored Whiskey Line

Rhode Island’s Sons of Liberty Introduces 4 Flavored Whiskies – Maple, Honey, Apple, Coffee

EDITOR’S NOTE: Sons of Liberty Spirits Co. was kind enough to provide samples so there’s already an Eat Drink RI Tasting video on YouTube for you to view: https://youtu.be/z8kWdDHfmuI

Sons of Liberty Spirits Co. has released a new line of flavored whiskies that are now available throughout Rhode Island and select stores in Massachusetts; the four year-round flavors are Maple, Honey, Apple, and Coffee. The 750ml, 70 proof offerings are all crafted with real ingredients and are on store shelves for a suggested retail price of just $29.99. This line release comes on the heels of Sons of Liberty’s recent brand-refresh after nearly 11 years in business.

Sons of Liberty is no stranger to flavored whiskey having produced various award-winning flavors dating as far back as 2012. Their most notable awards include World’s Best Flavored Whiskey, Best Flavored Whiskey in North America (both awarded by Whisky Magazine’s World Whiskies Awards) and a handful of gold medals from prestigious competitions. 

“We’re really excited with how these turned out,” said Sons of Liberty’s President and Founder, Mike Reppucci. “You don’t feel like your teeth are coated in sugar after enjoying them.” Contrary to some other flavored spirits in the market, Sons of Liberty prides itself on using real ingredients to flavor their whiskies, no chemicals or flavor substitutes. Real honey, real maple syrup, real apples, and real coffee beans. “It just tastes better that way.” Mike explained.

The flavors themselves provide for many ways of enjoyment. “They’re very versatile whiskies,” said Rachael Soderberg of the Product Development Team. “Delicious on their own or with an ice cube since they aren’t overly sweet, but also excellent in fun cocktails since the whiskey itself can hold its own.” The team at Sons of Liberty has numerous cocktail recipe suggestions on their website (https://www.drinksol.com/cocktails).

Sons of Liberty has already shipped a second batch to market and are currently working on a third as the initial response has been very positive. To find retailers near you for any of Sons of Liberty’s flavored whiskies, visit https://www.drinksol.com/where-to-buy. Or order ahead and pick up at Sons of Liberty’s retail shop (tasting room remains closed): http://shop.drinksol.com

Please check out the Eat Drink RI Tasting video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/z8kWdDHfmuI


Anchor & Hope Wins Four Awards at Boston Wine Competition

Four Varietals Receive Medals, including a Best in Class for Winery’s 2020 Riesling 

Anchor & Hope, a craft winery located in Rumford, Rhode Island, is proud to announce that it was awarded four medals at the inaugural Boston Wine Competition, which began on November 4.   

Anchor & Hope’s grapes are grown on small family farms in Germany, California, Oregon, Rhode Island, and New York, and blended, aged, and packaged in Rumford. All their wines are farmed sustainably and made using minimal intervention practices, resulting in elegant, easy drinking, and food-friendly wines.

All four Anchor & Hope wines submitted scored highly in the judging criteria of quality and diversity. Its 2020 Riesling received Best in Class for the category and a platinum award for receiving unanimous gold medals from the judging panel.  Grown on a historic vineyard site, the off-dry Riesling is mineral-driven and bursting with ripe fruit and floral aromatics. Winemaker, mentor and grower Eckehart Groehl produces this wine with earth-friendly farming,native fermentation in stainless steel tanks, and some skin contact before pressing. His vineyard hangs on the historic red slate and sandstone cliffs of Nierstein, Germany along the Rhine River. 

The just-released 2021 Pinot Gris received a gold medal for its rich, honeyed and tropical fruit flavors, salty minerality, and almond pastry note that is derived from aging on the native yeast with some skin contact. The grapes are grown on the rolling hills above the Rhine River by the Groehl family, where the sediment of prehistoric, calcium rich shells, volcanic rocks, and red sandstone make Rheinhessen an incredible place for Pinot varietals.

The 2021 Sauvignon Blanc from the Foxhole Vineyard in Rheinhessen, Germany, won a silver medal for its bright and refreshing flavors of citrus and fresh herbs, salty minerality, and crisp acidity. Clean winemaking, extended skin contact and slow, cold fermentation in stainless, it is the culmination of more than 15 years      of collaboration with grower, mentor and co-winemaker, Eckehart Groehl.

Lastly, the 2020 Pinot Noir received a bronze medal for its ripe flavors of cranberry and raspberry enhanced by aromas of cocoa and leather. These Massal Selection vines were planted and grown sustainably by partner winemakers Nico and Laura Espenschied on their family estate in Flonheim, Germany. The grapes were hand-picked and fermented in open tonneau by native yeasts before softening and aging for 18 months in large oak tonneau.

The Boston Wine Competition showcases wine diversity across the globe, spotlighting wines that earn renowned recognition. Judges score wines highly, based on the winemaker’s ability to balance the art and science of winemaking, while making sound, quality wines that consumers will love. 

Raye Bouschet, Executive Director and co-founder of the Boston Wine Competition says, “Our competition celebrates wines that capture the essence of art and science in the glass, from vine to bottle. This competition not only analyzes quality, but places emphasis on what differentiates it from the pack. We’re on a mission to showcase winemakers that express grape and regional diversity and celebrate what each winemaker brings to the table.”

The judging panel at the competition was made up of sommeliers, buyers and writers with extensive commercial buying responsibility. During the judging stage, judges determined which entries were worthy of a platinum, gold, silver, or bronze medal. Entries that received a gold medal from all judges on a panel earned a platinum award. On the final day of the competition, platinum and gold winners advanced to the sweepstakes round to determine Best in Class and Best in Show winners.

“In today’s competitive market, and with more sophisticated consumers who prefer diversity and uniqueness in their wine, a well-made wine is not enough to win over a customer. This competition awards wineries that express the grape’s potential in its given region, appellation, and vineyard, making these awards incredibly significant for us as a growing brand,” said Anchor & Hope co-owner and winemaker James Davids. “Not only does this recognition show that we are making the types of wines that customers will enjoy, but that we are also making quality wines that stand out in a crowd.”


RI Seafood Launches New Website Tools And “Fishline” App To Help Local Consumers Find Fresh, Local Seafood

The Rhode Island Seafood Marketing Collaborative has launched a mobile app and a redesigned website to heighten Rhode Island consumers’ awareness of the value, appeal, and year-round availability of fresh, local Rhode Island seafood, the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced today. Developed in partnership with the Commercial Fisheries Center of Rhode Island, the new app, FishLine, lets consumers search for fresh seafood to buy from seafood markets, farmers’ markets, and restaurants, as well as directly off the boat from fishermen. The FishLine app and newly updated SeafoodRI.com website are examples of ways that the state is trying to boost its commercial fishing and seafood industry, and strengthen Rhode Island’s local food system and food economy.

“Making it easier for people to find and buy Rhode Island seafood is good for everyone,” said Governor Dan McKee. “It supports the thousands of hard-working men and women of one of the Ocean State’s oldest industries, celebrates the restaurants and seafood dealers and food businesses that have made Rhode Island such a ‘foodie’ destination, and ensures a steady supply of fresh, healthy, locally caught seafood, which is a cornerstone of our state food security strategy.”

“From calamari to oysters to various species of finfish, Rhode Island seafood is already known around the world; what we’re trying to do is jolt interest in and demand for our seafood right here in Rhode Island,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “Through the new FishLine app and website, DEM wants to help connect local consumers and especially younger consumers to local seafood because local is fresh and fresh is delicious.”

“Access to fresh Rhode Island seafood is now, literally, at the fingertips of all Rhode Islanders,” said Robert Ballou, Chair of the RI Seafood Marketing Collaborative. “Increasing consumer awareness of and demand for Rhode Island seafood products in Rhode Island increases in-state sales, spurs growth of the local seafood economy, and supports a stronger, more resilient local food system that is less dependent on less reliable out-of-state sources. Shorter supply chains, or food miles, also have smaller carbon footprints, thereby helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change.”

The new FishLine app and SeafoodRI.com list more than 40 restaurants, seafood markets, grocers, and direct sellers that offer local seafood, profiles about local species and harvesters, and tips for how to cook and enjoy it. Direct sellers and other seafood retailers can use the app to post real-time updates on landings and sales opportunities, helping consumers geo-locate the opportunities to purchase and enjoy RI seafood closest to where they are located. Simply go to SeafoodRI.com and click on the RI Seafood Finder to get started or download the FishLine app from the Apple or Android app store.

Both tools are initiatives of the RI Seafood Marketing Collaborative and industry partners to promote and market fresh Rhode Island seafood. The trademarked RI Seafood brand logo is a core component. Over the past year, the RI Seafood logo has been featured in a variety of online and print advertisements across Rhode Island and at public events including the Charlestown Seafood Festival, the Newport Seafood Festival, and most recently, the Taste of Rhode Island, where Chef Frank Terranova demonstrated how to prepare locally landed monkfish to nearly 1,000 attendees.  The 2022 RI Seafood Marketing campaign is supported by a federal Saltonstall-Kennedy grant awarded to DEM and the Collaborative by NOAA Fisheries last year.

Established by the Rhode Island General Assembly in 2011, the RI Seafood Marketing Collaborative is a public-private body that aims to support local fishermen and seafood farmers and increase awareness and consumption of locally harvested species by the public. Its membership includes representatives from all key sectors of the commercial fishing, aquaculture, and seafood industries joined by representatives from URI, RI Sea Grant, and state agencies including DEM, which chairs the group, and the RI Commerce Corporation, Rhode Island Department of Health, and RI Coastal Resources Management Council.

Rhode Island has a diverse and dynamic commercial fishing and seafood industry. Steeped in tradition, the industry continues to thrive thanks to the health and abundance of locally available fishery resources and the ingenuity and sweat of thousands of hard-working men and women who harvest seafood and make it available to consumers in Rhode Island, across the United States, and around the world. Annual wild harvest landings total over 80 million pounds, valued at over $100 million (ex-vessel). These landings yield a total economic output valued at over $400 million and support over 4,000 jobs, according to a URI study. In addition, shellfish farms in RI waters produce more than 8 million oysters annually, with a farm-gate value of nearly $6 million. The commercial fishing industry has rebounded after huge challenges posed by the COVID pandemic, with 2021 landings, valued at more than $102 million, up by 31% over 2020 landings (ex-vessel), according to the DEM Division of Marine Fisheries.

Follow RI Seafood on Facebook or Instagram (@RI.seafood) for timely updates. Sellers of RI seafood interested in joining the RI Seafood Marketing Campaign can sign up on the RI Seafood website. For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Facebook, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem).


“Buy One, Give One” Lasagna Promotion Returns at Giusto

Now in its third year, the “Buy One, Give One Lasagna” promotion is back for the holidays. Giusto is selling their ready-to-bake lasagnas to support the MLK Center in Newport. For each lasagna purchased, Giusto will donate one to the MLK Center. There are two variations available, Meat Bolognese and Mushroom Ragu. Each lasagna serves 6-8 people and costs $75. To order: 401-324-7400 (with 24 hours notice).


Neon Marketplace Opens in Providence; marks Occasion with $10,000 Donation to Hasbro Children’s Hospital

New Location is the Growing C-Store Brand’s Sixth Store, and its Fourth in Rhode Island 

Check Presentation: Tracey Wallace, Vice President, Pediatric Services, Hasbro Children’s Hospital; Michele Brannigan, Senior Major Gifts Officer and Campaign Manager; Bahjat Shariff, Brand Leader, Neon Marketplace; Ralph Izzi, Vice President, Corporate Marketing & Public Affairs, The Procaccianti Companies.

Neon Marketplace, the newest, most innovative, and elevated brand in the convenience store industry, with locations in Warwick, Rhode Island and Seekonk and Freetown, Massachusetts and express locations in Middletown and Portsmouth, Rhode Island, is pleased to announce the opening of its newest store at 288 Kinsley Avenue in Providence. 

Neon celebrated the grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony with Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza, Mayor-Elect Brett Smiley, and Providence City Councilman Oscar Vargas, as well as a $10,000 donation to Hasbro Children’s Hospital.

The first 100 customers at the Providence location also received a special winter-themed gift with purchase.

“We are thrilled to open our doors in the Capital City,” said Bahjat Shariff, Brand Leader, Neon Marketplace. “With our convenient location, competitively-priced gas, Tesla charging stations, and chef-inspired food and beverage choices, we hope to become the go-to stop for the local community and visitors alike.”

Neon Marketplace offers a full array of dining options, including its signature artisan, hand-pressed pizzas. Developed in conjunction with James Beard award-winning chef and restaurateur Michael Schlow, Neon’s pizza pies are baked light and fluffy onsite in Neon’s traditional brick ovens. Each hand-crafted pizza pie starts with dough that is proofed for several hours to give it a light and airy texture, and is then baked in Neon’s brick ovens. On “Pizza Twos-day” Tuesdays, customers can pick up any two of Neon’s Roman-style specialty pizzas topped with house-made sauce and Neon’s signature three-cheese blend for just $15.00 at the Providence, Warwick, Seekonk, and Freetown locations.  

In addition to its signature pizzas, Neon offers a variety of made-to-order and grab-and-go options, including gourmet coffees, breakfast sandwiches and baked goods; hand-made grinders and sandwiches; salads; snacks; fountain and cooler drinks; as well as delivery and catering services for any size group and for any occasion.    

Soon, guests of the Providence location will be able to enjoy Neon’s new chicken sandwiches, which feature a choice of a buttermilk-battered crispy chicken breast or a tender sous vide chicken breast grilled to perfection andtopped with tangy pickles and the slightly sweet, slightly spicy, and always creamy Neon sauce served on a toasted brioche bun.  Guests can make their sandwiches deluxe with the addition of crispy bacon, American cheese, green leaf lettuce, sliced tomato, and onion.

Neon also recently added new menu items inspired by the flavors of the holiday season, including Peppermint Hot Chocolate: extra rich dark hot chocolate with a kiss of peppermint and finished with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and crushed peppermint candies; a Peppermint Mocha: Neon’s smooth and rich espresso infused with chocolate sauce, wintery peppermint, and steamed milk and finished with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and crushed peppermint candies; an Iced Peppermint Mocha: smooth and rich espresso infused with chocolate sauce, wintery peppermint, and milk, poured over ice, then finished with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and crushed peppermint candies; and an indulgent Candy Cane Cookies & Cream Milkshake: creamy vanilla soft serve ice cream blended with peppermint and Oreo cookies and topped with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and crushed peppermint candies.   

Seasonal baked goods, made fresh in-house daily, will feature the Cranberry Orange Nut Muffin packed with juicy cranberries, tangy orange pieces, and toasted walnuts, and the decadent Red Velvet Cookie with white, dark, and milk chocolate pieces, available warm.

Neon Marketplace caters to today’s modern traveler by delivering a uniquely refreshing and stylish experience designed to create loyal customers. Neon locations are targeted to areas where the convenience store customer is currently underserved and in areas where growing populations and/or business growth has resulted in increased vehicle traffic and consumer demand.   Guests are also encouraged to download the Neon Rewards app on their iPhone or Android device to receive special discounts throughout the year. Neon Rewards members who also join Spot Pay will receive 10-cents off every gallon of gasoline purchased for the duration of their membership. Spot Pay offers all participating members discounts and instant reward payments on fuel purchases. 

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The Good Trade Makers Market 2021, photo by Carly Rae Brunault
chefs & restaurantsfarmsnews

News Bites: Local Agriculture and Seafood Act Grants Now Open / The Good Trade Makers Market Returns / Branchfood Launches RI Operations / BEATNIC Offering BOGO for Beginning of World Vegan Month

by David Dadekian October 25, 2022
written by David Dadekian

Current news releases—Eat Drink RI is not the source for these items—please follow any links for more information.


Gov. McKee, Legislative Leaders, Dem Announce $700,000 Program Funding To Support Food And Seafood Businesses

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management

Governor Dan McKee, leaders of the Rhode Island General Assembly, and the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announce that $700,000 in Local Agriculture and Seafood Act (LASA) programming funding is available to help new and existing food businesses grow and flourish. Enacted in 2012 to “support and develop more robust and self-sustaining agricultural and seafood sectors,” LASA is an important catalyst in strengthening the local food system. Since its enactment 10 years ago, LASA has provided more than $1.4 million through individual program grants up to $20,000.

“The 2022 Local Agriculture and Seafood Act grants support projects that help with the entry, growth, and sustainability of small or starting green sector businesses, with a particular focus on supporting a diversity of foods and food producers,” said Governor McKee. “LASA is a pillar of our food strategy through which Rhode Island is investing to provide consistent access to safe, healthy, affordable food.”

“The Local Agriculture and Seafood Act has always been about being firmly committed to our constituents and sending the message that we are 100 percent behind local businesses,” said Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski, the Senate sponsor of LASA. “Local food gets from farm to table in fresher condition and means fewer trucks on the road, which means less air pollution. LASA encourages more people to eat more local food. This means better health for Rhode Islanders and our environment.”

“In the 10 years since LASA’s inception, a broad and diverse array of businesses and organizations have benefitted from grants including farmers’ markets, family farms, urban agricultural initiatives, oyster growers, cider makers, and dozens of others,” said Rep. Deborah Ruggiero, LASA’s House sponsor. “I am thrilled to see the level of support going into the next round of program grant funding and look forward to seeing how recipients use it to make Rhode Island’s food system more resilient and sustainable.”

“The fiscal 2023 budget was a product of true collaboration between the House, the Senate, and the Administration, and the House is particularly proud to have helped expand the program funding of the LASA grants to an historically high level,” said House Finance Committee Chairman Marvin Abney. “From Newport to North Smithfield, seafood and agriculture are staples of Rhode Island and investing in them by investing in small producers will boost our whole food economy.”

“Small businesses are the cornerstone of the Rhode Island economy, and agriculture and seafood businesses are the backbone of our food system. This significant investment in the LASA program championed by Senator Sosnowski will enhance the great work it does to support Ocean State food producers, strengthen our local food system, and help address food insecurity in our state,” said Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ryan W. Pearson.

“DEM is always working to get more home-grown food on the table and by supporting local farmers and fishers in growing their businesses, the LASA grants help achieve this,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “Growing local and eating local, fresh, sustainable food minimizes transportation costs, reduces carbon emissions, and boosts the local economy while providing the freshest product possible to the consumer.”

The 2022 programming funding priorities include:

  • Supporting the entry, growth, and sustainability of small or beginning agriculture producers and fishers.
  • Supporting agriculture producers and fishers that are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.
  • Supporting the development of new marketing, promotion, sales, and/or distribution channels.
  • Supporting the development of new products, including value-added processing capacity.
  • Fostering new cooperatives, partnerships, and/or collaborations among Rhode Island agriculture producers and fishers and supporting organizations.
  • Fostering and building capacity for markets connecting local farms and fishers with Rhode Island’s food insecure communities.
  • Protecting the future availability of agricultural land for producers, including farm transition planning and implementation, and assisting with on farm food safety improvements, including the developing of Food Safety Modernization Act and hazard analysis critical control point standards.

During the 2021 grant program, DEM awarded $250,000 of programming funding in LASA grants to 12 recipients. Eligible entities include for-profit farmers, fishers, producer groups, and non-profit organizations. Applicants must be based in Rhode Island and only small and/or beginning farmers, or producer groups of small or beginning farmers, are eligible to apply for capital grants. Aquaculture operators are considered farmers in the LASA program. 

For more information on the LASA Grant program, please visit DEM’s website. Applications should be completed online via the State of Rhode Island Grant’s Management System by Nov. 30, 2022 at 11:59 PM. Grant-related questions should be directed to Ananda Fraser, Chief Program Development in DEM’s Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment at 401-222-2781 or via email to DEM.LASA@dem.ri.gov.

DEM continues to work across many fronts to benefit and strengthen Rhode Island’s green economy and to assist local farmers and fishers in growing their businesses. There are more than 1,000 farms sprinkled across the state and Rhode Island is home to a thriving young farmer network. DEM continues to make investments in critical infrastructure as well as provide farm incubation space to new farmers through its Urban Edge Farm and Snake Den Farm properties. The state’s food scene is often cited as an area of economic strength ripe for innovation and growth. Already, the local food industry supports 60,000 jobs, and the state’s green industries account for more than 15,000 jobs and contribute $2.5 billion to the economy annually.

For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Facebook, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates.


The Good Trade Makers Market Returns to WaterFire Arts Center

The large-scale community shopping experience brings nearly 100 independent makers under one roof in Providence for a two-day celebration of creatives and tradespeople.

The Good Trade Makers Market 2021, photo by Carly Rae Brunault
The Good Trade Makers Market 2021, photo by Carly Rae Brunault

The Good Trade Makers Market will return to Providence, RI on November 19-20, 2022. This annual event gathers nearly 100 independent makers and small manufacturers of home decor, art, apothecary products, apparel, accessories, and more from all over the country for a weekend-long community shopping experience at WaterFire Arts Center (475 Valley Street, Providence, RI).

“What’s unique about The Good Trade is that we’re not only showcasing the amazing artisans, makers, and manufacturers who are based here in Rhode Island, but we are also welcoming businesses from 11 other states and introducing them to our little city during the weekend,” said event organizer BJ Mansuetti. “Rhode Islanders have long been committed to shopping small, and we believe that creating an inclusive space for creatives to come together before the holidays and sell their handcrafted goods provides an important boost to the local economy.”

Last year’s event brought in 5,000 shoppers from across New England and generated an estimated $300,000 in revenue for participating small businesses over the course of the weekend. “The community response to the event has been overwhelmingly positive, both from the vendor and shopper perspective. In 2021, vendors shared moving personal stories with our team about the life-changing support they received from shoppers, which was especially meaningful after an extremely difficult couple of years for small businesses,” added Mansuetti.

“With a return to live in person events in 2021, The Good Trade Market was such a great success for the art and maker community in New England, driving a much-needed revenue boost for so many small businesses around the holiday season,” said Peter A. Mello, managing director and co-CEO of WaterFire Providence. “We can’t wait to welcome them back to the WaterFire Arts Center again this year. It’s an event that we’re always excited about and look forward to hosting for many years to come.”

The Good Trade will also be bringing back the popular “Plinko for a Cause” this year. A large, interactive fundraising game where shoppers can donate $5 to play to win prizes provided by The Good Trade and their vendors. This year, 100% of the funds donated will benefit The Steel Yard’s Workforce Training Program, a job-readiness initiative that teaches industry safety standards and a wide range of metalworking skills to prepare community members for a career in metalworking.

Advance tickets for The Good Trade are available now for $7 in advance (advance sales end at midnight on November 18th ) and $10 at the door at goodtrademakersmarket.com. Ticket price include a beverage from our sponsors, including a small beer from Proclamation Ale or Trinity Brewhouse, a small cocktail from The Industrious Spirit Company, a small hot coffee from New Harvest Coffee Roasters, an iced tea from Grany Squibb’s Iced Tea, or a small ice cream from Gather Farm.  Other sponsors include Trinity Beer Garden, Gather Glass, Yelp, and Swamp Yankee Art.

Visit @goodtrademakersmarket on Instagram for daily giveaways from now through November 18th.

The Good Trade Makers Market
November 19 & 20, 2022
Noon to 6pm
WaterFire Arts Center
475 Valley St.
Providence, RI 02908
More info and tickets: goodtrademakersmarket.com/tickets


Branchfood Launches Rhode Island Operations

Global Food Innovation Platform Celebrates Expansion into the Ocean State

More than 80 food and industry leaders today celebrated the expansion of Branchfood, a global food innovation launchpad, into Rhode Island. First established in Massachusetts in 2015, Branchfood will support stage-two food and beverage startups, foodtech, and agtech companies in the state through a comprehensive set of services including curated events, connections to investors, shared workspaces, and advisory support.

“At Branchfood, we bring food founders and leaders together with corporate partners, investors, and experts to create a platform for collaboration and provide strategic advice to help the sector grow and thrive,” said Branchfood Founder and CEO Lauren Abda. “We are thrilled to expand this work into Rhode Island, where we hope to bolster the state’s already rich food ecosystem to help solve the food industry’s most pressing challenges while also positioning Rhode Island to become an internationally-recognized food innovation leader.”

Earlier this year, Branchfood received funding from a Rhode Island Commerce Network Match Grant to assist Rhode Island’s food-related businesses to grow, scale, and lead the future of the food industry.

“Rhode Island is committed to building a strong local food economy and we see enormous potential for homegrown food entrepreneurs and established innovative food companies to find success in our state,” said Rhode Island Secretary of Commerce Liz Tanner. “Partners such as Branchfood are critical in helping us achieve this vision by supporting and connecting high-growth potential companies to strategic resources as they land and expand in Rhode Island.”

As part of this effort, Branchfood is partnering with the Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC) Providence, which will provide workspace, event venues, and marketing, as well as connections to a robust network of industry professionals and entrepreneurs.

“Innovation is our era’s answer to solving the world’s problems, and CIC supports innovation with every partnership we forge and every business we support,” said Tim Rowe, founder and CEO of CIC. “We’re proud and excited to work with Branchfood to not only grow and strengthen the economy, but also to increase opportunities for entrepreneurs and ultimately tackle complex challenges like food security and food waste.”

Branchfood has successfully supported more than 800 food founders across the region and globally and works with both start-ups and established global food corporations in the consumer products, agricultural, and tech spaces, as well as leading academic institutions and governments. To date, Branchfood’s sister company, Branch Venture Group, has invested more than $3.3M in 15 early-stage food startups.

The celebration kicked off with a panel discussion with some of the state’s most renowned food pioneers, including Lisa Raiola, president and founder of Hope and Main; Todd Blount, president of Blount Fine Foods; and Nicolas Warren, Branch Venture Group Angel Investor. Following the panel, attendees sampled food and drinks and engaged with entrepreneurs at a startup showcase that highlighted 10 local companies, such as Westerly’s Granny Squibb, Barrington’s Big Picture Foods, and Providence’s goTeff.

“We are thrilled to have Branchfood join the food ecosystem in Rhode Island,” said Lisa Raiola, founder and president of food incubator Hope & Main. “Branchfood’s services will advance and accelerate the work that we’ve been doing since 2014 to cultivate a thriving and resilient local food economy. The hundreds of food founders that incubate their start-ups at Hope & Main will find vital support to help them scale to the next level in Rhode Island and the region as Branchfood brings their marketing and manufacturing expertise along with food-focused sources of capital.”

Branchfood’s work in the Ocean State continues on October 6, with a session called the “Ins and Outs” of Scaling a Food Business in Rhode Island, followed by programs including Branchfood’s signature event, Community Table, and financing and investment opportunities for startups and investors in Rhode Island. Additionally, Branchfood and the Cambridge Innovation Center will begin welcoming entrepreneurs and food teams to the 225 Dyer Street location to work and collaborate later this fall. Learn more about Branchfood at branchfood.com and branchventuregroup.com.


World Vegan Month is More Fun with a Friend . . . That’s why BEATNIC is offering a buy one, get one, offer to kick off World Vegan Month!

Did you know that you don’t need to be vegan to enjoy vegan food? Well, of course you did 🙂 but did you know that 90% of plant-based food consumers are not vegan or vegetarian? 

Come and join the trend this November with Beatnic’s BOGO offering – you and a friend can enjoy a BUY 1 GET 1 FREE meal from November 1st to November 8th at all Beatnic locations in NYC, Providence, and Boston

Formerly By Chloe, Beatnic provides high quality, fast casual, vegan food, with a little something for everyone including their Guac Burger, Chicky Dippers, and seasonal menu items like their Loaded Shroom Chili or Truffle Melt.

The best part? You won’t have to feel guilty going back for seconds. Even swapping just one meal a week can positively impact the environment and your health (see below). 

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

  • Diets of meat eaters create 7x the greenhouse gas emissions and use 10x the amount of water compared to the diets of vegans
  • A plant-based diet requires only one third of the land needed to support a meat and dairy diet. 
  • The vast amount of grain feed required for meat production is a significant contributor to deforestation, habitat loss and species extinction

HEALTH BENEFITS 

  • More input of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, etc, provide more fiber and antioxidants to the body
  • Eating a low fat, high fiber vegan diet could lead to greater weight loss
  • Eating vegan can lower one’s risk of diabetes and certain cancers

ETHICAL CONSCIOUSNESS

  • Animals required for a meat diet are kept in overcrowded unethical conditions and are eventually slaughtered

Instructions:

  • Sign up using the link: https://signup.thanx.com/bychloe/worldveganmonth
  • Download the app and sign in
  • See the reward “free entree for a friend when you buy one!” 
  • Visit any Beatnic store, and redeem the reward at the register
  • To redeem, you must order one entree (salad, burger, sandwich) with both parties physically present to then redeem another entree for free

Terms and conditions:

  • Must redeem in store. Beatnic team member to swipe reward in app at the register to redeem.
  • Both parties must be physically present at the register.
  • Must purchase one entree to get the second of lower cost free.
  • Limit one per customer.
  • Must be an active Beatnic account holder or download the Beatnic app using the following link (https://signup.thanx.com/bychloe/worldveganmonth) to join our loyalty program to redeem.
October 25, 2022 0 comment
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WhistlePig Whiskey PiggyBack Barrel Aged Rye Smash
chefs & restaurantsfarmsnewswine & drinks

News Bites: WhistlePig Launches PiggyBack Rye Smash / Blackstone Valley Culinary News / Local Agriculture and Seafood Act Grants 2021

by David Dadekian October 6, 2021
written by David Dadekian

Current news releases—Eat Drink RI is not the source for these items—please follow any links for more information.



WhistlePig Launches PiggyBack Barrel Aged Rye Smash in Time for Tailgating Season
World’s First Craft Can is Made with 100% Estate Rye, Harvested From the Same Fields as WhistlePig’s Award-Winning Whiskey

WhistlePig Whiskey PiggyBack Barrel Aged Rye Smash
WhistlePig Whiskey PiggyBack Barrel Aged Rye Smash

WhistlePig Whiskey, a leading distiller of independent craft whiskey, is excited to introduce the first-ever, super-premium, ready-to-drink craft Rye beverage – PiggyBack Rye Smash. The small-batch canned beverages are specially crafted with barrel-aged ingredients and 100% Estate Rye grown directly on the WhistlePig Whiskey Farm.

A bolder, more balanced and full flavored take on a seltzer, each can is locally crafted and independently made in the U.S. with all natural ingredients, and packed with 100% of the good stuff like fresh farm fruit and natural carbonation. 

Jeff Kozak, Chief Executive Officer of WhistlePig exclaims, “We’re a restless and experimental team who love to fight the good fight for Rye, in whatever form that means. We thrive on testing out new, innovative, and dynamic ways to use our Rye.  We crafted this drink with 100% Estate Rye directly from the WhistlePig Farm, and paired it with ingredients barrel-aged in our WhistlePig barrels – staying true to our WhistlePig ways.”

Giving iconic cocktails a fresh twist, PiggyBack Rye Smash comes in three delicious flavors – Blackberry Lemon Fizz, Session Citrus Mint, and Fresh Ginger Lime – for a refreshing take that is perfect for grilling, tailgating, cornhole, or catching up with friends around the bonfire. Expertly crafted like a good whiskey cocktail should be, each flavor balances fruit, citrus, and strength for a delicious, craft-inspired Rye beverage you won’t want to hit the outdoors without. 

This game-changing canned cocktail will be available in four-packs (SRP: $17.99) in Georgia, Missouri, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, expanding across the U.S. in 2022. Each 12-ounce can contains 8 percent ABV and is best straight from the chilled can, making it the perfect ready-to-drink beverage. 

For additional information and product availability, please visit www.piggybackryesmash.com. Follow @whistlepigwhiskey on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to show your favorite way to enjoy WhistlePig PiggyBack Barrel Aged Rye Smash.

WhistlePig PiggyBack Barrel Aged Rye Smash Tasting Notes

  • Blackberry Lemon Fizz: Slightly sweet and naturally carbonated. The perfect balance between fruit and freshness. Turn up the music, then turn up a can and let the blackberry and barrel-aged lemon take your senses for a spin.
  • Session Citrus Mint: Features the sweetness and tartness of a farm fresh lemonade balanced with notes of WhistlePig PiggyBack 100% Rye and a hint of mint. 
  • Fresh Ginger Lime: Inspired by the Moscow Mule, it strikes a unique balance between the spicy warmth of ginger, a juicy citrus hit, and a hint of 100% Rye. 
WhistlePig Whiskey PiggyBack Barrel Aged Rye Smash
WhistlePig Whiskey PiggyBack Barrel Aged Rye Smash

Blackstone Valley Culinary News – October 6, 2021

Harvest Kitchen
2 Bayley Street, Pawtucket, RI  02860
401-335-3766
farmfreshri.org/programs/harvest-kitchen/

Harvest Kitchen has salami specials this week:  Salami Grilled Cheese (Cheddar and Parmesan, Danieli Sweet Salami, Pesto and Blistered Tomato) for $6.00 and a Hot Italian Sub (Narragansett Creamery Smoked Mozzarella, Danieli Hot Sausage, Deli Style Lettuce, Pickled Jalapeno, May and Mustard).  They are open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 3 pm.  And check out their new Fall Menu.

Parma Ristorante
266 Putnam Pike, Smithfield  02917
401-349-0079
Parmaristorante.com

Parma is offering family style chicken dinners on Wednesdays.  It includes ½ roasted chicken, pasta (pink or red sauce), choice of garden or Caesar salad and oven roasted potatoes with focaccia bread and dipping oil.  You can dine-in or place an order to bring home.  Single – $15.95, Dinner for 2 – $27.95, and Dinner for 4 – $59.95.  For all their menus and specials, click here:  Parma Ristorante

Cook & Dagger
566 Putnam Pike, Greenville  02828
401-349-3927
Cookanddagger.com

Here a link to a great article about Cook & Dagger by “Only In Your State” recently:
Only In Rhode Island    Cook & Dagger supports local farmers and businesses – check out their wonderfully creative menu on their website:  Cook and Dagger.  For the pumpkin lovers, they’ve got a dessert you’ll want to try:  Pumpkin and Brown Sugar Crème Brulee!   

Notes Coffee Co.
508 Armistice Blvd., Pawtucket 02861
401-335-5181
notescoffeeco.com

Speaking of pumpkin….Notes Coffee Co. has their fall goodies menu out:  House-made Pumpkin Spiced Latte, House-made Pumpkin Spiced Chai, House-made Rosemary Maple Latte, Chagaccino Latte, Apple Cider Doughnuts (*GF *V Available), Caramel Macchiato Old Fashioned, Pumpkin Coffee Cake, Pumpkin Cream Cheese Danish and Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffin.  See their entire menu and order online here:   Notes Menu

Rhode Island Spirits
59 Blackstone Avenue, Pawtucket  02860
401-856-4111
Rhodeislandspirits.com

So much happening at RI Spirits!  They’ve got a new fall menu, including fall cocktails and food, they’ve got fall product releases (including the very popular coffee & black walnut vodka filled chocolates) and new events (live music, Spooky Spirits Halloween Party and a Sassy Succulents DIY Terrarium Workshop) scheduled into mid-November.    For all the details, click here:   RI Spirits News


Governor McKee Announces $250,000 In Grants To Spur Growth Of Agriculture, Aquaculture, And Seafood Sectors

Twenty grantees obtain funding through the Local Agriculture and Seafood Act, aimed at helping small businesses in RI’s green economy prosper and increasing the diversity of both food producers and foods in the state

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management

Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Department of EnvironmentalManagement (DEM) today announced $250,000 in grant awards aimed at spurring growth in the agriculture, aquaculture, and seafood sectors of the economy. The grants are funded by the state through the Local Agriculture andSeafood Act (LASA), which directly benefits and strengthens the local food system by helping new and existing small businesses and food initiatives take root and prosper. Now in its seventh year, LASA has provided more than $1.4 million – through grants up to $20,000 – to support the growth of RhodeIsland’s local food economy.

“The 2021 Local Agriculture and Seafood Act grants prioritize projects that support the entry, growth, and sustainability of small or starting green sector businesses, with a particular focus on supporting a diversity of foods and food producers,” said Governor Dan McKee. “This will help make our local food system both more resilient and inclusive, which is a win-win for Rhode Islanders.”

“Small businesses are the backbone of the Rhode Island economy and small agriculture and seafood businesses are the backbone of the local food system,” said Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos. “The COVID pandemic has exposed that one of our weaknesses is food insecurity – too many Rhode Islanders lack reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food. The LASA grants will invest in our state’s vibrant food economy and build capacity to feed more people.”

“DEM is always working to get more home-grown food on the table and by supporting local farmers and fishers in growing their businesses, the LASA grants help achieve this,” said DEM Acting Director Terry Gray. “Growing local and eating local, fresh, sustainable food minimizes transportation costs, reduces carbon emissions, and boosts the local economy while providing the freshest product possible to the consumer.”

The 2021 LASA grantees

African Alliance of Rhode Island, Providence, $15,175: To help establish two permanent sites for weekly farmers’ markets and provide markets at three rotating locations from June to October.

Ashawaug Farm, Ashaway, $20,000: To purchase a tractor and thus expand the farming operation’s agricultural production.

DBA Ocean State Community Seafood, Warren, $9,910: To develop tools and educational/outreach resources and initiate a presence at local festivals, farmers’ markets, and docks, to enhance local fishers’ brands, consumer connections, and profitability.

First Light Fisheries Inc., Portsmouth, $20,000: To develop marketing techniques and business channels to increase profitability of catch sales to local restaurants, small grocery stores, and the public across the state.

Hawk and Handsaw Farm LLC, Newport, $5,167: To purchase a caterpillar tunnel to expand business, extend the growing season, and provide more locally grown food to the community.

Hope’s Harvest Rhode Island, Providence, $20,000: To enable contracts to grow produce for the local emergency food system, build farmer capacity, and enhance the economic competitiveness of RI-grown agricultural products.

Movement Ground Farm, Tiverton, $10,756: To purchase essential items to increase farm viability, such as a potato digger to aid in harvest, a buckeye cultivator and tool bar for weed management, and a composting toilet to accommodate increased farm visitation.

Quaintly Farm LLC, Providence, $10,532: To update an existing high tunnel (where plants are growing right in the ground as they would in a garden) thereby establishing a longer growing season and increasing capacity of local vegetable and fruits to Communities of Color.

Revelry Greens/White Horse Farm, Portsmouth, $18,500: To initiate a farm expansion project, which will provide new tools, season extension, arborist services, and infrastructure needed to increase no-till vegetable production and establish a new, full-time family farm in Portsmouth by 2022.

Roots 2Empower, Pawtucket, $12,904: To construct a drying shed to enable the increase of value-added products such as vinaigrettes, garlic powders, and savory rubs.Sakonnet River Oyster Company, Bristol, $10,000: To purchase a tube sorter or tumbler, which sorts oysters by size and efficiently prunes the edges of the oysters. The tumbler will help produce a higher yield of marketable oysters

Silk Tree Farm, Exeter, $20,000: To buy a tractor and attachments to allow the farm to execute daily tasks more efficiently and safely.

Small World Farm LLC, Little Compton, $15,000: To build an agricultural utility building that will serve as a farmer’s market, enabling direct consumer sales of fresh and local produce.

Snake Den Farmers Association, Johnston, $8,607: To update a washroom to a standard of food safety that meets state and federal requirements and provide an indoor protected workspace to enable an extended harvest season.

Southside Community Land Trust, Cranston, $15,426: To provide farmers at Good Earth Farm with a designated space for crop storage and wash/pack facilities.

Swallowtail Farm and Cidery, Glocester, $7,795: To purchase a cool bot-regulated walk-in cooler for processing and storage of apple cider, honey, and vegetables.

Tiverton Farmers Market, Tiverton, $16,180: To promote growth for small agricultural producers and food entrepreneurs by providing a year-round farmers’ market to the local community.

Wellspring Apothecary, Tiverton, $2,500: To purchase a tincture press and dehydrator to assist with more efficient herb processing.

Westerly Land Trust, Westerly, $5,000: To purchase materials to construct a permanent farm stand, which will facilitate community access to local grown food and agricultural products.

Winterhawk Vineyards, West Kingstown, $6,548: To expand the capacity of the grape vine cloning operation from 50 stations to 200 stations and double output by higher-efficiency pumps, misters, and controls.

October 6, 2021 0 comment
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The Rhode Island Small Business Coalition
news

The RI Small Business Coalition Open Letter to the General Assembly

by David Dadekian November 17, 2020
written by David Dadekian

The following is an open letter from The Rhode Island Small Business Coalition (RISBC) to all the members of the General Assembly urging action for small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Below the open letter is a PDF containing Lieutenant Governor Dan McKee‘s letter to Governor Gina Raimondo, forwarding the RISBC letter to the Governor.


The Rhode Island Small Business Coalition

November 17, 2020 

Dear Members of the Rhode Island General Assembly:

The Rhode Island Small Business Coalition urges you to step up and represent the small businesses in the communities you have been elected to serve. The General Assembly can and should start playing a significant role in helping small businesses navigate this pandemic and providing much-needed checks and balances with the Governor regarding a transparent allocation of the state’s $1.25B in CARES Act Funds.

As a grassroots coalition of thousands of local businesses from dozens of different industries, we strongly believe that our voices should be heard. The General Assembly must act swiftly and decisively to keep our small business community alive as the pandemic rages on. This second wave of the virus may result in a lockdown, which our small businesses do not have the cash flow to survive. Together, we are putting forth a list of urgent requests for you, our elected leaders in the legislative branch:   

  • Hold Governor Raimondo’s administration accountable and promote transparency 
    • Call for a weekly report on where the COVID-19 cases are coming from (specific business industries, schools, social gatherings, etc.)
    • Call for a weekly report on CARES Act fund allocation (allocated and real spend)
  • Support the immediate allocation of $75M in CARES Act funds to the Restore RI Grant Program 
    • This should be used to provide additional rounds of grants to previous recipients through a simplified application and to provide grants to businesses that haven’t applied
  • Support the allocation of an additional $75M in CARES Act Funds to the Restore RI grant program if business lockdown goes into effect
    • Increase the individual grant amount by basing the amount on fixed expenses (rent, insurance, utilities, etc.) in addition to number of employees 
    • The program should be open to all small businesses under 100 employees, regardless of industry 

These actions must be taken by the end of November as time is running out to spend the CARES Act funds before the December 30, 2020 deadline. Our economy will be forever changed if small businesses do not survive this pandemic. We need our elected leaders to do their part and ensure this does not happen. We thank you for your consideration and look forward to hearing from you. 

Sincerely, 

Chris Parisi, Co-Founder of RI Small Business Coalition


  • Lt. Governor Small Business Assistance Letter page 1
  • Lt. Governor Small Business Assistance Letter page 2

Download the above two document images as a PDF.

November 17, 2020 0 comment
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