A Rhode Island Grown Farmstand Expands With Retail in Richmond

Neighbors may know Pasquale Farms for the rustic lean-to shed on Usquepaugh Road in West Kingston, where the small but bountiful honor-system stand overflows with produce, gardening supplies, and curated goods. Or East Bay folks may be familiar with the farm itself, which prospers in Portsmouth. Now, just in time for fall, the family-owned business is growing with a new store in Richmond: Pasquale Farms Garden Center.

“After years of running our small farmstand in front of my house, we're ready to expand and move to a proper retail location,” shares Lauren Pasquale, who owns and operates Pasquale Farms along with her husband Frank and brother-in-law Mike. “Our new location has a large indoor space, so in addition to our nursery stock, perennials, and annuals, we'll be able to offer produce for most of the year, locally made goods, and market items.”

Pasquale’s specialty is mature evergreen shrubs grown at the Portsmouth farm, though the business has already evolved to offer flower baskets, seasonal items, and fresh produce. The new larger space only encourages more diversification in their increasing inventory. “We just finished construction of our retail materials yard, stocked with mulch, soil, and masonry materials for our DIY customers,” says Pasquale. “Our hope is to be a store that has something for everyone.”

That includes unique products from fellow Ocean State makers, too. “We represent a true Rhode Island-grown, small family business and we love creating partnerships with our customers and vendors,” says Pasquale. “Community relationships are incredibly important to us. A huge majority of our products will be from us and local vendors.”

Come next summer, expect a bustling weekly market operating out of the retail space, along with seasonal events. In the meantime, Pasquale and family look forward to an opening weekend celebration early October with live music, fall-themed family-friendly fun, vendor pop-ups, and food trucks. “Our main ‘employees’ are our parents so far!” Pasquale quips, though their Richmond family is sure to grow soon. “This will be a chance to introduce ourselves to our new neighbors and customers!”

Follow on Instagram via @pasqualefarmsri or Facebook for updates and to learn more about Pasquale Farms Garden Center.