Randolph Farm Stand Expands,
Will Be Open Year-Round
By Martha Slater

Ever since Scott and Tammy Aronson of Braintree opened the Randolph Farm Stand on Route 12 back in May, they have been thrilled with the positive response from the community.

The enthusiasm of their customers has inspired the Aronsons to renovate the store to expand the display space and to enclose and winterize the building, so they can be open all year. Braintree carpenter Clint Telford has done most of the remodeling and winterizing work.

The larger space has allowed the Aronsons to add to the number and variety of products they sell. In addition to organic and locally grown produce, this winter there will be local garlic, shallots, winter squash, onions and potatoes. They have also added local meat, including Vermont beef, chicken, turkey, pork, sausage and bacon. The cheese case stocks items from Neighborly Farms, Grafton Cheddar, Taylor Farm, and the Vermont Butter and Cheese Co., as well as Blue Hill blue cheese, and Granelli parmesan.

Other Vermont suppliers include the Strafford Organic Creamery, Manghis Bread, the Vermont Coffee Co., and Woodstock Water Buffalo yogurt. Local maple syrup, cider, honey, jelly, dressings, pies, doughnuts, and granola are featured, along with locally made jewelry, blown glass, and crafts.

Before collaborating on their latest enterprise, the couple worked together in the restaurant business for many years. Tammy is a goldsmith (a case displaying some of her work for sale is now featured at their store), and Scott is a trained chef, who also learned the retail business by working at the year-round Woodstock Farmers Market for two years.

For now, Scott, Tammy, and their two teenage sons, Justin and Brandon, are the store’s only employees.

"About 90% of everything we sell comes from right here in Vermont and it’s all clearly labeled as to its source," Tammy points out. "Our produce is hand-selected, too. Scott goes through everything and if it doesn’t look good, it doesn’t go on the shelves."

She adds that they also offer all the Thanksgiving staples, including fresh turkeys, chestnuts (for roasting on an open fire, or putting in your stuffing), breads, rolls, and pies.

The Randolph Farm Stand is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

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