Welcome back to The F.R.E.S.H Report from The Farmer’s Cow® Calfé. In our ongoing series, we’re exploring what makes food meaningful—grounded in Food, Responsibility, Education, Security, and Home. Last time we looked at why local sourcing remains a top priority in 2026. Today, in Part 2 of this mini-series, we shift the focus to the people and places behind it: some of our current local partners who help bring fresh, high-quality ingredients to your plate.
At The Farmer’s Cow® Calfé, local isn’t just a checkbox—it’s about building real relationships with family farms, small producers, and artisans right here in Connecticut. These partnerships allow us to offer better-tasting, higher-quality items while supporting the viability of the community and those who serve it. We’re always looking to expand these connections, and we have a significant partnership in development that will open the door to even more amazing local farms and makers in the coming months. For now, here’s a closer look at some of the folks we’re proud to work with or have sourced from recently.
Craftsman Cliff Roasters – Norwich, CT
A micro-batch coffee roaster in downtown Norwich, Craftsman Cliff Roasters brings the same care and craftsmanship we value in our own kitchen. Their small-lot roasting process delivers rich, balanced flavors that pair perfectly with our breakfast plates and daily coffee service. Supporting a local roaster like this keeps quality high and strengthens the regional economy—one fresh cup at a time.
KD Crop Farms – Chaplin, CT
This woman-owned, Kelly Caisse, family-run farm in Chaplin grows a variety of vegetables, fruits, and more, but what we’ve been particularly excited about is their delicious house-made jellies and jams. We source these from them to add natural sweetness and flavor to our sandwiches and signature items. Their small-batch approach—using seasonal fruit and vegetables—fits perfectly with our scratch-kitchen philosophy, bringing authentic, high-quality accents to the menu.
Foxon Park Beverages – East Haven, CT
A Connecticut classic since 1922, Foxon Park produces traditional, family-made sodas right here in East Haven. Their crisp, nostalgic flavors (like their signature birch beer or cream soda) complement our milkshakes and comfort-food lineup. Partnering with a long-standing local bottler like this lets us offer beverages that feel authentic to the region and support a multi-generational business.
Shooks Apiaries – Storrs, CT
Dominic “DJ” Shooks and his family run this beekeeping operation on Wormwood Hill Road, producing raw, local honey and related products. Their honey adds natural sweetness and depth to our offerings—whether stirred into some delicious tea or drizzled over an exciting new seasonal special (coming soon!). Working with a dedicated beekeeper like Shooks helps preserve pollinator health and keeps pure, unprocessed sweetness on our shelves.
The Nomads Garden Tea Company – Windham, CT
Hand-blended, small-batch loose-leaf teas made with premium fair-trade ingredients, crafted right in Windham. Their thoughtful blends bring variety to our hot and iced tea selections, offering guests a cozy, high-quality option that feels special. It’s another example of how local artisans elevate the everyday experience.
Blue Hills Orchard – Wallingford, CT
This family-owned orchard on the northern slope of Sleeping Giant has been growing apples (and peaches) for generations. During peak season, their crisp, flavorful varieties were used in our season Autumn specials. Sourcing from orchards like Blue Hills means we’re using fruit that’s harvested at the right moment, close to home, and full of the taste only local can deliver.
Community Snacks – Old Lyme, CT
This Old Lyme-based company makes simple, flavorful chips with clean ingredients—Non-GMO, gluten-free, and full of that classic crunch. What sets them apart is their “Chipping In & Giving Back™” mission: they donate 10% of profits to fight hunger through partnerships with Connecticut Foodshare and local food banks. It’s a perfect example of how a CT brand can deliver great taste while making a real difference in our communities. You’ll find their chips as a great side or grab-and-go option alongside our sandwiches and comfort classics.
These are just a few of the partnerships that make our menu possible. Each one reflects our ongoing commitment: source the best quality from the closest practical geography, then prepare almost everything from scratch in-house. We’re a true scratch kitchen—making sandwiches, soups, batters, and more daily—and our goal is to be fully scratch-made by year’s end. As we continue to grow, we’re actively seeking more opportunities to bring in local produce, specialty items, and artisanal goods from Connecticut farms and producers.
Why These Relationships Matter
Partnering with local farms and artisans isn’t just about ingredients—it’s about Responsibility to the people who grow our food, Security for family operations in an uncertain market, and Education for all of us about where meals really come from. It creates a stronger sense of Home in every visit and ensures the Food we serve is as fresh and flavorful as possible.
Thanks for reading. In Part 3, we’ll wrap up with practical ways diners can support local in CT and how we’re planning to keep expanding our partnerships.
Real Farms. Real Food. Real F.R.E.S.H.
See you soon at The Farmer’s Cow® Calfé in Mansfield or Berlin.
If you’re a local farmer or artisan with something great to share, we’d love to connect. info@farmerscowcc.com
