Something New

INNOVATIVE STARTUP: Johnson & Wales University graduates Brandon Monti, left, and Patrick Straus co-founded FreshConn, a farmers market delivery service in Providence, to innovate the way produce is sold, increase sales to artisan producers and decrease food insecurity.  / PBN FILE PHOTO/KATE WHITNEY LUCEY

It’s farm fresh and delivered

Something New 10/12/2018

Farmers markets offer locally grown and produced fresh produce and foods. But for those with disabilities, or a lack of transportation or free time,...

NEW FLAVORS: Nagendra Thatavarthy and his wife, Lalitha, are owners of Swagat, an Indian food store and restaurant that opened a few months ago in the Diamond Hill Road area of Woonsocket. The grocery has spices and foods and fresh produce, as well as staples. / PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

Indian eatery adds spice to community

Something New 10/05/2018

Nagendra and Lalitha Thatavarthy opened Swagat, their Indian restaurant and specialty-food market in Woonsocket, after market research told them they had a built-in audience. More...

CUSTOM SHOP: Ben Antaya is the owner of Rome Point Woodworking in South Kingstown, a custom woodworking shop specializing in renovations and new constructions of kitchens, bathrooms and living spaces.  / COURTESY ROME POINT WOODWORKING

Woodworking made to order – and last

Something New 09/28/2018

Rome Point Woodworking specializes in renovations and new constructions of kitchens, bathrooms and living spaces. Proprietor Ben Antaya leads a team of three employees. After...

BETTER WAY: Brendan Loflin started Rhodeside Revival to make it easy for clients to divert food waste from the state’s landfill in Johnston. / PBN PHOTO/DAVID HANSEN

Curbside food-waste collection

Something New 09/21/2018

In the final year of his studies at the University of Rhode Island, Brendan Loflin wanted to do something meaningful but wasn’t sure how. “Other...

STUDENT TUTORS: Andrew Binder, left, content strategist, and Ethan Binder, co-founder, of GoPeer LLC. The Providence-based company, which launched last fall with its website, vets college students who want to tutor and connects them with families.  / PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

At GoPeer, students do the teaching

Something New 09/14/2018

An educational technology business that launched recently in Providence follows a simple premise: students learn best from other students. GoPeer LLC provides the platform that...

BLUE TECH: Co-founders, from left, Mark Huang, managing director; Alissa Peterson, executive director; and Jason Kelly, board chair, formed SeaAhead, an advisory firm that works with marine businesses, in May.  / PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

SeaAhead formed to assist ocean-related businesses

Something New 09/07/2018

Mark Huang and his partners are betting that “blue tech,” as they call it, is the wave of the future, especially in Rhode Island. The...

DIFFERENT TASTES: Taproot Brewing Co. owner John Nunes, left, with head brewer Kevin Beachem. The Middletown company is a subsidiary of Newport Vineyards. / PBN PHOTO/KATE WHITNEY LUCEY

Newport Vineyards launches brewery

Something New 08/31/2018

Newport Vineyards is no longer only known for alcohol derived from grapes. Taproot Brewing Co., a new entity launched by the longtime winemaker and inspired...