News Summary
Fox Point Grocers in Providence has undergone a rebranding and expanded its offerings under new ownership by Pam Hitchman. The store, previously known as Hawes Fine Foods, now features unique specialty products, local partnerships for seasonal produce, and additional housewares. Hitchman aims to create a community-focused shopping experience while planning to host events that engage diverse customer groups. The evolution of the store symbolizes a commitment to premium food and nurturing local connections in Providence.
Providence – Fox Point Grocers, a specialty food shop in Providence, has expanded its offerings and rebranded under new ownership. Pam Hitchman, who purchased the store in May 2022, aims to bring unique products to the community while fostering connections among diverse customer groups.
Since Hitchman took over the small grocer, which was previously known as Hawes Fine Foods, she has introduced a variety of specialty items that reflect her personal experiences and culinary travels. The shop now offers an assortment of high-quality pastas, gourmet crackers, creamy French butters, and hard-to-find yogurts and cheeses. The selection of cured meats and frozen foods, including ice cream varieties, enriches the store’s offerings. Ice cream brands available include popular local names such as Wright’s Creamery, Big Feeling, and McConnell’s.
Fox Point Grocers is designed to evoke the charm of a European city shop, with an interior that encourages community gathering and connection. Hitchman values her diverse customer base, which includes students, professors, chefs, and local residents. This variety not only creates a vibrant atmosphere but also ensures that the shop caters to the preferences of all its visitors.
Local Partnerships and Seasonal Produce
In addition to specialty condiments and gourmet selections, Fox Point Grocers emphasizes local produce by sourcing seasonal items from regional farms. Partnerships with farms such as Wishing Stone, Foggy Notion, Zephyr, and Moonrose help provide fresh offerings that highlight the flavors of the area. This commitment to local agriculture is a key component of Hitchman’s vision for the shop.
Unique Offerings Beyond Groceries
Fox Point Grocers also features a small selection of housewares and gifts, including enamelware from Falcon and Crow Canyon, as well as distinctive glassware from Sophie Lou Jacobsen. These additional items are intended to enhance the shopping experience, making the store not only a place for groceries but also a destination for unique, curated gifts.
Future Plans for Personalization and Community Events
With nearly three years of ownership under her belt, Hitchman is looking toward the future of Fox Point Grocers. She plans to further personalize the shop and is considering organizing events such as chef’s dinners to engage the community. Such initiatives aim to deepen customer relationships and attract new visitors to the store, ensuring its ongoing relevance in a changing marketplace.
Background of Ownership Change
Hitchman relocated to Providence from Brooklyn in 2016 and felt a lack of small specialty food shops in the city. Having regularly shopped at Hawes Fine Foods, when the opportunity arose to purchase the store in spring 2022, she decided to take the plunge despite lacking formal ownership experience in the food industry. The rebranding to Fox Point Grocers reflects both her dedication to the local community and her passion for high-quality food.
The store’s evolution symbolizes a commitment to not only providing premium food options but also nurturing community ties in Providence. As Hitchman continues to adapt the store’s offerings and cultivate personal connections with her customers, Fox Point Grocers stands poised to become a beloved staple in the local food scene.
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Additional Resources
- RIMonthly: Fox Point Grocers
- Wikipedia: Providence, Rhode Island
- Vogue: Providence, Rhode Island Guide
- Google Search: Fox Point Grocers
- Brown Daily Herald: Trader Joe’s in Fox Point
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rhode Island
- GoLocalProv: Dune Brothers Fox Point
- Providence Journal: Grocery Stores in Providence
- RIMonthly: Best of Rhode Island 2024
- Google Scholar: Providence food scene
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
