A few weeks ago, Phinney’s Market shared a delicious (and easy) Mushroom Risotto, prepared with ingredients from their store. Today, I’m excited to share a bit more about the story behind this new business and some of the things they have planned for the month. If you’re not familiar, Phinney’s is Newtown’s newest grocer dedicated to supplying curated and high quality goods such as seasonal produce, breads, and pantry staples. Owned by husband & wife duo Stephen Forgione and Gayle Miner, Phinney’s supports local agriculture by selectively partnering with farms who practice regenerative agriculture, a form of farming that puts the our planet’s needs first. I was lucky to learn a bit more about Stephen & Gayle, their culinary backgrounds, and their vision for Phinney’s.
Before we chat about how Phinney’s came to fruition, can you please share a bit about your backgrounds?
Phinney’s is owned and operated by Stephen Forgione and Gayle Miner, two passionate food and hospitality professionals who met at Blue Hill at Stone Barns in 2016, a restaurant and agricultural center in New York’s Westchester County. For over two years Gayle and Steve managed the dining room at Blue Hill at Stone Barns guiding guest experiences.
Prior to Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Stephen went to culinary school and cooked professionally in NYC at Del Posto, while Gayle studied environmental science and food systems at Boston University.
In 2020, they moved across the country to Seattle, WA with the intention of experiencing west coast life. They continued to work in the restaurant and wine world but the opportunity to open Phinney’s back in Newtown was too good to pass up. They packed up, with their puppy, Leon, drove back east and opened Phinney’s at the end of 2020.
As a business you have a very strong mission in your commitment to regenerative agriculture, trust, and transparency among your partners. Can you describe what that means and why it is important?
At Phinney’s, we support our regional agricultural system’s diverse, seasonal offerings by supporting farmers that engage in regenerative growing practices. We provide the highest quality ingredients and goods created by independent producers all while supporting equitable food labor practices: liveable wages, safe working conditions and growth opportunities. We are committed to sharing the story of the farmer or producer behind ingredients to further create a transparent food chain and represent the true cost of food. We will participate in and practice responsible importing by working with distributors and importers who value quality and transparency with their goods.
When someone stops in to Phinney’s what can he or she expect to find in terms of products? How do you help with meal planning?
At Phinney’s, one can expect to find all of their grocery needs! Phinney’s offers a selection of products from all your grocery categories: produce, dairy, bread, baking needs, pasta and grains, preserves, oils, vinegars, coffee, tea, snacks and home goods. Every item has been specifically selected by Stephen or Gayle. There is a range of both local and imported goods as Phinney’s strives to showcase the highest quality products made by talented producers. Taking these products and guiding you through how to use them in your everyday cooking is what Stephen and Gayle love the most. Come on in and let us know how many people you are cooking for and we can help you shop for a complete meal. And with Butcher’s Best Market in the same building, you have the best meat offerings in town all under one roof.
You have a lot planned for February! Can you tell me a little bit about the special kits you have for Super Bowl (2/7) and Valentine’s Day (2/14)?
Due to demand, Phinney’s will be open on Sunday’s starting this month and are so excited to kick off those Sundays with a few special food offerings!
Up first is Super Bowl LV! Phinney’s has gathered some of our favorite game day snacks along with house-made chili, sausage rolls and a seasonal shrub. Box can be adjusted to the number of people at your gathering. Preorder for the box closes on Thursday 2/4 at 9pm.
The following Sunday brings us to Valentine’s Day! Phinney’s has put together a complete meal kit for you and your loved one. The kit will contain a mix of fully prepared and partially prepared food allowing you to finish the meal at home with a loved one (with full instruction from Phinney’s!).
What is your favorite part of opening a business in Newtown?
Our favorite part of opening Phinney’s and being part of the Newtown community has been seeing the growth, resilience and enthusiasm that this town exudes. There is so much good energy in the individuals and businesses that make up this town and Phinney’s is honored to have been welcomed into the community so quickly and so wholeheartedly.
Phinney’s is committed to transparency and quality in all the goods sold in-store. In addition to offering dinners to go every Thursday night, Phinney’s invites the community to come into the store, chat about their products, and let them help you plan a meal. You can shop in-store Wednesday – Friday 10AM – 6PM, Saturday 8AM – 5PM and Sunday 10AM – 3PM. Online shopping with curbside pick up is also available at www.phinneysnewtown,com. Follow @phinneysnewtown on Instagram or Facebook for their latest weekly Thursday dinner menu, special offers, and more.