A Farm Store Treasure in Tontitown, Arkansas
It seems that no matter where I’ve lived, I’ve had the good fortune of living near a locally owned produce store. Growing up in Campbell, CA there was The Round House Delicatessen and Produce. After that came Cosentinos Market, also in Campbell, CA. When I moved to Sequim, WA there was Sunny Farms. Much to my delight when moving to Northwest Arkansas, I discovered Ranalli’s Farm Store and it evokes all the fond memories of these locally owned family markets of yesteryear.
According to their website https://ranallifarms.com Nazzereno Ranalli emigrated from Italy to America in 1907. After settling in Tontitown from Ellis Island, he purchased the farm in 1923 and put to work his knowledge of farming. This is where he raised the first generation of Ranallis. Today the 4th generation of Ranallis own and operate the farm where they grow grapes and produce.
The store is open from May to December from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. most days Monday through Sunday. The parking lot features produce starts, hanging flower baskets and potted plants. Upon entry you are welcomed with a table of gift items ranging from wooden cutting boards, fresh local grape juice, rolling pens, local soap and bagged candies and even wooden rocking chairs. The home baked goods table features their legendary cinnamon rolls, cookies, nut breads, muffins, rolls, freshly made pasta noodles. The cookies range from chocolate chip w/pecans, snickerdoodles and molasses. My favorite so far are the molasses because their soft and taste of dark rich molasses like my mom used to make.
They sell a variety of seeds, produce, jarred fruit preserves, jams, jellies, relishes and fresh pasta sauce. There is a huge variety of legumes, nuts, candies, deli meats and fresh berries. You can even select a variety of their items and they can assemble them into a gift basket suitable for gifting just about anyone.
Ranalli’s is located on Henri De Tonti Blvd also known as Hwy 412 between Siloam Springs and Springdale. This is a must stop for travelers or when you’re buzzing through town. As they say, “If you show up with baked goods from Ranallis you’ll be a hero!”
