Vacchiano Farm — Attraction in Readington Township

UPDATE 7/2021: The former Profeta Farms is under new management and is now called Vacchiano Farms. I was delighted to learn that another family business was taking over the store and planned on keeping it a farmer's market. I began frequenting the market shortly after they opened, and was willing to give them time to get operations sorted and optimized before leaving a review.

That time has passed and, sadly, the establishment is still a disappointment. While Vacchiano's does have longer and more consistent hours, their selection of food is very limited. On multiple occasions, I have seen the produce case half empty, and the vegetables that were there were wilted and bruised. They have expanded the store back to its original size, but the added dimensions seem used to spread out their already limited inventory, rather than introduce new items. Their prepared food is of varying quality: Breads are very good and likely the best in the Flemington area (when fresh and in stock), meats are decent, and baked goods and pastries are fair. They have a large selection of frozen and fresh meats to cook, and they have been good, if pricey. Fruits and vegetables, as mentioned, are woefully lacking, which is a major disappointment for a farmer's market.

As I did with Profeta, I will root for this business and shop here frequently when they have things in stock, as it is great having a market 5 minutes from my house, but so far it seems to be as poorly managed as its predecessor. The whole place has an unfinished vibe, exhibiting at times so many empty shelves that I have turned around and left without purchasing anything on more than a few occasions. The manager seems to be the young heir to the family business, who boastfully chats to customers about the farm's great heritage (they have operated out of another location for many years), while the store in front of him is very obviously lacking. I could be wrong, but his attitude seems to irritate the other employees, who can in turn be less than pleasant to customers. Not their fault, certainly, but definitely noticeable.

As it stands now, this place is not worth a visit if you are traveling from out of town. The building and the concept have potential, however, and I sincerely hope this potential is realized if and when the market is...

Given the struggle to find REAL food and quality meats Vacchiano has served me and my family right - although I am giving 3 stars for a couple of reasons.

It is taking me a lot to actually get on here and write something since I still regularly shop here, but every time me or someone in my family does any kind of shopping there whether it be small or large, we are left with some level of disappointment.

The evolution of the inventory has been overpowered by name brand items that you would find in any other grocery store. In my opinion, when I think of name brand items I am not running to a farm stand for them. Not only has it taken away from the "farm stand" feel, but we do not shop here for things like chex mix and keebler cookies, in fact it's the opposite. We as a population are trying to steer clear of packaged items with toxic ingredients and lean for healthier natural and farm to table options - which now is seeming like a second thought and not the main source of inventory.

In addition to this major and drastic change, everyone who works there either around the store or at the counter is absolutely unpleasant. No matter who it is, or when it is, I never feel welcomed, and my business never seems appreciated. Not to mention, I am spending no less than 200 dollars even for a quick trip.

I also have been noticing a lack in quality which is just recently. There are dates that are expired in the cold cases and so if you're not looking at every little thing like date and coloring of the meat before you purchase it may not be good. I have noticed a lot of employees hanging out in the back and chatting - instead of turning over your stock, helping customers?

I repeat business because of the convenience and now hopeful consistency of quality in the meat and eggs, but eventually the vibes and store brand items will wear too heavy and we will find some place else.

I am not writing this to bash the company but to spread awareness for Vacchiano owners and employees because I want to continue shopping here and these are honest points of feedback as any business owner would...

Thought I'd checkout this lil farm situated right off the highway of County Road 202. I've traveled all over the US to frequent quaint boutiques and farms. I love good finds and I have absolutely no problem spending money. However, I was quite disappointed in the quality of a few items I bought from Vacchiano Farm. On my first visit, I purchased turkey bacon (thickly cut and actually "looked" delicious in the packet)--I'd say there was about 12 strips that cost $17--too pricey. I knew that was really pricey, but I decided to try it because if I liked it, I would definiately be back for more. Problem is that it tasted horrible. No flavor; and, didn't take to seasoning well. I also bought a chicken breast (which is still in my freezer so I can't comment on that), a bottle of their farm brand's red wine (bottles were beautiful but the taste was unbearable), a bottle of clove seasoning (which I must say was the best find because I love it), and I purchased a roast beef sandwich from their pre-made sandwich cafe (it was delicious). While I was shopping there, the owner was very nice, however, I soon discovered that he had absolutely no heart for me (his customer) because he did absolutely nothing for me when on the very next day I called the farm to ask him if I could return the red wine for an exchange. I had also explained that I was so disappointed in the taste, it was my first try of their brand, and even though it was expensive I thought I'd try it. But it was super hard to swallow; honestly disgusting. So, when I spoke with him, he told me to just make some sangria with it--in other words, your loss and I'm not taking it back. So this is why I give them a 1 star. Wish they had "0" stars, I would...