www.friendofafarmer.com @friendofafarmer
Preferred counties/regions
- Hudson Valley
- Orange County
Desired acreage
- 21-50
- 51-100
Farming Status
Aspiring farmer: 1 year or less of farming experience
Not currently farming
Primary reason for farming
Other
To expand Friend of a Farmer’s farm-to-table model by directly supplying our two Manhattan restaurants, while continuing to grow the farm’s existing wholesale and retail business.
Farming status, plans, and practices
Friend of a Farmer is one of New York City’s original farm-to-table restaurant concepts and has operated for nearly 40 years. We currently operate two established Manhattan restaurants and are exploring the acquisition of an existing working farm within approximately two hours of New York City.
Our goal is to deepen the connection between the farm and our restaurants by purchasing produce, herbs, fruit, eggs, flowers, and other suitable products directly from the farm. The farm would also continue serving its existing wholesale, retail, farm-market, or community customers, with opportunities to expand sales to additional restaurants.
We are seeking an established operation with active production, dependable water and irrigation, appropriate equipment and infrastructure, verifiable financial history, and ideally experienced employees or management willing to remain during and after the transition. We are open to produce farms, orchards, greenhouse operations, and diversified farms.
We are experienced hospitality operators but new to direct farm ownership, so we intend to retain experienced agricultural leadership and work closely with the seller during a structured transition. Our approach would prioritize responsible land stewardship, practical crop planning, product quality, soil health, and a financially sustainable operation.
Farm Experience & Education
I have nearly 40 years of experience through Friend of a Farmer, one of New York City’s original farm-to-table restaurant concepts. I currently own and operate two established Manhattan locations, with extensive experience in purchasing, menu planning, food cost, vendor relationships, staffing, operations, and hospitality.
While I am new to direct farm ownership, I have decades of experience buying and using farm products in a commercial restaurant environment. I plan to retain experienced farm management, work closely with the current owner during a structured transition, and continue building my agricultural knowledge through industry advisers, extension programs, and hands-on involvement.
Farming Plans and Practices
Farming method or practice
- Biodynamic
- Conventional
- Organic (certified)
- Organic (not certified)
- Regenerative/Sustainable
Primary crops
-
Vegetables
-
Fruits
-
Flowers or Ornamentals
-
Grains
-
Maple
Primary livestock
We are primarily interested in vegetables, herbs, fruit, orchard crops, flowers, eggs, and other products suitable for supplying our two Manhattan restaurants. We are open to a diversified operation and would consider limited livestock if experienced management and proper infrastructure are already in place.
Marketing Method
Our two Manhattan restaurants would serve as immediate wholesale customers. We would continue the farm’s existing sales channels and expand relationships with other restaurants, farm markets, retailers, and direct-to-consumer customers. We would also use social media and the established Friend of a Farmer audience to promote the farm, its products, seasonal offerings, and story.
Farm business plan or farm resume
Farmland Needs
Infrastructure required
-
Barns - Equipment Storage
-
Electrical access
-
Equipment
-
Farmer housing
-
Fencing
-
Water access
We require reliable water and irrigation, storage for equipment and supplies, wash-and-pack space, refrigeration or cold storage, and appropriate barns, greenhouses, or production buildings for the existing operation. Farm-manager housing is strongly preferred; a studio or one-bedroom unit would be sufficient. Existing equipment, delivery access, and space for loading vehicles are also important.
Desired Tenure
Our preference is to purchase both the operating farm business and the underlying real estate. We would also consider a long-term lease with an option to purchase, or acquiring the farm business, equipment, inventory, and customer relationships while leasing the land under secure long-term terms. Seller financing and a structured transition period are also desirable.
