Rhode Island is the state in which I was born and raised, and though I now live in Connecticut, I still consider myself a true Rhode Islander. That's why I had a lot of fun pulling together a list of things made in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island is so small that you can drive through it top to bottom in less than an hour (if you are lucky enough to miss rush hour and beach traffic). To a Rhode Islander, driving more than 15 minutes to get anywhere is “too far” and usually only done on special occasions. Because of its small size, it is not unusual to meet a fellow Rhode Islander, while on vacation and in a different state, only to find out that they dated a cousin, or that they in fact are a cousin. And every Rhode Islander has met at least one person that thinks Rhode Island is an island off of New York.
All joking aside, Rhode Island has been a key manufacturing hub for the United States since the late 1700s. At times in history, Rhode Island topped the nation in the manufacturing of textiles, silverware and machine tools and the world in the manufacturing of jewelry. Times have been hard over the years and many companies have gone out of business or left Rhode Island to relocate to another state or over seas. However, there are still many companies that have remained or chosen Rhode Island as their place to call home. With out any further ado, here are…
Things We Love Made in Rhode Island
Del's Frozen Lemonade
Since 1948 Del's Frozen Lemonade has been cooling off Rhode Islanders, and today Del's Lemonade has franchises world wide. Tip: The true way to enjoy a Del's is NOT with a straw! Simply squeeze the sides of the green and white cup and let the frozen lemony goodness slip into your mouth- and more than likely all over your face, but in Rhode Island, that's how it's done!
Dave's Coffee Syrup
Coffee syrup is used to make coffee milk, the official state drink. Rhode Islanders LOVE their coffee, so much that coffee milk was invented specifically so children could enjoy it! There are 3 brands of coffee syrup that are made in Rhode Island, and Rhode Islanders are very loyal to their favorite brand. Autocrat coffee syrup has been made in RI since the 1800s. Eclipse coffee syrup came out in the 1930s and is now owned by Autocrat. Dave's Coffee all natural cold brew coffee syrup is the baby of the three and comes in mocha and vanilla flavors as well.
Kenyon's Johnny Cake & Clam Cake Mixes
Located in Usquepaugh, Kenyon's Grist Mill has been grinding meals and flours in Rhode Island since 1696. You have never had real Johnny cakes (griddle cooked white cornmeal cakes) or clam cakes (no comparison to clam fritters found in other states) until you have had some made with Kenyon's Mill products!
Beehive Handmade
Beehive Handmade pewter houseware items and memorable gifts are handcrafted in Warren, Rhode Island. If you are looking for a meaningful gift for a wedding, anniversary, or baby shower you will find personalized heirloom quality gifts here.
Up Country Collars and Leashes
Up Country ribbon leashes and collars are made by hand and hand sewn in their East Providence factory. Collars are available in sizes for cats to big dogs. Shop the Up Country Amazon store.
Colonial Mills Braided Rugs
Colonial Mills Inc has been making braided rugs in Rhode Island for over 30 years. Their beautiful rugs can be found for sale all over the country and are even available at Kohls.
Alex & Ani Jewelry
Alex and Ani jewelry was founded in 2004 by Rhode Island native Carolyn Rafaelian. Alex and Ani jewelry is handmade in Cranston, Rhode Island from sustainable materials.
Central Tools Inc.
For over 100 years Central Tools has been manufacturing high quality measuring tools and specialty measuring tools in Cranston. Central Tools also manufactures measuring tools under the brands of Storm, precision screwdrivers, picks and specialty tools under the brand Moody Tools, and scribers, picks and drill bits under the brand King Tools.
Tiffany & Co. Jewelry and Trophies
Since 1837 Tiffany & Co. has been manufacturing high quality, luxury jewelry in the USA. The Tiffany & Co. manufacturing facility in Rhode Island employee 600 skilled designers and artisans. What makes the Rhode Island Tiffany & Co. location so unique? It is where the Vince Lombardi Trophy and other NBA, MLB, and PGA trophies are made.
JJ Weston Cuff Links
JJ Weston manufactures all of their cufflinks, key rings, money clips and tie accessories in Rhode Island. Even their gift boxes are American made!
Hello, I haven’t been to Rhode Island but it is definitely a state on my must see list. My grandparents traveled the entire US in the late 70’s early 80’s. The were able to go to every state but missed the exit for Rhode Island always thinking they would go back but never made it. My grandfather will turn 100 in January. My grandmother will be 99 in March. I was looking for some kind of souvenir for my grandpa’s birthday to go along with some soil so he can stand in the soil and officially stand on the dirt of every state. I will look into some things from your list and could also use some pointers on how to purchase a small amount of soil that can be shipped to Washington State. I would need some way to prove its from RI. If any of your readers have any ideas please let me know. I appreciate your list and look forward to some great ideas.
What an amazing story, Raegan! Thank you for sharing and best wishes to your grandparents. What thoughtful ideas you have.
I have never heard of coffee syrup before. I bet my daughter would love it because she always mentions how good our coffee smells.
Cool Article Tracey.
Next year, I would add:
Trish Hampton Dog Collars in Glocester – https://trishhampton.com/
Water Rower in Warren – https://www.waterrower.com/
Nuts N More East Providence
I have never been there, but used to have a Great Aunt who lived there all her life. Its amazing a lttle place has so many nice places. I would love to go there for the seafood.
You missed a lot! There is a business at MadeFromRI.com that has a lot more RI made items, they make and manufacture some of their own stuff and take beautiful photos that are on some of the things they make. All 100% made in the state, nothing imported from elsewhere and labeled.
DUPARQUET COPPER COOKWARE is gorgeous!
We haven’t been to Rhode Island since kids. The seafood is wonderful. I’d love to have one of these Colonial Mills braided rugs.
The Colonial Mills Braided Rugs sound like something I’d like. I had never heard of coffee milk! I need to check that out, too.
Kiel James Patrick brand is made in USA Rhode Island.
Cross Pens were out of Lincoln, RI. I don’t know if they are any longer???
I haven’t been there personally but my friends love this place.
http://www.kaydeedesigns.com – forgot to include the website.
Hello I am the CEO of Fazoli’s International and I would like to ask if any of you have been to a Fazoli’s in Rhode Island. Secondly I would like to know how it compares to Fazoli’s in other states, if you have been to one of those. A goal of mine would be to create even service for all of the restaurants under the great name of Fazoli’s, thank you for your feedback.
Hello! Thank you for commenting! I have never been to a Fazoli’s in Rhode Island, where is one located? My family and I would LOVE to check it out!
There may or may not be one in Rhode Island. It is hard to keep track of so many restaurants under the great title of Fazoli’s. If you’d like to find out more information on the location of the restaurants near you, check out the website- http://www.fazolis.com.
You missed Alex and Ani jewelry, alsomade in RI — one of my faves!
Hi Kelsey!
Some Rhode Island desserts are:
Coffee Cabinets http://drink.betterrecipes.com/rhode-island-coffee-cabinet.html
Doughboys http://www.cooks.com/recipe/sw6fa83u/rhode-island-doughboys.html
or make anything with coffee syrup in it http://www.autocrat.com/Recipes
Hope that helps you some!
Gregg’s cakes,pies,cupcakes,cheesecakes,biscotti !
With milk delivered by Monroe Dairy. 🙂
Alex & Ani? 🙂
My family is from RI but we have pretty much all moved out but we would come back as a family and rent a house on BI every year. One year, we decided to do an all day RI food day. So, before getting on the ferry, we picked up Saugies, strip pizza and bought clam cakes (which my non RI brother-in-law calls clam “balls”), coffee syrup and Dell’s Lemonade. I don’t know if Saugies and strip pizza are only RI but that’s the only place that I have seen them and eaten them. We are going to make it an annual thing now. Good memories. Next time, we should add NY System Hot Weiners but I think it would be too far out of the way to get.
N.Y. System Hot Weiners
You forgot about G.I. Joes and Mr. Potato Head considering they are made by Hasboro and are based in Rhode Island.
Hi Derrick, I wanted so badly to include Hasbro in my list!! However, though based in Rhode Island, Hasbro currently does not manufacture anything in the state. Mr. Potato Head moved to China years ago. Hasbro has recently stated they will bring some manufacturing back to the US, and hopefully they start in Rhode Island!
As a native Rhode Islander myself, I’ve gotta say two things:
It never even occurred to me to drink a Del’s with a straw. Bend-n-slurp is the only way.
Having transplanted to NY 13 years ago, I miss Autocrat coffee syrup more than anything else. Anytime an old friend comes to visit, I demand that they bring at least a couple bottles.
A friend of mine was on vacation in another state and said she was so excited to find a Del’s vendor. However, she had to set them straight when they offered her a straw with her order!! 🙂
Great list! My only problem is the dimensions you gave Little Rhody. Rhode Island is only 37 miles east/west and 48 north/south.
Thanks Jennifer! You are correct! I will see if I can get in and fix it!
Awful Awfuls!
The Kenyon’s Grist Mill’s Johnny Cake and Clam Cake & Fritter mixes sound wonderful!