Colony Foods

Colony Foods is a third-generation, family-owned wholesale distributor of the food, packaging, and supplies that are necessary for restaurants to operate. Established in 1988 in Lawrence, MA, the company measures its success by the success of its customers, developing value-added marketing and loyalty rewards programs that contribute to their customers’ bottom line. While the weakened economy over the past five years led many distributors to close their doors, Colony Foods was able to grow at no less than 10 percent per year under the leadership of CEO Derek Barbagallo, increasing its staffing to ensure consistent, quality service.

Parlee Farms, LLC

Founded in 1988 by Mark and Ellen Parlee—two Boston engineers with a dream to start a farm—Parlee Farms in Tyngsboro has grown to become one of the largest commercial farms in Massachusetts, named by the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism among the “1,000 Great Places to Visit.” The 93-acre pick-your-own farm features a retail farmstand, animal barn, bakery, hay ride wagons, and 70 seasonal employees to keep everything running smoothly.