​NJ Business With Westfield Roots Honored Nationwide

WESTFIELD, NJ The group behind the former Farmhouse Store, a 16-year staple in the downtown district of Westfield, is continuing to gain notoriety under its sister name and location.

Homestead Princeton was the only New Jersey business named to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's 2025 CO-100: America's Top 100 Small Businesses list. The independent store specializes in home decor gifts, furniture and other personalized products, a model its current owners say was honed over nearly 20 years in Westfield.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce's CO-100 award honors small businesses that drive America's economy through innovation, determination, and passion.

Building off of the success of its 221 East Broad St. location, Ron Menapace, the brother of founder Ed Menapace, decided to open a second location in Princeton with his wife Kristin in 2012. They later rebranded from The Farmhouse Store Princeton to Homestead Princeton.

In 2023, Westfield's then owner, Kelly Richardson announced the store would be shutting its doors on Aug. 13 due to "the current climate and circumstances that we face." Like other businesses facing pressure from COVID-19 and other outside economic influences, The Farmhouse moved away from a storefront model and continued to fulfill online orders with the hopes of returning to Westfield someday.

For Homestead Princeton co-founders Ron and Kristin, they see their award as a greater representation of what Westfield and the state as a whole stands for. "This honor reflects not only our journey, but the spirit of every small business owner pursuing their dream," said Ron. "We're honored to represent New Jersey and so grateful to the loyal customers who travel from all over to shop with us."

Ron and Kristin Menapace live in Princeton and have four children. The duo says the nationwide honor validates their goal to bring customers items "you won't find in chain stores" and their belief that there truly is no place like Homestead.

Homestead Princeton is located at 300 Witherspoon St. in Princeton.

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