As featured in the 2026 INFRA Conference Zine!
Riverwards Produce in Pennsylvania started as a humble pop-up in a garage, driven by Founder Vincent Finazzo’s passion for fresh produce and a vision for a healthier community. Today, with three locations across Philadelphia and Detroit, Riverwards continues to redefine grocery retail through local food, creativity, and community connection.
That sense of community has always been central to the store’s identity. Beyond its emphasis on local produce, art has long been close to Riverwards’ operations. The store’s hand-illustrated flyers are a perfect example—combining function with a unique and authentic touch.
Kyle Schwander, Art Director at Riverwards, was an early believer in Vincent’s vision. As a local to the Philadelphia area and avid foodie, the idea of opening a neighborhood grocery immediately resonated. “I met Vince when I worked at a local pizza shop,” he says, “back then, Riverwards was just a restaurant delivery service.” Kyle says that he was inspired by his hometown experiences working at a small general store. “I was in love with that place. It was the central hub of the town,” he says.
As a former art school kid himself, Vince recognized Kyle’s talents in drawing and a natural collaboration unfolded. “He decided I’d be perfect to create the store’s signage,” he says, “from there, I saw other opportunities to use hand-drawn illustrations to draw people’s eyes in.”
Today, Riverwards’ hand-illustrated flyers feature everything from fresh seasonal produce to natural grocery products in vibrant colored pencil. “In a technologically advancing world, I think people enjoy seeing physical art done by hand,” Kyle comments. “It reflects part of Riverwards’ ethos; taking something people see every day, but pouring love, care, and hard work into it to show people its beauty and importance. To us, it’s far more than a grocery store.”
This commitment to creating spaces that feel personal, welcoming, and rooted in community is something many independent retailers share. Through food, art, and human connection, stores like Riverwards help strengthen the communities they serve.
“Our community is everything, they're the reason we do this,” Kyle says, “beyond giving back through participation in community events, charities and donations, we're grateful for the opportunity to give local producers a place where they can sell and promote the products they work so hard to create. I'm not sure a grocery store exists without community, or a community without a grocery store—they feel pretty intertwined if you ask me.”