In this episode of South End Stoop Sessions, Cate Brinch sits down with Jordan Renouf, founder of Brick Street Bagels. Jordan shares how a simple idea to meet neighbors turned into a fast-growing bagel business rooted in community. From baking in his apartment and delivering by bike to hosting pop-ups and securing kitchen space at Bar Mazzana, then planting roots at South End Buttery. Jordan walks through the steady progression of his journey. The conversation covers his approach to branding, social media, and building something without a rigid plan, as well as the role of collaboration and consistency in growing a neighborhood staple. 

Key Points From This Episode: 

[00:00:00] Introduction to Jordan Renouf and Brick Street Bagels 

[00:00:48] Origins of the brand’s cardboard box aesthetic and necessity-driven design 

[00:02:36] Handmade bagel process and hands-on production 

[00:03:31] Early entrepreneurial experiences and background in politics 

[00:06:41] Moving to Boston and identifying the lack of bagels in the South End 

[00:07:42] Starting the business as a way to meet neighbors post-pandemic 

[00:08:26] Using Instagram as a tool despite no prior social media experience 

[00:09:15] Early delivery model using a bike to reach customers directly 

[00:10:30] Product limitations and early-stage learning curve 

[00:11:31] Transition to Bar Mazzana kitchen and scaling production 

[00:12:37] First pop-ups at Neighborhood Wines and community response 

[00:13:27] Pitching local restaurants for kitchen space and securing Bar Mazzana 

[00:15:54] Hiring the first employee and building the team 

[00:17:18] Early morning baking routine and experience of working overnight 

[00:18:36] Folding table pop-ups and growing customer demand 

[00:20:15] Managing supply limitations and selling out quickly 

[00:21:24] Weather challenges and need for indoor operations 

[00:22:23] Transition to The Buttery and establishing a physical space 

[00:23:17] Creating a community-focused environment beyond just selling bagels 

[00:24:18] Expansion to a permanent location on Clarendon Street 

[00:26:09] Favorite collaboration with Little Donkey and Ken Oringer 

[00:26:57] Best-selling and favorite bagel flavors 

[00:28:35] Approach to Instagram and content creation philosophy 

[00:31:03] Avoiding algorithm-driven content strategies in favor of authenticity 

[00:33:14] Advice on social media and taking small steps toward big goals 

[00:34:35] Importance of team trust, delegation, and building culture 

Links: 

Brick Street Bagels: https://www.brickstreetbagels.org/ 

Find out more about South End Business Alliance:

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.sebaboston.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow South End Business Alliance on IG:

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/southendbusiness⁠⁠⁠⁠

Find out more about South End Local:

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.southend-local.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow South End Local on IG:

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/southendlocal

In this episode of South End Stoops, Cate Brinch sits down with Richard Gordon, owner of The Buttery and longtime South End resident. Richard shares how he transitioned from a 15-year career as a criminal prosecutor to building a neighborhood gathering space inspired by English university butteries. They discuss the importance of community connection, the impact of COVID on local routines, and the evolution of The Buttery from a small grab-and-go café to a full-service breakfast, lunch, and dinner destination. Richard also reflects on lessons in entrepreneurship, celebrity film moments, and the relationships that make the South End feel like home. 

Key Points From This Episode: 

[00:00:00] Introduction to Richard Gordon and the mission behind The Buttery. 

[00:02:07] What a “buttery” is and the English university inspiration behind the concept. 

[00:03:46] The impact of COVID on community gathering spaces and routines. 

[00:04:28] Richard’s 15-year career as a criminal prosecutor before opening The Buttery. 

[00:05:23] Learning the restaurant business firsthand at No. 9 Park before launching his own venture. 

[00:06:42] The growth of The Buttery from a 500-square-foot grab-and-go to a 4,000-square-foot café with catering and a second location. 

[00:07:49] Busiest days of the year and the realities of running a full-service restaurant. 

[00:08:46] Inspiration from Joanne Chang and leading with daily involvement and attention to detail. 

[00:09:55] Hollywood moments: Spotlight, The Tender Bar, and commercial shoots filmed at The Buttery. 

[00:12:29] Rapid fire favorites: local restaurants and top menu picks at The Buttery. 

[00:14:07] Sourcing coffee and tea, and building long-term vendor relationships. 

[00:15:46] Iced coffee culture in Boston and year-round demand. 

[00:16:07] The best-selling turkey chili and customer favorites. 

[00:16:40] Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: test your idea, prepare thoroughly, and follow your heart. 

[00:18:12] The personal reward of building lasting relationships through business. 

[00:20:09] Brick Street Bagels partnership and the power of pop-ups for new entrepreneurs. 

[00:21:23] Where to find The Buttery on social media and in the South End. 

Links: 

Richard Gordon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-gordon-0505418/  

South End Buttery: https://www.sebaboston.com/members/south-end-buttery/  

Find out more about South End Business Alliance:

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.sebaboston.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow South End Business Alliance on IG:

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/southendbusiness⁠⁠⁠⁠

Find out more about South End Local:

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.southend-local.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow South End Local on IG:

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/southendlocal

In this episode of South End Stoop Sessions, Cate Brinch sits down with Spenser Payne, founder of Neighborhood Wines, to examine what natural wine really means and how it has shaped his approach to business and community in the South End. Spenser shares his journey from growing up in Seattle and playing baseball at Boston College to traveling through Europe, where an early experience with natural wine sparked a lasting interest.

The conversation explores how modern wine became industrialized, why labels don't tell the full story, and how low-intervention practices change both taste and experience. Spenser also discusses collaborations with local makers, hosting community events, and his upcoming restaurant and wine bar, Mondo, highlighting how food, wine, and shared spaces bring people together.

Key Points From This Episode:

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:01:09) Spenser Payne's background and long-term connection to the South End

(00:01:56) Early focus on baseball and minimal alcohol exposure during college

(00:03:12) Defining natural wine and how modern wine became industrialized

(00:04:01) Lack of ingredient transparency and labeling in wine

(00:05:18) Industrial interventions, additives, and how they affect how wine feels

(00:06:32) Wine as a shared, social product meant to bring people together

(00:07:39) Natural wine as a living product that changes over time

(00:08:36) Collaborations with local businesses and community pop-ups

(00:09:14) Holiday collaborations with Rowhouse, florists, and bakers

(00:09:45) What questions to ask when shopping for low-intervention wine

(00:11:41) Using importers as a guide to finding natural wines

(00:13:03) Ideal days off and lifestyle in the South End

(00:13:36) Announcement of upcoming restaurant and wine bar, Mondo

(00:14:11) Pop-up series and defining "New New England" food

(00:16:32) Phased approach to opening hours and programming

(00:18:19) A pivotal wine experience in Copenhagen that sparked deeper interest

(00:20:20) Removing intimidation and pretension from wine culture

(00:22:28) Wines that shaped Spenser's taste and buying philosophy

(00:24:23) How travel and baseball influenced Spenser's career path

(00:25:20) Hosting blind tastings and educational wine events at home

(00:26:53) Favorite South End restaurants and neighborhood growth

(00:27:58) Local makers to follow without brick-and-mortar spaces

(00:28:23) Fostering dogs and unexpected community impact

(00:30:37) Neighborhood Wines location and social media handles

A big thank you to our founding sponsor ⁠M. Flynn Jewelry⁠ for supporting the show and being such an important part of the neighborhood. Visit them at 46 Waltham Street in Boston's South End.

Find out more about Neighborhood Wines:

https://neighborhoodwines.com/

Follow Neighborhood Wines on IG:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CqvvanrutMW/

Find out more about South End Business Alliance:

⁠⁠⁠https://www.sebaboston.com/⁠⁠⁠

Follow South End Business Alliance on IG:

⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/southendbusiness⁠⁠⁠

Find out more about South End Local:

⁠⁠⁠https://www.southend-local.com/⁠⁠⁠

Follow South End Local on IG:

⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/southendlocal

In this episode of South End Stoop Sessions, Cate Brinch sits down with Joanne Chang, founder of Flour Bakery + Cafe and co-owner of Myers & Chang. Joanne shares how a chance encounter led her to open the first Flour location in the South End in 2000, long before the neighborhood became what it is today. She reflects on taking early risks, building strong relationships with landlords and mentors, and growing a business without a roadmap.

The conversation traces the evolution of Flour from a single bakery to a multi-location operation, exploring leadership, team development, and learning when to step back. Joanne also discusses community giving, sourcing decisions, and the lessons she's learned about communication, trust, and building a business that can grow beyond its founder.

Key Points From This Episode:

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:00:39) Joanne Chang on how she introduces herself and her early role in the South End

(00:01:13) Finding the original Flour location through chance and personal connections

(00:01:49) The state of the South End in 1999 and why opening there was a gamble

(00:03:37) What Washington Street looked like before development and transit improvements

(00:05:19) Choosing the location based on affordability, landlord support, and practicality

(00:06:22) The importance of landlord relationships when opening a brick-and-mortar business

(00:07:22) Early customers, hospital workers, and building a local customer base

(00:08:34) How customer expectations influenced Flour's product sizing and offerings

(00:09:18) Establishing core baked goods that remain on the menu today

(00:10:14) Advice from Gordon Hamersley and the decision to add sandwiches

(00:11:06) Mentors who shaped Joanne's early career and business approach

(00:11:26) The real story behind opening Myers & Chang

(00:14:36) Opening a second Flour location to support team growth

(00:16:08) Hiring well and learning to step out of the way

(00:16:54) The challenge of managing multiple locations and evolving leadership roles

(00:18:28) Letting go of daily production and trusting the team

(00:19:09) Collaborative sourcing and product decisions

(00:19:45) Joanne's everyday breakfast and approach to quality control

(00:21:32) Flour's mission-driven commitment to giving back

(00:22:49) Key community partners and long-term charitable focus

(00:24:35) Where Joanne spends most of her time today

(00:25:11) The unexpected Bobby Flay throwdown and its impact on Flour

(00:29:27) Running a business before online ordering and social media

(00:29:52) Favorite South End food memories

(00:30:18) Best-selling items at Flour and the origin of the Oreo

(00:31:28) Advice for aspiring bakery owners

(00:33:44) Reflections on leadership, clarity, and building a strong team

A big thank you to our founding sponsor M. Flynn Jewelry for supporting the show and being such an important part of the neighborhood. Visit them at 46 Waltham Street in Boston's South End.

Find out more about Joanne's story and Flour here: https://www.flourbakery.com/

Follow Flour Bakery & Cafe on IG:

https://www.instagram.com/flourbakeryandcafe/

Find out more about South End Business Alliance:

⁠⁠https://www.sebaboston.com/⁠⁠

Follow South End Business Alliance on IG:

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/southendbusiness⁠⁠

Find out more about South End Local:

⁠⁠https://www.southend-local.com/⁠⁠

Follow South End Local on IG:

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/southendlocal

In this premiere episode of South End Stoop Sessions, Cate Brinch sits down with Madeleine Brason, founder of Madeleine’s Candy Shop, to talk through the rapid growth of her South End storefront and the hands-on approach behind it. Madeleine shares how opening without a formal business plan led to unexpected demand, long lines, and a fast-moving learning curve.

The conversation explores how she curates candy from around the world, listens closely to customer feedback, and keeps the shop fresh through rotation and experimentation. Madeleine also breaks down launching as a solopreneur, bringing in family support, expanding into an ice cream window, and navigating permitting in Boston. Throughout the episode, she reflects on staying small by choice, building authentic relationships, and creating a neighborhood business rooted in joy, consistency, and community.

Key Points From This Episode:

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:00:42) Introduction to Madeleine Brason and the early buzz around Madeleine's Candy Shop

(00:02:00) Creating a business without a formal plan and resisting a single niche

(00:03:13) Sourcing candy globally and rotating inventory to keep offerings fresh

(00:04:16) Using customer suggestions to shape product selection

(00:05:18) Best-selling candies and how customer recommendations drive discovery

(00:06:06) The flat-price candy bag model and signature chopsticks

(00:07:27) Handling branding, packaging, and design independently using Canva

(00:07:57) Launching as a solopreneur and realizing the need for help

(00:09:08) Family support, rapid hiring, and scaling operations after opening

(00:10:25) Hosting events and collaborating with brands and organizations

(00:10:44) The Chelsea Park pop-up collaboration and managing large crowds

(00:12:31) Supporting sports teams, concerts, and corporate events

(00:13:39) Why brands reach out organically without outbound sales

(00:14:26) Seasonal demand differences between Halloween and Valentine's Day

(00:15:54) Adding an ice cream window after expanding into the neighboring space

(00:17:21) Navigating Boston permitting and learning on the fly

(00:17:56) Launching ice cream flavors and learning operations from scratch

(00:18:45) Designing a streamlined ice cream experience to avoid decision paralysis

(00:19:55) Requests, trends, and the rise of candy shops nationwide

(00:21:00) Choosing to stay small and remain deeply hands-on

(00:23:24) Starting the business at age 29 and taking action without waiting

(00:23:53) Why the South End was the only location that made sense

(00:26:28) Merch plans, embroidery details, and future gear

(00:26:58) Where to find Madeleine's Candy Shop and how to stay connected

A big thank you to our founding sponsor M. Flynn Jewelry for supporting the show and being such an important part of the neighborhood. Visit them at 46 Waltham Street in Boston's South End.

Madeleine’s Candy Shop:

https://www.madeleinescandyshop.com/our-story

Find out more about South End Business Alliance:

⁠https://www.sebaboston.com/⁠

Follow South End Business Alliance on IG:

⁠https://www.instagram.com/southendbusiness⁠

Find out more about South End Local:

⁠https://www.southend-local.com/⁠

Follow South End Local on IG:

⁠https://www.instagram.com/southendlocal

Every block has a history. Every business has a heartbeat. South End Stoops brings you feel-good conversations with the people who make Boston's South End come alive bakery owners, entrepreneurs, artists and neighbors. No polish, no fluff, just real stories and honest conversation. Whether you’re a lifelong South Ender, new to the neighborhood, a visitor or a Bostonian who loves to shop and dine the South End, this is your invitation to listen in and join us out on the stoop.

Find out more about South End Business Alliance:

https://www.sebaboston.com/

Follow South End Business Alliance on IG:

https://www.instagram.com/southendbusiness

Find out more about South End Local:

https://www.southend-local.com/

Follow South End Local on IG:

https://www.instagram.com/southendlocal