South End Stoop Sessions

In this episode of South End Stoop Sessions, Cate Brinch sits down with Valerie Gurdal, the longtime owner of Formaggio Kitchen, to share the story behind one of Boston's most beloved specialty food shops. Valerie reflects on building the South End location, traveling the world to source exceptional cheeses, wines, pantry staples, and handcrafted products, and forming lasting relationships wit...

In this episode of South End Stoops, Cate Brinch sits down with Dan Fitzgerald, co-founder of Heartbreak Hill Running Company, to trace the journey from a single storefront in the South End to a growing national running and fashion brand. Dan shares how his background in competitive running, the surf industry, and years at Quiksilver shaped the culture behind Heartbreak -and its connection to comm...

In this episode of South End Stoop Sessions, Cate Brinch sits down with sisters Megan Flynn and Mariah Flynn Riordan, founders of M Flynn Jewelry, to discuss how the jewelry industry has transformed over the last two decades. They examine the dramatic rise in gold prices, the emergence of lab-grown diamonds, and how those shifts have impacted both consumers and independent jewelers. Megan and Mari...

In this episode of South End Stoop Sessions, Cate Brinch sits down with Jon Olinto, co-founder of B.Good and founder of One Mighty Mill. Jon shares his journey from building a fast-casual restaurant brand to addressing a major issue in the American food system: flour. He explains how industrial processing strips nutrients from wheat and how One Mighty Mill is working to bring them back through sto...

In this episode of South End Stoop Sessions, Cate Brinch sits down with Philip Saul, founder of SAULT New England, to trace his path from a small-town upbringing in Pennsylvania to building a recognizable retail brand in Boston’s South End. Philip shares how early struggles in school and a nontraditional path led him into retail, where he discovered his creative strengths. The conversation covers...

In this episode of South End Stoop Sessions, Cate Brinch sits down with Jerrell Cox, CEO of United South End Settlements (USES). Jerrell shares his journey from attending Camp Hale as a 10-year-old to leading the organization decades later. The conversation explores the history and evolution of USES, its impact on youth and families, and its commitment to creating community in Boston’s South End....

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...

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...

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...

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 mento...

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 cu...

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 di...