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Coffee Queen Of Cape Cod

During our last family vacation to Cape Cod we stopped at Marylou’s Coffee Shop in Hyannis, Massachusetts. We were greeted by Brittaby, an energetic & personable “Coffee Specialist”. She was happy to guide us through selection of the huge coffee beverage selection. We left knowing we’d be back….

We live on the North Shore of Massachusetts where most folks “Run on Dunkin”. In my hometown of Gloucester the Braga family owns four stores and has effectively blocked Honey Dew, Starbucks, or any coffee competitor from setting up shop on Cape Ann. I was curious about this upstart gaining grounds in the South Shore’s  coffee shop market.

Checking the local papers I found a fascinating story. Mary Lou Sandry did not start her career selling coffee. For 18 years she worked in the credit department of a golf supplies company. Approaching her 40th birthday she was bored and itching for a change. Mary Lou gambled her life savings on a Hanover Conveniance Store. The one item that sold well was coffee, and Mary Lou began to perfect the art, making it fresher, enhancing the store’s environment & hiring two perky, pretty high school girls to help. The chemistry was right, and Mary Lou’s business grew. Today there are 37 Mary Lou’s Coffee Shops employing over 700 Coffee Specialists throughout Southeast Massachusetts. Brittany is in good company.

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Written by PaulPallazola

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