How did Marylou’s Espresso change into a South Shore staple?

Some Bay Staters get their morning cup of espresso within the kind of a giant iced common from Dunks, come snow or sunshine. For others, it’s acquired to be Starbucks’ newest seasonal concoction.

However for a lot of on the South Shore, that morning jolt of caffeine comes packaged in a brilliant pink cup, served up by a perky barista and packing a walloping burst of taste and sweetness.

And all of it comes courtesy of Marylou’s Espresso, house of the “Greatest Espresso in City.” 

However how did Marylou’s change into a South Shore staple?

That story begins in 1986, when founder Marylou Sandry took over a comfort retailer in Hanover and remodeled the one store right into a espresso empire. Marylou’s now boasts 43 areas — stretching from Waltham down into Rhode Island — however the chain’s greatest feat could have been constructing a cult following in solidly Dunkin’ territory.

At present, Marylou’s earworm jingles and fuchsia colour scheme have change into virtually as recognizable because the espresso itself. However consider it or not, Marylou’s signature colour wasn’t all the time pink.

The truth is, it began out yellow.

“I believed it was brilliant and sunshiny, however a buyer mentioned it made us look jaundiced,” Sandry informed The Boston Globe in 2016. “Then I noticed an article that talked about portray partitions in prisons pink to calm the inmates, and thought, effectively, that’s factor.”

Sandry didn’t reply to Boston.com’s interview requests.

From its early days, Marylou’s made a reputation for itself by hiring cheerful, enjoyable, heat, and upbeat staff virtually solely.

“They’ve to have the ability to smile and be enjoyable to be with,” Sandry informed The Enterprise in 2009. “We would like our clients to really feel they had fun and wish to come again.”

Those self same hiring practices raised eyebrows on the U.S. Equal Employment Alternative Fee in 2012. However after investigating the espresso chain over its alleged tendency to rent younger, fairly, and feminine staff, the company cleared Marylou’s of the discrimination prices.

Then, after all, there’s the lengthy checklist of specialty espresso flavors, which options notable standouts just like the Funky Fanabla, Humorous Bone, and A.O.Okay. Cookie. Nutty, caramel, minty, or fruity — no matter taste profile you’re after, Marylou’s doubtless has one thing on the menu.

@benchipman5 That is my favourite factor i’m telling you. Theyre all the time in random areas too #marylouscoffee #suburbsurvivor #ma #southshore #coffeeorder #boston #suburbs #massachusettstiktok #americancoffeeculture #americanculture ♬ authentic sound – Benjamin Chipman

Boston.com just lately requested readers to share their favourite Marylou’s orders, and Minty Lou tied with Lady Scout Cookie for probably the most suggestions. 

“This espresso may really be higher than a woman scout cookie!” Lindsey W. of Bourne mentioned of the latter. “I do add a shot of espresso — their espresso is scrumptious, easy with virtually a chocolate nut taste of its personal. I don’t know and don’t wish to know the way a lot sugar is on this drink, however generally you simply must deal with your self!”

Different drink orders sparked equally enthusiastic responses. 

“Humorous Bone EVERY. Single. Time,” mentioned Mikayla from Dorchester. “They make it so yummy and it tastes like a cookie in a cup. I <3 Marylou’s. I dwell in Dot and I’ll drive to Quincy to get it.” 

Devin from Brookline mentioned Almond Pleasure is “the one taste I’ve ever had from Mary Lou’s in 20 years. It simply has the most effective mixture of flavors, [in my humble opinion].”

@thequeenfoodie ⚠️Marylou’s in Mass, most enjoyable flavors!!!⚠️ #mass #boston #ComfortFood #CancelTheNoise #espresso @anna.5222 ♬ … is sweaty – Kellan

Mary from Quincy raved in regards to the Funky Fanabla, writing, “I’d inject this subcutaneously if I might.” 

And Felicia from Peabody mentioned she’ll drive right down to the closest Marylou’s in Waltham as soon as a month for her favourite, a big iced Tiramisu with three lotions. 

“Typically I order a second one in a big black with no ice simply so I can get pleasure from it once more the subsequent day!” she wrote.

As Marylou’s steadily expands its attain in New England, the corporate is constant to construct a reputation for itself in a world the place having two Dunkin’ areas simply 120 toes aside is taken into account completely regular. 

“When I’m not in my very own territory and I’m touring elsewhere on this planet, I’m going to Dunkin’ Donuts myself,” Sandry admitted in her interview with The Enterprise. “They put out a good product. I’m certain they’re not afraid of me. However once I go away for any size of time, I can’t wait to return house and have Marylou’s Espresso.”