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. Jerrell also discusses the STEP program, which provides direct financial support to families, and the importance of connection, dignity, and opportunity in creating lasting change.

Key Points From This Episode:

[00:00:00] Introduction to the episode.

[00:01:22] Jerrell Cox’s first experience attending Camp Hale and its lasting impact.

[00:03:28] His journey from camper to CEO over 32 years with USES.

[00:04:32] Leading the transformation of Camp Hale and raising $6 million for improvements.

[00:05:27] Transition into leadership roles during the pandemic and becoming CEO.

[00:06:33] History of United South End Settlements and its founding in 1892.

[00:07:52] Reopening of the Children’s Arts Center, the first of its kind in the country.

[00:08:54] Overview of USES programs and ways to get involved.

[00:11:12] Expansion from youth services to supporting entire families.

[00:11:45] Introduction to the STEP program and the shift to direct cash support.

[00:12:30] Impact of financial support on family stability and child outcomes.

[00:14:20] Evolution of the program across cohorts and increased reach.

[00:15:32] Application process and focus on supporting families in deepest need.

[00:16:30] Importance of community-based coaching and reducing isolation.

[00:19:30] Ways for community members to volunteer and support USES.

[00:20:45] The role of local connections and relationships in strengthening the South End.

[00:23:34] Addressing misconceptions about poverty and financial need.

[00:24:10] Bringing together families across different socioeconomic backgrounds.

[00:25:56] The importance of belonging and community support.

[00:29:56] Jerrell’s advice: be authentic and lean into being yourself.

[00:31:12] How to connect with USES and attend their annual gala.

Links:

Jerrell Cox on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerrell-cox-103663171

United South End Settlements: https://www.uses.org/

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