It’s 8:00 am on a Wednesday morning. Cranberry Cafe on East Broadway is bustling with activity. Behind the counter is an adorable and friendly young woman who efficiently takes coffee and breakfast sandwich orders from people on their way to work. She never loses her cool and the sincere smile never leaves her face. She takes an order from a man in his thirties wearing khaki pants and blue polo shirt. He orders a large black coffee and an onion bagel with cream cheese. “Sure. She takes his name, pours his coffee and gives him his change. “It will just be a few minutes for your order, “she tells another customer who is reading the paper while she waits. People shuffle in and shuffle out. Her flow is constant and her energy is positive and radiant.
This is a typical morning for Marissa Walsh, 21 year-old manager of the ?busy South Boston cafe. But Marissa herself is anything but typical. She ?is an ambitious, hardworking and determined young woman who’s goal in ?life is too fill her mother Cathe’s shoes as owner and operator of the? Cranberry Cafe. Cathe opened the coffee shop back in March of 1996 when Marissa was 6 years old and it’s been part of her life ever since. “The? Cranberry was such a big part of my childhood. I use to love coming to ?work with my mom and helping,” says Marissa.?? She was born and raised in South Boston by her parents Cathe?(Gallagher) and John “Sparky” Walsh. Marissa attended St. Brigid’s? School and went on to Mount St. Joseph Academy where she graduated in ?2007. Currently Marissa attends Bunker Hill where she is majoring in? Business and Restaurant Management. When she is not attending classes or ?taking coffee orders, Marissa also waits tables a few nights a week at the? Seapoint Restaurant. And if that doesn’t sound busy enough, Marissa ?also volunteers for Pop Warner Cheerleading.
Her strong work ethic and independent business spirit are in her genes ?passed down from generation to generation. Her grandfather’s? furniture store use to occupy the spot where the Cranberry Cafe and Rooney Real Estate now reside and was in business for many years. 15 years ago Cranberry Cafe opened its doors where it has been a constant source for breakfast and lunch to the community of South Boston. Marissa hopes to carry on her mother’s tradition of providing delicious food and outstanding customer service. A goal which will be easily attainable with Marissa’ personality and drive. One of Marissa’s favorite parts of working at the Cranberry is the customers.
“I love the people that come into the shop. We have the old Southie t?hat have been coming in ever since we opened and we have the new young? Southie that just found out about us. All the customers that come are ?great and I love seeing them come in every day.
“??So stop by the Cranberry in the morning for your cup of coffee. Perfect? seaon for “pumpkin spice”. Or sit at the lunch counter and enjoy a? sandwich. Chances are Marissa will be there ready to serve you with a ?smile
And that is why Marissa Walsh is our October Character of the Month!
