Meet Colleen Marnell-Suhanosky of Rifrullo in Brookline

Today we’d like to introduce you to Colleen Marnell-Suhanosky.

Colleen, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Came to Boston after graduating from the culinary institute of America in 94. I went to work at Biba restaurant with Lydia Shire. There I met my now. ex-husband. We eventually opened Sfoglia Nantucket and NYC. They were a total love of labor. We took care of so many great people.

My husband and I split and we lost both restaurants. It was for lack of better words a difficult time. I couldn’t believe we worked so hard for everything to fall apart in an instant. I came back to Boston in 2011 where my sister and family were. Started from scratch again. I opened Rifrullo in 2013.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No way! Opening Rifrullo and the day to day has been such a struggle. This is a difficult location with zero visibility. I took over a greasy spoon that was an institution where.

Brookline high students had been coming for over 25 years. Big shoes to fill. My food is the complete opposite and it has taken a long time to Convince the community wholesome food is good too!

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Rifrullo story. Tell us more about the business.
We make everything in-house. I’m a baker by trade. I love cookies! I’m most proud of our bread we make here at Rifrullo. I started making it on Nantucket where we didn’t have a bakery to buy bread from. It has flavor, unlike any bread I’ve had.

We make a starter with the leftover stale heals. We hand shape each loaf and roll. You can taste the love. I’m also proud we source over half our menu with local vegetables and meats. I love building relationships with our vendors and farmers. It feels right.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t believe in luck. We build our own fortune brick by brick

Contact Info:

• Address: 147 Cypress Street Brookline, MA 02445
• Website: Rifrullocafe.com
• Phone: 6175056727
• Email: rifrullocafe@live.com
• Instagram: Rifrullocafe

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