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/⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Find out more about South End Local:

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.southend-local.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

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