On Track for Success

When Mary Ellen Blue opened Cilla’s Coffeehouse in June of 2015, she was full of ideas about how to grow her business. This past month, one of those ideas finally came to fruition.
Cilla’s Trackside, a coffee kiosk, opened in early October on the MBTA commuter rail stop in Norfolk center. Train riders can now get beverages and more before hopping on the train into Boston.
Open from 6 to 8:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, the kiosk is situated near the Route 115 entrance to the parking lot and features Cilla’s signature cold brew iced coffee and hot coffee, plus tea, hot chocolate, juices, cider, and water. Also available are her shop’s pastries.
“I’m keeping it really simple just to see if people will take advantage of it being there,” said Blue.
The response from commuters has been enthusiastic.
“People who work all week have been really excited that they don’t have to wait until the weekend to get their coffee fix from Cilla’s,” shared Blue. “They’ve been loyal to me on weekends and to be able to serve them on weekdays is great.”
The exact positioning of the kiosk was determined by the MBTA. According to Blue, there was an extensive application process to get the beverage cart up and running. Eventually, Blue hopes to have a second kiosk closer to the train platform behind the Wayside building.
Blue stores her kiosk across the street at Daley’s Service, who generously offered her the spot for free. In exchange, she drops off coffee and pastries for the garage staff.
Cilla’s Coffeehouse, named for Blue’s mother Priscilla, is a family affair. The bright, airy space is staffed by relatives working behind the counter. The pastries are brought in fresh from Boston bakeries each morning, and hot food items are named after Blue’s siblings. The focus, however, is on the coffee.
Before opening Cilla’s, Blue participated in focus groups to determine her drink menu. She uses coffee beans from Fazenda, a small-batch, organic coffee roaster that prioritizes social and environmental sustainability. Fazenda coffee is also used by Flour Bakery & Café, the popular Boston chain owned by the award-winning pastry chef Joanne Chang.
Reflecting on the past year and a half, Blue says her establishment is evolving organically, much like her coffee.
“It’s starting to get that rhythm of a coffee shop now. When I’m behind the counter, it’s great to look out and see this is exactly what I wanted.” She points out her clientele is diverse and encompasses all ages. She always wanted Cilla’s to be a place where all community members could feel at home, from children to senior citizens.
“I wanted the construction workers, the firefighters, the older folks in town to feel comfortable,” she confided. “I get a lot of elderly people and disabled people who appreciate the little counter and low tables and accessible bathroom. They tell me, ‘Your restaurant is one of the few I can maneuver my chair around and the parking lot is nice and big.’”
Beyond the Coffee
Cilla’s Coffeehouse is also available for rent at night. Blue charges $150 for the space, and has hosted many private events, including networking groups, baby showers, and fundraisers. She also caters events big and small, and has standing orders for the Montrose School as well as Medfield public schools. Sports teams can rent out her space for team dinners, also.
Local artists exhibit their work on the walls of the coffee shop, and every artist has sold something.
Starting in November, Cilla’s will open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights as a cocktail bar.
“At 5 p.m., you will see a difference at Cilla’s,” promised Blue. “This place will be transformed into a friendly, classy bar.” A new nighttime staff will offer signature alcoholic drinks and small plates, and several TVs are being installed. The vibe, she said, will be different in the evenings, but still “a place where you can bring your mother-in-law.” Next spring, Blue plans to install lighted, outdoor seating for bar patrons.
While acknowledging there are challenges to owning a small business, it’s obvious Blue likes meeting people and creating a place where anyone can feel comfortable.
“I’m a people-pleaser,” acknowledged Blue. “I get a lot of pleasure out of having something here for everybody.”