Subject area:                      Pop-Up Cafe

Region:                                   Boston, Massachusetts

Industry:                                Nonprofit Organization

Company:                              Greater Ashmont Main Street

Decision Maker:                Elle Marrone, Executive Director

In the heart of Dorchester, Greater Ashmont Main Street saw potential in a vacant storefront near Ashmont Station. Their vision? Launch a pop-up cafeteria that supports local food entrepreneurs, reflects the neighborhood’s diversity, and activates the space as a vibrant community hub.

The challenge was complex: acquiring a viable space, navigating zoning and permitting, building a financially sustainable vendor model, and making it all happen within the nonprofit’s lean operating budget.

Through the BE-EDGE Consult-a-thon, participants Gaethan , Jacob, Krisha, and Timothy collaborated with the organization to bring this concept to life. Guided by mentors Anastasiya Razouskaya, a hospitality expert with over a decade of restaurant project leadership, and Sergey Shopik, a marketing strategist with experience advising brands like Burger King and Domino’s Pizza, the team translated ideas into viable operations.

The team delivered:

• A phased launch strategy, starting with low-capital infrastructure to test demand
• An operational model for rotating vendors, including vendor criteria, onboarding systems, and marketing support
• A zoning and permitting roadmap tailored to Boston’s regulatory environment
• A financial plan with pricing tiers and funding strategies to ensure long-term viability

This project showcased how grassroots revitalization, when backed by thoughtful strategy and real-world expertise, can serve both cultural and economic needs. The pop-up cafeteria model not only brings affordable food options to the community but also creates space for emerging entrepreneurs, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.

This is more than food. It’s about reclaiming space, celebrating identity, and building opportunity from the ground up.