A common sight in South Boston is seeing people of every age and at all times of the day walking around clutching their yellow PS Gourmet Coffee cups, as they go about their daily routines. Southie’s own Jim Fallon opened his first shop at Perkins Square (hence, the letters PS) back in 1986 and it took off like a rocket in popularity, as soon as the word spread. 32 years later, and after opening more shops in Roslindale and Dorchester, PS Gourmet Coffee has expanded beyond the city limits into Weymouth Landing, which is a well-known business area shared by both Weymouth and Braintree.
Last Thursday, October 4th was the ribbon cutting and the official opening of Jim’s newest store and it proved to be no ordinary opening. The crowds were lined up early waiting for the doors to open and not only were the mayors of Weymouth, Robert Hedlund and Braintree, Joseph Sullivan on hand to take part but even the mayor of Boston, Marty Walsh showed up to congratulate Jim and wish him well. It’s said that PS Gourmet Coffee is Mayor Walsh’s favorite cup of java. When the mayors of 3 towns show up, you know that PS Gourmet is no ordinary coffee shop. It is in fact, unique and very special.
South Boston Today spoke with Jim Fallon and asked him his thoughts on this big opening day and why PS Gourmet Coffee has become so popular and has such a loyal clientele in every one of its locations. A clearly pleased Fallon first stated that he was humbled that three mayors took time out their busy schedules to be part of the event and was grateful that they came. And what he is also grateful for is the throngs of customers, not only those who made it to the grand opening of the new shop, but also for so many who frequent all of his locations and keep coming back with their business. When asked what makes PS Gourmet’s coffee so good he proudly mentioned the difference in his product from other coffee shops.
PS Gourmet does not use flavor shots or syrups. The large variety of flavors is actually baked right into the coffee beans themselves; giving it that deep roasted, rich and unique flavor. This is a recipe that Jim Fallon is proud of and apparently, it’s a hit with the customers as they keep coming back for more. And who could forget that PS Gourmet Coffee is also the home of the famous ‘Bucket’; which is a 32-ounce iced coffee, wildly popular no matter what the season.
Leading up to last week’s opening, a lot of hard work was put into the new shop to make sure everything would be ready to go on time and that all would be perfect when that ribbon was cut. If you know Jim Fallon, you know he is always quick to give credit to others for a job well done. He had high praise for Annie Richardson who Jim calls “the back bone of his entire operation” in every one of his locations; and to Sarah Glennon and Deb Shaughnessy who do so much and made it possible to pull it all together to make it such a success. Preparing the shop at Weymouth Landing was a big, time consuming effort, but it was a joy to do it and certainly worth the effort said Fallon.
Those who know Jim Fallon well know that along with being a hard-working business owner, he is also a great family man whose greatest pleasure in life is spending time with his grandkids. This is a good man who has always been generous to the communities where his stores are located and beyond. He brings jobs to those locations which then helps the local economy.
PS Gourmet Coffee has been open just over a week at its new location, but already the word has spread, and the customers are turning out in droves. It makes perfect sense that it’s happening like this. The service is great, and the coffee and pastry are incredible. As the saying goes – ‘give the people what they want, and they will come’. And they certainly are. Best of luck to Jim Fallon. He continues to prove that hard work really does pay off and that being a genuine good guy helps as well.
