Meet: Charlie Meritt, Owner of Fresh Boston
We recently caught up with Charlie Meritt, owner of Fresh, between running his two locations in Southie and Nantucket. We loved hearing all about his journey, from his first visit to Nantucket in 2012 to buying Fresh six years later.
Having worked there making sandwiches after two days on the island in 2012, Charlie had a long history with Fresh Nantucket before becoming owner. After purchasing Fresh Nantucket, Charlie knew there was a need for something similar in Boston. Many of his regular customers summered in Nantucket but lived in the Boston area during the off-season. He opened Fresh Boston, located on Old Colony Ave., in November 2022, bringing an island favorite to Boston for customers to enjoy year-round.
Unfamiliar with Fresh Boston? As Charlie put it, “It’s definitely not your typical sandwich shop.” It’s a perfect combination for people living or working in the neighborhood and features a liquor store, sandwich shop, and bar. Charlie said that for the Southie location, they “took the energetic vibe of Nantucket with sandwiches and liquor, and threw a bar in the middle of it.”
“I love to serve the good people of the neighborhood.”
One of Charlie’s favorite things about having his second location in South Boston is that he “loves to serve the good people of the neighborhood.” We believe that is one of the best things about being a part of this community as well, and love that the Fresh team agrees! Every staff member and patron that walks through those doors has their own unique story and great personality that makes this location special.
Charlie and his staff make sure there are always things to do at Fresh Boston throughout the week He told us one of the neighborhood favorites is “wine tasting on Thursdays where everyone comes and there’s complimentary wine tastings.” With specialty menu items, Fresh Boston’s knowledgeable team puts together wine pairings to create an exquisite wine and dine experience. They have also hosted events such as Bunco, Jeopardy!, hip-hop brunches, trivia, and more! Be sure to follow their Instagram to keep up with their event schedule, @freshsouthboston.
One of Charlie’s favorite events to date was their opening night party. Fresh was filled with neighborhood folks, influencers, and friends and family. It was here that Charlie gave the toast: “Cheers to bread, because without bread, we’re toast.” *ba dum tsh* The space is ideal for all kinds of celebrations; it has been rented out for engagement celebrations, birthday parties, and more!
Along with all these fun community activities, it’s really Fresh Boston’s sandwiches that put the fresh in their branding. With everything made from scratch, Fresh Boston crafts creative sandwiches on homemade focaccia bread for their rotating Mombos. One of their most popular sandwiches is the Capone (their version of a classic Italian) with mortadella, copa, ham, and more, topped with their famous aioli!
Check out Fresh Boston today at 232 Old Colony Ave. for sandwiches, liquor, fun events, and more! Be sure to watch Charlie’s interview video below to learn more.
