Discover the Unique Flavors and Vibrant Community at Rifrullo Café | Brookline.News

After school, sixth grader Misha Postnikov often visits Rifrullo Café with his mom, Maria. His go-to treat? Lemon yogurt cake and a chai latte, which he shares with a friend.

When asked why he loves Rifrullo, he smiles and says, “It’s just so good.”

One day, Misha approached café owner Colleen Suhanosky. “Can we become neighborhood founders?” he asked, curious if the café offered stock shares.

Colleen explained “sweat equity” – the idea that hard work can lead to ownership. This concept aligns perfectly with Rifrullo’s story. Colleen opened the café thirteen years ago, starting fresh after a restaurant closure and personal challenges as a single mother. She wanted a place where families could enjoy “wholesome food” amidst life’s chaos.

Her love for food started in childhood while watching her parents grow fresh vegetables. “When you taste something fresh, it leaves a mark,” she shared.

In the beginning, Rifrullo was little known, but it quickly found its community. Lynette Glover, a loyal customer, loved the café’s cozy atmosphere, where strangers can come together. Colleen even collaborated with Lynette to serve her heritage cassava pie.

The pandemic tested many businesses, but it became a “turning point” for Rifrullo. Colleen saw her community come together with acts of kindness. “I realized what a community really does for each other,” she reflected.

The name “Rifrullo” comes from a Florentine slang term for a centrifuge, symbolizing how people come together and leave better than they arrived. Each day, Rifrullo sources fresh produce from local farms, like Allandale Farm, underscoring a commitment to local ingredients.

Recently, Colleen and chef Bobby Mendoza brainstormed new seasonal dishes. Ideas for summer included refreshing watermelon gazpacho with rhubarb and French toast topped with local berries and ricotta cheese. Their chemistry in the kitchen stems from 25 years of collaboration, nurturing creativity and community spirit.

Rifrullo isn’t just about food; it’s about connections. Barista Addy Roe loves the bonds she builds with customers. She keeps a log of heartwarming moments, like when a little girl received her first slice of cake or two strangers bonded over birds. “People come back because they feel welcome,” she said.

Colleen also embraces new connections. When a Harvard medical student sought to use the café as a DJ venue, she welcomed him—believing in the power of community-building events.

Colleen hopes Rifrullo can thrive amidst challenges. She worries about the cost of sourcing locally, fearing it may limit access to healthy food. “Changes in government policy are needed for sustainable farming,” she said.

Despite challenges, Colleen sees Rifrullo’s strength in community. “Sharing a meal creates peace and conversation,” she believes. This sentiment is echoed in a recent study, which found that communal dining fosters connection and well-being (source: National Institute of Health).

At Rifrullo, every meal is a chance to connect, celebrate, and create memories, making it more than just a café. It’s a vibrant part of the neighborhood where everyone can come together.

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