Hangman Coffee Hut: New business is all fun and games
With their new business, Bill and Dina Quinlan have gone from the gaming industry to board games.
The couple recently opened the Hangman Coffee Hut in Marion where, in addition to a perpetual game of hangman on the wall (guess the word, get a free cookie), customers have their pick at two bookcases full of classic board and card games.
But this new venture is also a game-changer for the Quinlans, who met while working at a casino in Atlantic City.
“For so many years we were on that rat wheel of the casino industry, seven days a week. We just wanted to step back a little bit,” said Dina.
Returning to Bill’s hometown of Mattapoisett last year with their kids, ages 8 and 10, the couple decided to embrace the laid-back atmosphere and create a place where others could do the same.
“We wanted to have that quiet relaxation where people sit and linger over coffee and conversations, do their board games or sit quietly playing crossword or Sudoku,” said Dina.
The couple devised their own menu with traditional baked goods and gourmet sandwiches. The breakfast and lunch offerings range from a standard egg and cheese bagel to a foodie wrap filled with prosciutto, red pepper, sausage and provolone.
“It’s not a big menu, but we put some items on there that we think a diverse crowd is going to like,” said Bill.
The Quinlans also included as many organic and natural products as possible, including fair trade coffee from a local company and chemical-free decaf.
So far, the pair says they’ve had a good response from the community, although they get one question repeatedly: How can you work together without killing each other?
“We enjoy being around each other and meeting the new people who come in,” said Bill.
And after 14 years of marriage, Dina said, “We just mesh. We know each other’s quirks and habits, and it works.”
Hangman Coffee Hut is located in Marion at the corner of Point Road and Route 6 (119 Wareham Road, Unit 105).