The
Story
Why Boston Needed a Flavor Intervention
Let’s rewind to 2017. Picture the Boston food scene back then. We love this city, it’s home, it’s historic, and it’s full of character. But let’s be real for a second: finding healthy food in Boston that actually got your pulse racing was a serious struggle.
Our founder, Colin Daly, a lifelong New Englander with a massive appetite for authentic eats, looked around and said, "We can do better."
He knew that Mediterranean food wasn't just about sustenance; it was about joy. He knew that hummus shouldn't be a grainy, sour paste you buy from a supermarket shelf because you're trying to be "good." It should be creamy, rich, savory, and whipped to perfection. He knew that falafel shouldn't be a dry, hockey-puck experience; it should be crispy, green, herb-packed, and exploding with flavor.
We wanted to prove that "fast" and "healthy" could totally work together without any footnotes. We wanted to bring high-protein, plant-based meals to the people who needed them most: the students in Cambridge, the doctors at Mass General, the runners on the Esplanade, and everyone in between.
And so, Just Us Foods was born.
The Hustle: From Farmers Markets to the "Hummus Mobile"
We didn’t open a shop on day one. We had to earn our stripes. We started the old-fashioned way: face-to-face with you guys.
In the early days, you could find us popping up at farmers markets all over the Boston area. We were there rain or shine, handing out samples of our Just Hummus and watching people’s eyes light up when they realized, “Wait, is this what hummus is supposed to taste like?”
Those markets were our classroom. We listened to what you wanted. We learned that you craved spice, that you wanted clean ingredients, and that you were tired of preservatives.
Enter the food truck.
If you’ve been with us for a while, you remember the truck. It was our mobile laboratory, our billboard, and our kitchen on wheels. We took that thing everywhere. We hit up every brewery we could find (because nothing pairs better with a local IPAs than a fresh falafel bowl). We parked at music festivals, feeding hungry crowds who needed real energy to keep dancing. We even catered wedding after-parties, saving guests from the inevitable sugar crash of wedding cake with savory, late-night pita sandwiches.
The food truck era was a grind, but it was glorious. It’s where we perfected our recipes. It’s where we invented our now-legendary "Just Amazing Tahini" dressing (we have people who would bathe in that stuff if they could). It’s where Colin and the early team learned exactly what makes a healthy lunch in Boston tick: speed, portability, and massive flavor.
That truck built our "hummus head" community. It created a squad of loyal fans who would track our location on social media just to get their fix. And it gave us the confidence to take the next massive leap.
The Flagship: Making a Home on Beacon Hill
The food truck was amazing, but our community kept asking the same question: "Where can we find you on a Tuesday when the truck isn't around?"
We needed a home base. We needed a place where we could welcome you in, play our music, and serve the full expression of the Just Us menu.
We found it at 37 Charles Street in Beacon Hill.
If you haven't been, you have to come visit. It’s honestly a little storybook. You’ve got the gas lamps, the brick sidewalks, and the history of one of Boston’s oldest neighborhoods. And then, tucked right behind Anton’s Cleaners (like a hidden gem waiting to be discovered) is The Hummus Shop.
Opening this spot was a game-changer. It allowed us to expand from just selling tubs and sandwiches to creating fully loaded bowls. It gave us a place to fry eggplant for our Sabich (a cult favorite sandwich that you need to try). It became a beacon for healthy food in Boston.
The vibe inside is exactly what we dreamed of. It’s not a stuffy restaurant where you need a reservation three weeks in advance. It’s a hangout. It’s where you swing by after a shift at Mass General to recharge. It’s where you grab a "Park Picnic" bundle before heading to the Public Garden.
We wanted to create a space that felt like "us." Friendly service where we actually remember your name. A place where you can ask questions about ingredients without feeling annoying. A spot where the smell of warm pita and zesty cumin hits you the second you walk through the door.
The Retail Revolution: Bringing the Vibe Home
We love seeing your faces at the shop, but we know you can’t make it to Beacon Hill every single day. That’s why we launched our retail line. This was the next step in our master plan to takeover New England’s fridges.
We packed our small-batch hummus, our freezer-friendly Fantastic Falafel, and bottles of that liquid gold tahini dressing so you can stock up. You can now find us in markets across New England and select Whole Foods stores.
It’s about coverage. We want to be there for you whether you’re strolling the bricks on Charles Street or standing in your kitchen in your pajamas.
What’s Next?
(Hint: Big Things Are Coming)
Okay, so we’ve covered the past (the food truck grind) and the present (The Hummus Shop and retail domination). But what about the future?
We are just getting started.
We can’t give away too many details just yet (Colin wants to keep the surprise alive) but let’s just say that the Just Us family is growing. We know that Beacon Hill can be a trek for some of you. We hear your DMs. We see your comments. "Open a shop in my neighborhood!" "We need this in the suburbs!"
We are listening. There might be a new set of doors opening soon. A new spot to get your falafel fix. A new location to spread the good vibes. We are looking at spaces, we are drawing up plans, and we are getting ready to expand the revolution.
Keep your eyes peeled. If you thought The Hummus Shop was cool, wait until you see what we have up our sleeves next.
Join the Family
So, that’s our story. From a guy with a dream and a food truck to a brick-and-mortar flagship and a product line in Whole Foods. It’s been a wild ride, and we have loved every single second of it. But the most important part of the story is you.
If you haven’t tried us yet, what are you waiting for? Come by 37 Charles Street. Order "The New Chick" (our vegan chickpea salad that will blow your mind) or a Sabich bowl. Grab a tub of Zesty Black Bean Hummus for your house.
Stop settling for boring lunches. Stop assuming that healthy food has to be flavorless. Join the revolution. Become a Hummus Head.