Jennie MacPherson, a veteran of the food service industry, opened a café at the LoConte ice rink in Medford in September 2025, aiming to offer nutritious, homemade food in a setting traditionally dominated by vending machine snacks and prefab concessions. Growing up immersed in hospitality through her mother’s management role at a local restaurant, MacPherson developed a passion for fast-paced, team-oriented work that carried through her education and into managerial positions at various Boston-area establishments, including Commonwealth Market & Restaurant, Revival Cafe & Kitchen, and Sarma.
The café operates seasonally from October through March, coinciding with the rink’s schedule, allowing MacPherson to balance her business with family time during the summer months. Her two children participate in Medford Youth Hockey and often skate at the rink, creating a natural link between her family life and her professional venture.
Recognizing a gap in quality food offerings at youth sports venues, MacPherson sought to provide both classic rink fare and healthier alternatives. While staples such as Super Pretzels, popcorn, hot dogs, and Richie’s Slush remain available, she elevates these options by baking pizza sourced fresh from Winter Hill Bakery in Somerville and popping popcorn in Italian extra-virgin olive oil. Beverage offerings include oat milk for coffee and whipped cream for hot chocolate, catering to diverse preferences.
Her menu extends beyond typical rink concessions to feature made-to-order egg sandwiches, avocado toast topped with whipped cottage cheese, Greek salads with pickled red onions and crispy chickpeas, grilled cheese sandwiches combining sharp cheddar and muenster, and seasonal wraps with options like za’atar-roasted chicken breast. Baked goods such as pumpkin-ginger muffins and chocolate-toffee-chunk cookies with Maldon salt complement the savory selections. MacPherson emphasizes inclusivity by accommodating gluten-free and vegan dietary needs.
Despite operating limited hours—weekday evenings and weekend mornings and evenings—MacPherson maintains a bustling environment, connecting with a diverse group of patrons that include regular neighborhood visitors with no direct ties to the rink. She describes her interpersonal skills as a key asset, noting her ability to engage customers in conversations beyond transactions, thereby fostering a sense of community within the café.
Having her children present in the café reflects both the realities of the hospitality industry and her desire to involve them in the business. She teaches them practical skills such as sanitation, cash handling, and customer interaction, valuing these lessons over passive screen time.
MacPherson views her role as extending beyond serving food and drinks; she hopes to enhance the overall rink experience for families and individuals alike by creating a warm, welcoming space that blends nourishment with personal connection. Her commitment to quality and community engagement continues to shape the café as a distinctive fixture in the Medford ice rink scene.