december 2023

Dear Marlo,

Hard to believe another 12 months is nearly behind us, especially when we think back on how much the world has irrevocably changed in just a few short years. As any faithful marlo monthly reader may recall from my complete transparency at the time, the pandemic had a devastating impact on our business given the industries in which we specialize - hospitality in particular. As it did for so many, that previously unimaginable event completely changed the size of our team, our environment, and of course, how we work. But we made it through (definitely was not a certainty) and last week the Boston Business Journal ran a story on how we pivoted to stay alive; as we enter 2024, I can say with gratitude (and certainty!) we will be celebrating our 20th anniversary this coming year. If you haven't checked out our new hospitality and senior living divisions yet, now's the time. Then, get ready to see how we celebrate turning 20 - anyone who knows me well knows that building brands and throwing parties are two of the things I do best, so whatever we do - it's gonna be good!

Wishing you and yours the happiest of holidays and healthiest of new years!

What better way to lean into the idea of seasonal overindulgence than with a series of sweet treats to end the year on a proper (sugar) high note? Play your cards right and you can enjoy scrumptious stateside shakes wherever your holiday travels take you!

Planning to be in NYC? After a festive day of holiday shopping, be sure to stop by one of Harlem Shake’s locations to enjoy a winter wonderland-worthy reward with scrumptious sips of ‘The Wiz’ – a white chocolate and winter fresh milkshake – topped with whipped cream and refreshing Christmas candy. 

For our Midwest fam, our beloved Steak ‘n Shake is sleighing the milkshake game this season with decadent drinks like Peppermint Chocolate Chip and Eggnog that’ll have you feeling all kinds of jolly no matter which side of the Mississippi you get your shake on.

And of course, if you’re lucky enough to spend the holidays basking in the Sunshine State, Aussie Grill is serving up hand-spun Gingerbread and Peppermint milkshakes to spread winter cheer (even if it’s sunny and 75°). 

These shakes are only available for a limited time, so dash through the snow – or sand – to get your hands on these merry treats while you still can!



When it comes to holiday gifting, a bottle of booze is a no-brainer. Whether given as a spirit–ed gift for the host or kept for yourself to get through the long winter months (and endless family gatherings, ahem), Boston’s original craft distillery, Bully Boy Distillers, has you covered with top–notch tipples that are ready to sip, serve, and savor.

Crafted with the highest–quality ingredients, Bully Boy makes three bottled cocktails that offer a “straight from the bartender” taste with all the convenience of a pre–made bevvy and lets you check off everyone on your nice list in one fell swoop. Gifting a whiskey enthusiast? Start with The Old Fashioned, an expertly balanced cocktail made with the distillery’s flagship American Straight Whiskey. Looking to impress your cocktail connoisseur companion? Grab The Manhattan, which blends whiskey with Bully Boy’s fan favorite Amaro, sure to impress even the hardest-to-please pundit. And for your bestie with winter wanderlust, the Negroni is the perfect pre–dinner sipper to take them straight to summer days spent in the Italian countryside.

Bully Boy’s bottled cocktails are just a click away for nationwide shipping, so do your thing, Secret Santa! Do. Your. Thing.



Gatherings to be had, gifts to be wrapped, halls to be decked… ho, ho, ho-liday stress! With the busy Yuletide season in full swing, sometimes your contribution to the company holiday party or family dinner dessert table goes overlooked (no judging here, we’ve aaaallll been there). This year, take one thing off your ever-growing to-do list by turning to the pros at Cocorico to bring your holiday dish from zero to hero with the ultimate Holiday Cookie Platters.

Featuring a decadent assortment of homemade holiday favorites, platters large and small are available for pick–up or delivery, including everything from Holiday Shortbread and Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodle (yes, the obsession continues) to classic Chocolate Chip and Fudge Brownie. Whether you’re hosting family and friends, delivering gifts for the kiddos’ school, or simply in need of a last-minute treat for Santa when he drops in Christmas Eve, there’s no sweeter way to spread holiday cheer!

Orders must be placed with 48 hours' notice, so don't delay and then jingle all the way to best guest status this season!