Brian Quinn (better known as “Q”) and his wife, Beth, launched in 2000 with nothing more than a cart and a camping stove. They roasted on command at concerts and at farmers markets, and many people called them nuts. But the gamble paid off: In 2012, the couple opened a small brick-and-mortar shop in Somerville’s student-friendly Davis Square. At this smoky hideaway, they roast more than 20 varieties of sweet and savory nuts on-site, using all-natural ingredients. Beth is usually on hand to mingle with customers and answer questions. Many of Q’s selections are vegan, and almost all of the flavors are exotic, like cayenne mango, bananas Foster, and Key Lime ginger. To accompany their nuts, Brian and Beth carry Christina’s, a local ice cream purveyor that operates a shop just down the street. The Quinns also sell a selection of spreads from Deborah’s Kitchen, a local business that specializes in all-natural, low-sugar spreads with bold flavors like Hot Hot Peach. When the Quinns aren’t holding down the fort in Somerville, they continue to make the rounds at farmers markets. As they build momentum, they plan to donate a portion of their profits to local charities.
