Marty’s Corner Cafe works because of its focus on a unique local community

In the heart of Devens, where thousands of employees from all different businesses come and go every day, Marty’s Corner Cafe & Deli thrives on the community’s uniqueness. “If I moved one mile down the road into Ayer, I don’t think I would be as successful,” owner Marty Twomey said.

Marty’s Corner Cafe focuses on the Devens community through local sourcing of food, catering to local events, and donating food to the local Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry. Devens is why Marty’s Corner Cafe works, Twomey said.

After years of working in the food industry, having managed the now-closed Devens Grill for 10 years, Twomey decided to launch her own cafe in June 2021. Twomey created her menu based on the needs of residents and workers; she knew her food had to be quick to make and pick up, as people are going off to work.

Items on her menu are named after local businesses and her own family traditions. They have a Dragonfly poke bowl, in honor of their nextdoor neighbor, Dragonfly Wellness Center. They also have Big Nana’s meatball sub, based on Twomey’s own Italian culture. The sub is her grandmother’s recipe, which she said only a select few know. Chef Diego Quefau said he is also able to include some dishes on the specials menu from his own Ecuadorian culture.

Marty’s Corner Cafe also operates a food truck named “Foxy,” in which Twomey attends local sports tournaments, fairs, and festivals. Quefau said many people come to Devens for the tournaments or to stay at local hotels, which gives them a chance to get to know people from different states and cultures.

Kiera Skuntz, a student at University of Vermont who is working in the front of the house for the summer, said the kitchen is like nothing she has ever seen while working at other restaurants. She said everyone is friendly with no drama or fighting.

Skuntz also said in just the three months she has been in Devens she has gotten to know some members of the community. One regular she has become acquainted with is Joe, who is treated as part of the cafe’s family, Skuntz said. Twomey said every year on Joe’s birthday they will do something to celebrate him, such as wearing silly hats or giving him a birthday cupcake.

Marty’s Corner Cafe sources as much of its food locally as possible. Twomey said they get fresh produce every day from someone local, and they get their greens from Little Leaf Farms in Shirley. Twomey said she likes to support smaller and local companies whenever she can, but with rising prices that can get tricky.

Twomey said she would one day like to open another location, but she would need to find another area where quick but healthy and hearty food is needed and where there is local support. “They [the Devens community] have been great to us,” Twomey said.