Greetings!

July 4 is literally around the corner and -- at least in the U.S. -- everything seems pretty much back to normal, at least on the surface. So we're celebrating COVID's demise like the rest of the country -- dining outside and inside at restaurants, spending money on one-of-a-kind experiences, and continuing to be grateful for all we've been blessed with as well as making sure we give back. This month's newsletter covers all three.

Wishing you a wonderful holiday weekend; the term "Independence Day" hasn't felt as apropos in a long, long time!
double zero
Plants…but make them pizza. Double Zero, the country’s first Michelin-rated plant-based pizza concept -- brought to us by celeb chef Matthew Kenney -- is opening its latest doors on Boston’s poshest path, Newbury Street.
 
Coming early July, the 1,400 sq ft spot will feature an extensive menu of ‘za flavors (think Truffle, Bianca and Spicy Pepperoni) accented by a selection of sustainable and biodynamic wines. In addition to the full-on pizza options, expect a menu complete with plant-based Italian dishes, from pastas to salads and more. A 200 sq ft outdoor patio completes the essential Newbs dining vibe, perfect for its summertime debut.
 
Oh, and if you’re curious about its namesake, Double Zero makes all its pizza with only the best of the best ingredients, starting with the crust which is made exclusively with 00 flour. Or, if you prefer to keep your flour gluten free, you’re covered there, too, with the option of a house-made gluten-free crust. Your healthy dine in, delivery, or to-go pizza options just got a major #plantpower boost.
 
So, to sum up...our summer plans: Plants. Pizza. Period.


stoneacre picnics
The word “picnic” spurs memories of ant-covered blankets, sticky fingers dripping with jam from a PB&J smushed from the weight of a soda can and -- maybe for those of us old enough to remember -- Yogi Bear and Boo Boo. Take that picnic, add about 20 filters, and meet the picnic experience of your dreams: Introducing Stoneacre Picnics. An over-the-top picnic experience from the genius minds behind Stoneacre Hospitality, it’s the “must do” in Newport in Summer 2021 -- and making it happen literally couldn’t be any easier.

Simply visit the website, select from four menus, over 10 venues, and add any kind of wine or spirits you desire to round out the experience on the online form. Once confirmed, you’ll show up at your appointed place and time and picnic to your heart's content. The best part? When you’re done, all you need to do is get up and go – the Stoneacre crew will take care of every detail from beginning to end. If that isn’t dreamy, we don’t know what is.

So what are you waiting for? These picnics are filling up fast; get online and reserve yours today. And when your friends ask how you knew to do something so cool, just reply “It’s because I’m smarter than the average bear!”


g.r.o.w.
We’ve been involved with the Boston Police Activities League for years and the good work the non-profit supports never ceases to amaze. One initiative we learned about last year is G.R.O.W (Girls Reflecting Our World), a mentorship program that supports the emotional, social, and educational development of inner-city girls. Well, you know us, so we quickly raised our hand and -- in collaboration with their fearless leader, BPD Officer Jamila Gales -- we created a series of sessions to introduce them to the world of marketing and what it could mean as a possible career.

Starting last February, we jumped on Zoom (because, hello, #2021) hangouts full of lively Q & A’s and real talk on everything from Marketing 101 to ambitions for the future. It is the understatement of the year to say that each session leaves us feeling inspired about the next generation. Officer Gales guides a group of girls who have faced more obstacles than most, providing them with opportunities and outlets they otherwise may not be exposed to; if any nugget any one of us at marlo shares makes a difference in their trajectory, we’re the ones who are grateful. We’re starting our second session this summer and honestly, we’re probably more excited than they are!
 
Giving back has been a cornerstone of the marlo culture since day one; over the years we’ve enthusiastically volunteered countless hours on pro bono initiatives. And, while this has always been in our DNA, if the past year and change has taught us anything it’s that giving back can be even more rewarding in the face of adversity (thanks, COVID!) as it offers a renewed sense of purpose and positivity when everything else in the world has seemingly been turned upside down. Indeed, as we’ve always known, focusing on helping others is a simple way to start feeling right side up again!

If you're on the same page but time isn't an option at present, money always talks! Click here to learn more about PAL initiatives and easy ways to offer your support!