Locations
In the face of the pandemic, one of the South Shore’s most beloved pubs, The Snug in Hingham, got the help of a Jobs for New England Grant and a PPP loan thanks to South Shore Bank’s dedicated assistance. The Snug has been offering live music, drinks and excellent food for seventeen years. During the coronavirus shutdown, it faced a tough, uncertain time. It still provided curbside pick-up and delivery, but could not be its usual packed, cozy gathering place. “Bar business was non-existent and we only used a skeleton crew,” says owner, Ed Brown. “South Shore Bank stepped up as soon as PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) money was available. Their whole team was working 24/7 to help businesses like mine survive and pay our employees. No one there took a day off.” Vice President and Small Business Banking Team Leader John Mannion and Senior Personal Banking Manager Jackie Maffeo made obtaining the loan a smooth process. “Thanks to their efforts, we had the funds by late April and were able to continue paying our employees. The timing was excellent.”
South Shore Bank also helped Brown’s wife, Ellen, receive a PPP loan. For thirty years, she has owned Hingham Greenery, an award-winning floral shop in downtown Hingham. “After the shutdown, South Shore Bank’s PPP assistance helped her bounce back, and was she was able to reopen on Mother’s Day,” says Brown. “Ellen and I are so grateful; the town has been loyal and supportive. I can see the confidence in our customers. At The Snug, despite all the stress the pandemic brings, people come in, hear the music, enjoy our food and feel some normalcy.”
The Snug is back to providing indoor service and is now open for lunch. Over the summer, The Snug created outdoor seating for 24 on their patio, and it’s still going strong. “We will keep outdoor dining for as long as possible,” says Brown. “We have heaters out there and people really enjoy it.”
In November, The Snug also became the recipient of the Jobs for New England Grant, provided by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston through its member banks. “John Mannion was instrumental in making that happen for us,” says Brown. “He told us about it and helped us with the paperwork. This grant and our customers’ loyalty help us see the light at the end of the tunnel. We live in a great place.”
Because of their positive experiences with South Shore Bank, the Browns switched their mortgages and business accounts over to them, after being with their prior bank for over twenty years. “John Mannion and Jackie Maffeo are fantastic. They are nothing but helpful and courteous, making sure we get whatever we need. We love that we can walk downtown to see them at the Hingham branch, and when we call, they answer the phone. With other banks you can get lost in the shuffle, but South Shore Bank is completely customer-oriented. I have talked to other businesses who can’t say enough good things about their services.”
John Mannion couldn’t have been happier to help the Browns this year: “Ed and Ellen have been supporting our community for decades. Their generosity is known throughout the South Shore. They sponsor sports teams and little leagues, and support numerous causes. The goodwill and support they receive is well-deserved.”