By Margaux Maxwell

Q’s Nuts are making a splash all over Somerville and the Greater Boston area.

Tucked away on Highland Avenue near Davis Square, Q’s Nuts is a tiny store packed with shelves of roasted nuts from all over the world. Mexican Chocolate Cashews, Brazil Nuts, and Yerba Mate Chocolate Almonds are just a few of the flavors overflowing behind the glass. These are not the typical nut flavors you find at Fenway Park. Almost four years ago, Beth Quinn opened the family nut store with her husband Brian Quinn because she saw a need for nuts that “taste as good as they smell,” says Beth. Now, their nuts are starting to appear all over Somerville and Boston.

Beth and her husband work around the clock selling and roasting their nuts at farmers markets, trade shows and the Boston Public Market, in addition to managing over 150 wholesale accounts and their storefront in Somerville.

“Our nuts have more flavor profile than any other nut company out there. At this point, we have over 30 flavors, while most nut roasters just use the Bavarian vanilla cinnamon recipe. Our nuts are also different because we source from local vendors which supports the local economy: we get herbs and florals from Soluna Garden Farm in Winchester, our chocolate from Taza in Somerville, our ice cream from Christina’s in Cambridge, and our spices for North Atlantic Spice in North Truro,” says Beth. “We also bake our nuts instead of deep fat frying them like most roasters. It’s a long arduous process, but I think it’s worth it.”

Beth and Brian Quinn took a simple idea and made the most of it, finding success along the way.

Originally the Quinn couple was working odd jobs at restaurants, custom motorcycle shops, variety stores and flea markets selling old furniture and books when idea came to them as they were smelling nuts in Boston’s Downtown Crossing. Since their opening, their popularity has skyrocketed more than expected. Q’s is frequently packed with customers filtering in and out of the store, and their packaged nuts are starting to appear at cafes, craft breweries and grocery stores throughout Boston.

Much of their success can be attributed to their branding efforts to let people know Q’s is the place to go for their nuts. They had been roasting at farmers markets for years before opening the store, which helped them build a positive name. They also attend trade shows throughout New England for small artisans and are able to connect with the local vendors at the Boston Public Market.

“The food world is small,” says Quinn.

Putting community at the heart of her business model also means she includes her children, Cailla, 29, and Aedan, 21, in the business. Many of Quinn’s recipes have been inspired by family. For example, their Coquito flavor came about when their daughter’s boyfriend brought them a Puerto Rican eggnog drink during the holidays. They loved the flavor combination, and decided to incorporate it into their menu. Their children have contributed to other Q’s creations and have always worked at the store.

“We want to teach our kids that money doesn’t grow on trees and how much goes into running a business,” says Quinn.

Quinn says she is looking forward to opening another storefront, but is still deciding where to locate it. She is also excited to develop new recipes this season.

“We are growing and we will continue to grow,” says Beth.

Q’s nuts is located at 349 Highland Ave in Somerville, MA and at the Boston Public Market at 100 Hanover Street in Boston, MA. To see other locations where Q’s Nuts can be purchased, visit http://www.qsnuts.com/Locations.aspx.