Well, I broke my own rule … If you’ve ever worked at Mocha Mott’s, you know the first rule of Mott’s is there’s no crying at Mocha Mott’s. I expected the closing of our Vineyard Haven location to be emotional, but I did not expect the overwhelming reaction from the community that followed! It was a great weekend of memories, love, and support that really humbled and touched me to my core. To all the people who reached out in person, via text, email, social media, etc.: THANK YOU!
The only thing missing was Tim. (He was off getting a jump on retirement, on a preplanned vacation.) He’s been trying to retire since the end of 2019, and we all know how everything got derailed after that! To Tim: We haven’t always agreed, but that is part of what has made us such a great team. We have trusted each other’s instincts and shared vision for our business. Thank you for being the very best friend and partner I could have asked for. It’s been quite a ride, and I’m proud of what we turned Mott’s into. I’m looking forward to seeing you all tanned up and sandy, stopping in with your grandsons to O.B. for a bagel post–beach outing!
To all our loyal Vineyard Haven customers: I’ll miss you all so much, and hope you’ll come see us in O.B. this spring. The place has felt like a home away from home, and seeing you all every morning has brought me such joy. Malcom, Matt M., Matt C., Amanda, Sue and Eric, Monty and Carol, SAINT!!!, Mitch, Robby, Yarka, Mark, Gretchen, Jackie, Dave, and yes, even you, Paul … and of course Alexander! You’re a part of what makes Mott’s special, too!
I’ve had the incredible fortune to work with some amazing folks over the years … To all the crew/staff I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside all these years: THANK YOU! There are FAR too many to name you all, but you’ve been what makes it all happen, and we couldn’t have done it without you! I’ve seen you grow up, move on, get married, have kids, and stop in to say hello when you’re visiting. I love this so much. To our current roster, I’m SO GRATEFUL! To James, Scott, Hallie, Olivia, Abby, Mac, Ian, Eli, Bella,and Xavier: I know these last few months have been very hard, and I THANK YOU for sticking it out! Mama Mer loves you!
At the end of the day, 15 Main St. is just a building. I remember as a teenager going to meet my friend Elisa Barron (who lived in one of the apartments upstairs) for coffee at the Get a Life café on our way to wait tables for Tim and Mac at the Tisbury Inn Cafe. (Rachel Baumrin was the barista back in those days!) This was back when the coffee shop was in the part where Puff & Pass is now. Then they expanded to take over Diodati’s space (where the coffee shop now resides). Then the space became Bongo. Boy, were people sad when they closed –– and Tim and I brought Mocha Mott’s in there! This was back in 2004. Being in there yesterday, cleaning up, it felt very much like it did at that time. Not like an ending, but like a beginning. Like the start of something new. Which it is. While I can’t speak as to what the new owners will do, as it’s not my news to share, I suspect there will be coffee!
After a break, while Tim and I “consciously uncouple” our business, O.B. Mott’s will reopen. The things that make Mocha Mott’s Mocha Mott’s will live on in our O.B. location. I suspect you’ll see familiar faces behind the counter, music (yes, at times loud), Cape Cod bagels, organic fair-trade coffee, fresh baked goods, M.V. Barkery bones, high-fives, and laughter. You might see Tim bumming around, but me … I’ll be back at the helm of the mothership, in my subterranean kitchen. Please stop by and say hello! Peace, Love, Coffee.
Meredith Aldrich is the co-owner of Mocha Mott’s.