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 pre-planned 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 Oak Bluffs 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 Oak bluffs 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 to0.
I’ve had the incredible good 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 have 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. You all know the old saying about Mott’s being the “Hotel California” of jobs. 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 street 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” cafe on our way to wait tables for Tim and Mac at the Tisbury Inn Cafe. Rachel Baumarim 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 Diodatti’s space, where the coffee shop now resides. Then the space became Bon Go. 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, the Oak Bluffs Mott’s will re-open. The things that make Mocha Mott’s Mocha Mott’s will live on in our Oak Bluffs 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, MV 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.
This article appears in January 23, 2026.
What a wonderful ode to your special business, partnership, and forward look to the future. Best of luck!!
Living in OB, the OB Mocha Mott’s has always been a “happy place” for me – we love you so much! Looking forward to you reopening and hoping and praying that someday you will make OB your year round spot that the island needs and loves.
A Mocha Mott’s morning coffee, and a bagel or raspberry bar are among my fondest food memories from my many, many summers on the island. I always get two pounds of dark roast Coast Guard beans (I grind my own beans) to take home. The Mocha Motts Teams is always patient and attentive, and a pleasure to talk with. Thank you, Mocha Mott’s for an outstanding cup of coffee and for an exceptional experience.