Lindsay Ravetz ‘25 and Belen Yudess ’25
Staff Writers
This article was finalized and sent to print prior to the delay on The Motley’s opening, and does not reflect the following changes: the new date for The Motley opening ceremony is Friday April 8th from 7 – 10 p.m., and the coffeehouse will have its soft opening on April 4th. See the email sent by the Official Scripps Student List titled “Motley Opening Announcement” for more details.
Set your alarms, get your flex ready, and don your most extravagant floral apparel because the moment you have all been waiting for is finally here. At 7 p.m. today (April 1), the Motley is reopening its doors and reclaiming its title as the heart of Scripps College.
This journey has not been easy. There have been several obstacles that former Motley employees have overcome to make this reopening a possibility. This includes the limited number of returning managers, ever-changing COVID-19 protocols, and general product and equipment issues.
Thankfully, The Motley has had a team of dedicated and outstanding Scripps students who have worked countless days and nights to ensure that this day would come. Therefore, it is important to recognize this year’s Motley team, starting with co-head managers Madeline (Maddie) Moore ’22 and Camila Mejia ’22.
Not only have Moore and Mejia established themselves as an unstoppable duo, but they have also become closer friends in the process, proving that the sense of community created by The Motley is back and better than ever.
“[One of the most fulfilling parts of this experience has been] becoming best friends with Camila,” said Moore. “I just think we complement each other really well.” Mejia agreed with this sweet sentiment. “Honestly, I would not be able to do this without her,” said Mejia.
Although Moore and Mejia have spearheaded this process, they contribute their success to the unwavering commitment of their staff.
“I think it’s just been super awesome to slowly see our team build into a full team,” said Mejia. “We have our baristas who I’m so excited to meet and … it’s been so incredible to have the support team of our managers — that was such a game-changer.”
Moore also sung the praises of the newly hired crew. “I’m really excited about our team,” she said. “And just echoing what Camila said, it was amazing to see everyone step up to the plate and it is a testament to their love and care for the space and the community.”
There have been three significant players on the managerial team that have been essential in bringing expertise from past experiences working at the Motley. “Uma [Nagarajan-Swenson’22] has been facilitating all of the train- ing and she’s helped by our barista leads,” said Moore. “Diya [Pereira ’22] and Katherine [Ward ’22] basically are the point people on the barista team that are there to act as a liaison between baristas and the managerial team and also help facilitate community within the barista team.”
As such a strong team, The Motley staff has been putting their heads together to prepare for the cafe’s first opening night since 2019. The coffee shop has many opening night traditions, such as a special theme and giving managers the opportunity to work the first barista shifts of the year.
This year’s theme will be regrowth, with floral and garden themed decor. Moore also shared other aspects of opening night that will make the occasion extra festive. “We are going to have some entertainment,” she said. “I believe we’re going to have a band and Without a Box is also going to be performing. So lots of exciting stuff.” The Motley will be open to all 5C students and will also be selling merchandise, so make sure that you and your friends are ready to rep The Motley!
As mentioned earlier, the grand opening will be from 7-10 p.m. Going forward, the cafe will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Although The Motley will have many of its renowned coffee and non-coffee options, they will not be serving blended drinks. Additionally, they will not be selling bagels or pastries, but packaged snacks (including pink chocolate bars) will be available.
This day is the culmination of nearly a year’s worth of work. While Moore and Mejia, along with the rest of the Scripps community, await the grand opening with great excitement, these feelings are accompanied by nerves due to the pressure of rebuilding The Motley with such high standards.
No matter what opening night looks like, the Scripps community is deeply grateful for all of the hard work The Motley team has done to re-open such an important piece of the college’s history and future.
“The Motley is anything but perfect,” said Moore and Mejia. “We just do our best. That’s our motto.”
Image Source: Ellen Hu ’24
