01/04/2025
We would love to have your support for this!! Plus you can get cool stuff, great drinks, and see the new space as it comes together!!!
Good evening, folks. I kicked Phil out of the way so that I, Morgan, could have a few moments for a heart to heart with you all. I understand that this is a bit of a long post, but it is very important. It's also the most difficult thing I have ever had to post.
To my friends, neighbors, and this incredible community: I know some of you are familiar with the journey and situation I've been dealing with over the past year. Many others have asked. We are not legally able to divulge the specifics, but I can offer a brief explanation.
Life has a way of throwing curveballs when you least expect it. Over the past year, I faced one of the most challenging times of my life. I will be blunt when I say it: 2024 was brutal. Between a major health scare of liver cancer (everything is benign, and I am OK, but still have to deal with two large tumors), overwhelming family commitments, and sheer burnout, I made the difficult decision to sell Bell's at the end of 2023. I’d poured my heart into the business for years and reached a point that I needed a reset, to focus on my health and family. That reset never happened.
Unfortunately, things didn’t turn out the way I had hoped. Promises of keeping the same comfy, cozy, family atmosphere with high quality food and drinks were not kept. The contracts written and signed were ignored; and the space was abandoned and stripped of all equipment and supplies in haste mid September. It’s been tough—financially, emotionally, and mentally. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that resilience and determination are born out of struggle. It also made me realize what an amazing support system and family I have around me.
Now, I’m channeling every ounce of my energy into building something new: Area 14 Cafe, a space I hope will become a haven for coffee lovers, creatives, and anyone who needs a cozy corner to relax and connect. It won't exactly be the space you remember and came to know, but it will have the same dedication, love, commitment, and amazing staffing. Tiffany will be taking over control of this location, and I know that she will absolutely kill it. There is not another person who I trust to take care of you all. I will be around a lot too though.
However, I’ll be honest—getting this new chapter off the ground hasn’t been easy. The financial strain is immense, and I’m working through significant debt to make this happen.
That’s where I need your help.
On January 12 (from 9am - Noonish @ our 258 E 14th Street location), we’re hosting a big fundraiser & rummage sale to gather the money to purchase the final supplies we need to open our doors. It’ll be a day of fun, connection, community, and your support—whether through attending, donating, or simply sharing our story—means the world to us. We will have drinks, snacks, and lots of items for sale. Old staff and friends will be present as well.
This community has always been the heartbeat of everything I’ve done, and I believe in the power of people coming together. With your help, we can turn this frustrating situation into something extraordinary and out of this world (
