Struggle Monkey Cafe

06/19/2026

Yesterday we had the privilege of volunteering at Cathedral Kitchen in Camden and helping with pre-dinner preparation for the evening meal service.

In preparation for dinner, we assembled extra take-home meal bags to help ensure guests had something for later. Each bag included a sandwich, fruit, a snack, and water. We also spent time decorating placemats with encouraging messages and artwork, hoping to add a little extra warmth and kindness to someone’s day.

Cathedral Kitchen’s mission is to fight hunger and poverty by providing nutritious meals and supportive services that help individuals and families achieve stability and self-sufficiency. Every meal served is an opportunity to show dignity, compassion, and care to members of our community.

Thank you to Cathedral Kitchen for allowing us to be a small part of the incredible work you do each day. Sometimes the simplest acts of kindness can make the biggest difference. ❤️

06/17/2026

Yesterday was a busy day at Struggle Monkey!

First up, we met with Baylie Byrne from ADP to discuss payroll. It was an extremely fun meeting, and we received a ton of helpful information. I’m excited to say that payroll is officially set up, which means we’ll be able to pay our future employees… and apparently people tend to enjoy that. 🤣

We also completed our latest syrup experiment! We tested different methods of making syrups, including boiling, simmering, and using a crockpot. There were some interesting differences, and I’ll be sharing the full results and what we learned tomorrow. 🤗

One of my favorite parts of the day was getting the chance to meet and greet all of our Sharps Run neighbors in the plaza. I’ve always believed that everything happens for a reason, and today’s conversations only reinforced that feeling. Everyone was incredibly welcoming, supportive, and excited to see us opening.

I can’t wait to share more of our journey with them and become part of this community. First on my list? I’m hoping to take a class Simply Nestled ! 😊

Every day we’re getting one step closer to opening our doors, and we’re grateful to have so many amazing people around us already.

06/15/2026

Okay, while construction is underway, there are so many decisions and preparations happening behind the scenes! We thought it would be fun to bring you along on the journey to opening day by sharing some of the tasks we’re working on along the way.

Today’s highlight: syrups! ☕🍌🫐

Our core menu is coming together, but one thing that’s really important to me is creating seasonal drinks and fun specials throughout the year. Recently, I’ve been experimenting with homemade banana and blueberry syrups.

The best part? I can use the fruit purées to create specialty drinks like flavored matchas, then turn the remaining fruit into syrups for espresso-based drinks. It helps us create unique flavors while making the most of every ingredient.

Now I need your help! What are your favorite homemade syrup flavors, or what flavors would you love to see featured at Struggle Monkey? Drop your ideas below! 👇

06/05/2026

05/26/2026

Our May Acts of Service project was one close to our hearts 💕🍋

Thanks to everyone who stopped by, donated, shared, or supported our pink lemonade stand fundraiser, we raised $600 total for breast cancer research and awareness. Seeing the community come together, kids hustling lemonade, neighbors showing up, and everyone rallying around a cause bigger than ourselves, is exactly what the Struggle Monkey philosophy is all about.

Small acts. Big impact. Community over everything.

Thank you for helping us turn lemonade into something meaningful 💗

04/18/2026

April’s act of service was extra special ❤️

We showed up to support Ainsley’s Angels at the Cumberland County Historical Run 10K—and it was my first time pushing. I can honestly say I’m hooked. The support, the energy, the sense of community… it’s something you have to experience to fully understand.

We had an amazing team of four pushing today, and every step was worth it.

This is exactly what the Struggle Monkey philosophy is all about—showing up, doing hard things together, and making space for everyone at the starting line (and the finish). It’s not about perfect conditions or easy miles—it’s about effort, grit, and lifting each other up along the way.

So grateful to be part of something that brings people together like this.

If you’ve ever thought about getting involved—do it. Such an incredible organization 💙

03/30/2026

Another month down in 2026, another act of service for our Struggling to do Good efforts! Along with a group of dedicated and supportive friends, this group put together baby blessing bags for a local charity group. Stay tuned for next month's act of service!

02/15/2026

While we’re busy working with the architect on our build-out plans, we’re still keeping our ❤️ on our 12 Acts of Service.

February’s acts included making cards for residents at a local nursing home and reading to the cats at Animal Welfare Association. We’re honestly amazed we didn’t leave with a cat (or two)! 🐾

We’d love your ideas for the next few months as we continue spreading kindness in our community. Drop your favorite local causes, volunteer spots, or simple service ideas below 💛

02/07/2026

Big news, friends 🙌🐒☕️

We finally found a spot for Struggle Monkey — and we just signed the lease at Sharps Run in Medford! We'll be next door to the Motor Vehicle location!

Next up: working with our architect to bring the plans to life, and we truly could not be more excited. Thank you SO much for hanging with us, cheering us on, and being patient while we searched for the right location. Your support has meant everything.

We’ll be sharing more details and tentative dates in the coming weeks, so stay tuned. This is really happening 🤍✨

02/03/2026

It seems as if we've been as frozen as the weather outside in regards to where we will call home, but warm up, Strugglers, big news is coming!