Molly’s Rude Awakening: An Unexpected Delight in an Unlikely Place
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The walls outside of Molly's Rude Awakening are colorful and rad.
Molly’s Rude Awakening is an unexpected delight in Black River Falls, Wisconsin. For over 25 years, I have traveled Interstate 94 between my home in Minnesota and points east, especially 50 or more trips to Detroit where I grew up. I thought I knew every gas station, restaurant, coffee shop, and convenience store along the way.
One morning about 6 weeks ago, I headed to the swimming pool at 3am before hitting the road. When I was done, there were no coffee shops open so I started on my way hoping I would find a convenient Caribou or Starbucks along the way (road warriors deserve an excellent cup of coffee).
By the time I reached Black River Falls, Wisconsin, about 2 hours outside of the Twin Cities, I pulled over for a little car nap at the BP gas station. Having had no coffee, I still wasn’t fully awake. So I snoozed for 20 minutes. As I was leaving the BP, I spotted a gloriously painted building that turned out to be a coffee shop. Molly’s Rude Awakening! I circled around it a couple of times then decided to give it a try. How can you pass up a place like this?
As it turns out, not only was the exterior clever and hip, the cup of coffee was excellent. My skinny latte was as good as anything I have gotten at Starbucks or Caribou! The drink and the place gave a lasting impression.
A few weeks later, I was on the road again, this time with my husband and a friend. As we traveled through Wisconsin, I started talking about this unusual coffee shop. As a life coach, I am always excited about someone who dares to follow a dream. I had to show them this place.
This time, we went inside. It turns out that the interior is just as funky as the exterior. There is food and other merchandise. Plus, there’s a whole calendar of events that Molly’s sponsors such as Give Back Tuesday where local non-profits get $1 in coins for every drink sold. There are aerobics and zumba classes, and live music on Friday nights.
I have to give the owner, Molly Hoffman credit. She came up with a unique idea and made it fly in the unlikely location of Black River Falls, Wisconsin. So next time you are on Interstate 94, I recommend you give Molly’s a try. I have a feeling this place will continue to evolve into a one-of -a -kind destination.
MAP TO MOLLY’S RUDE AWAKENING: http://www.mollysrudeawakening.com/map/
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After moving to Eau Claire from a larger metropolis, I was thrilled to find such a funky little place — seemingly off the beaten path (but isn’t that where most of the funky little places are?!). It’s a bit of a drive from EC, but it’s definitely worth it. The coffee, the food, the eclectic design both inside and out all converge to form this intoxicating experience that will have you coming back for more.
From the moment you step onto Molly’s hand-designed patio with the scrollwork along the edges… to the first sip of your hand-crafted beverage, you know you’re in for an unmistakable pleasure . One you’ll want over and over again!
I live in BRF, WI and I LOVE MOLLY’S! So much better than any Starbucks I have tried, nothing compares to Molly’s Rude Awakening! We are very lucky! Come one, come all! All are welcome!
I am so grateful and thankful for people like you that get my vision!!! I had a wacky dream of a fun funky place for people to hang out; to break away from the stress of the daily routine, where everyone is welcome & accepted for who they are, and to enjoy the simple pleasures of life – like a good cup of coffee, candle, or laughter. I am honored that you have highlighted my business. I have felt like I’m crazy for sticking all this money, time, energy and part of my spirit into this place… And then I read this and cry and know exactly where I’m going.
Thanks Ann for reminding me that I’m doing something right!
Molly, as a life coach, I applaud you for your boldness, vision, and follow-through. It is also clear that you want to give back to your community. This is the recipe for authentic living. Besides, you make a mean skinny latte. I hope travelers on the i-94 strip in Wisconsin stop by and experience the mojo!