Struggle Monkey Cafe
Hello!
Like most of us, I have dealt with the struggles of life: a challenging career in clinical research and nursing, raising twin daughters, running countless marathons. After spending many years in my clinical research career, I decided to embark on a journey to pursue my passion and find my struggles and the way to overcome them through creating the perfect cafe environment. This struggle with a purpose resonated as a way to connect to the community, be a designer in the creative process, and have a forum to do good, utilizing those strong community ties.
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Aside from coffee, I love my family (who might be lurking around the cafe from time to time), my dogs, a good glass of wine or a martini, depending on how the day has gone, running, and reading.
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Learn more about how Struggle Monkey Cafe became a reality and the struggles that have always led to good.
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Brooke
Executive Struggle Monkey
Why "Struggle Monkey"?
First there was a dream, then some struggles, and out of those struggles an idea/concept was born.
Before the idea ever had a name, Brooke was already dreaming it into existence. A passionate runner with a deep love for coffee and a heart for community, she often talked with her husband, Mark, about one day opening a space that blended all three—a welcoming café where people could gather, recharge, and share simple joys. To Brooke, happiness lived in the little things: a great cup of coffee, a familiar face behind the counter, and a place that felt like a second home. Those conversations became more frequent in the quiet moments—post-run reflections, early mornings with mugs in hand—when it was clear this dream wasn’t just a passing thought. It was something she had to build.
Then came the trip to California...
Brooke had signed up to run the Big Sur Marathon, a challenging and iconic course along the Pacific coastline. During her stay, she went on a crafting expedition based on a resolution to try one new craft per month. What started as a fun event turned into a moment of unexpected inspiration. Brooke created a risograph of a cup of coffee and a sleepy monkey. It looked, as they both joked, like someone who’d hit mile 23 of a marathon—or just hadn’t had their morning coffee, but definitely struggling.
Back home, Brooke shared the monkey craft and story with her husband, laughing as she described its dazed little face. That’s when the name sparked—effortless, funny, and just right. “That’s it,” she said. “Struggle Monkey Cafe.”
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What began as a conversation about community, coffee, and joy had found its identity. Brooke’s dream would become a reality: a cozy cafe for the tired and the hopeful, the early risers and the all-nighters. A place where everyone—no matter how much they’re “struggling”— can find a just-right cup, a warm welcome, and a smile.
In addition to just being a community staple for great products and service, we also aim to support the broader struggles of the world with dedicated donations and involvement with local and national mental health efforts and organizations. This is our dedication to ensuring that the struggle has a purpose.
From marathon miles to cups of espresso, Struggle Monkey Cafe is a celebration of perseverance, friendship, and the perfect cup of coffee at just the right time.