Stacks of books line the wall and antique lamps light up Molly’s in downtown Fredericton. Twice a month, the coffee house is full of poets, playwrights and English students reading their works over wine, beer and coffee.
Odd Sundays at Molly’s started up 20 years ago when a group of young people asked to read their poetry in the coffee house and Molly skeptically said yes. It happens twice a month and is the longest-running poetry-reading series in Fredericton.
“They listened to each other and what they had to say. Whether I liked what they were saying or not, that didn’t matter.”
After watching the students read their poetry, most of which were rants, she realized that what they were doing was important. Odd Sundays at Molly’s opened up to the community, welcoming award-winning writers from Moncton and surrounding areas. It has become a Sunday night tradition for some.
Attendance varies from week to week. Sometimes there are only 15 or 20 people, while other’s people have to squeeze in and find a place to stand.
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It all started by Molly Mackenzie baking banana bread for fundraisers.
After getting calls requesting her banana bread, Mackenzie decided to go to Boyce Farmer’s Market and give the people what they wanted.
She got a small piece of the stall in Hope’s Bakery to sell her bread. The bakery is no longer there, and neither is Mackenzie. She packed up and decided to open up a coffee house with her husband Daryl. Four years after leaving the farmer’s market, Molly’s was in full operation. But she had to deal with the hardships of owning a small business.
“There are a lot you have to give up when you make your own business. It is just a part of the sacrifices you have to make when you decide to do something like this,” she said.
But the hardships are worth it. Mackenzie was able to decorate as she pleased by displaying a collection of items that were purchased throughout the years. Rumor has it that everything in the coffee house is for sale but Mackenzie said that’s false.
The antique lamps shine on the eclectic atmosphere Mackenzie has created. There was a collection of wicker baskets, mugs, teapots and potted plants. The coffee house was cluttered, with objects spilling over everywhere, but arranged neatly. There was a method behind the madness.
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Fredericton’s history with coffee houses doesn’t escape Mackenzie, whose business doesn’t sit far from one of the first coffee houses in North America. King’s Coffee House was opened in 1785 and was open for several years next to where the Playhouse sits now.
“In the early 60’s Lord and Lady Beaverbrook built The Playhouse besides the building where the King’s Coffee House had been located. They tore down because he didn’t want an ugly, run-down looking building next to his precious Playhouse. Thank you Mr. Beaverbrook.”
Mackenzie is keeping the coffee house tradition, serving not only hot beverages but beer and wine as well. She also makes all of the food from scratch. There are signs on the windows advertising organic and local food.
She loves to cook, but doesn’t necessarily like getting her hands dirty.
“Making meatloaf is on my list of things I dislike making as you have to mix it when it’s raw with your hands. You won’t see any whole foods supplier pull up out front and carts in pre-packaged food. I even peel my own potatoes.”
One regular Molly’s customer works next door at Sue Lawrence Hair Spa and Gallery. She has been going to Molly’s for the past year.
“Molly doesn’t serve crappy processed food. Everything is made from scratch, just like home cooking. The biggest difference between Molly’s and every other coffee place in town is the décor. It is definitely interesting, that’s for sure. I like coming here though. The food is great and I get along with Molly and Daryl.”
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Mackenzie stands behind the counter wearing pink octagonal framed glasses and a knit sweater. Her hair is greying and pulled into a bun on the top of her head. She had just been cooking meatloaf and was pulling her hair out of her face.
Molly’s has no employees, other than herself. Odd Sundays at Molly’s has become a tradition for many writers in the city and Molly, a familiar face.
“We realized that [having other employees] was a bad idea. I would build a little slower. Smaller businesses are definitely better. I personally think that chain businesses are stupid. Having your own business allows you to put your own personal touch on things like the décor and the menu. That is what makes us unique.”
