Arrow Cafe and Bodega owners, Rachel and Ben Motley
Long-time Manhattan residents and serial entrepreneurs, Rachel and Ben Motley, have spent over a decade creating welcoming and relaxed environments for Manhattan area residents. This year, the two food, drink and experience connoisseurs took on a new challenge when they reopened the restaurant space in the lower level of the Wareham apartments, formerly Harry’s until 2020, along with a beloved deli which closed years earlier.
They first opened Arrow Cocktail Lounge earlier this spring, reinvigorating the restaurant space with a midcentury modern theme while keeping much of the bones and architecture. Their latest project, Arrow Cafe and Bodega, opened this fall, serving as a restaurant and micro-grocer. The couple share what makes this playful Bodega special, and why it stands out among other shops and eateries downtown.
Tell us a little about the Arrow Cafe and Bodega and the products or services does your business provide to the community?
After speaking with our downtown friends and neighbors, we found that the biggest need during the day was somewhere to grab a quick bite. In the evening, people wanted more options for dinner and cocktails. We applied the feedback from our neighborhood, and created a space that provides coffee, quick grab and go lunch and groceries during the day, and in the evening we serve elevated comfort food and high end cocktails. The two distinct spaces have very different personalities, but both offer high quality food and beverages that are already associated with the Arrow brand.
What is unique about your the Arrow Cafe and Bodega compared to other shops or dining options downtown?
The Downtown location offers a unique atmosphere that you can’t find anywhere else. The 100-year-old building is fully of history and character, and having two separate spaces allows for us to be able to offer more of the Arrow we’ve been building for the past 10 years. The addition of the bodega section of our cafe has a focus on local and eco-friendly products and ingredients, we offer a diverse array of items on our menus and on our shelves. We work with local farms and makers, and our coffee is sourced directly from sustainable farms that put people first. It’s an honor to be able to serve Manhattan in this space and to partner with the other local businesses and products that we believe in.
What advice would you give to fellow business owners in the Manhattan area?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned over the past 10 years, is that you have to trust your gut. Sometimes people won’t understand what you’re doing or why you’re doing it, but if you have a vision that you believe in- just go for it! Don’t let other people’s ideas about what you should or should not be doing interfere with your vision!
Visit the Arrow Cafe and Bodega in downtown Manhattan for unique grocery finds or a cozy lunch, Wednesday through Sunday, 10am-2pm or follow them on social for updates.
