Kodiak, Alaska, September 1, 2021
afar.com
The popular Monk’s Rock, Coffeehouse and Bookstore in Kodiak, Alaska, has suddenly closed after more than two decades in business, perhaps forever.
According to kxmt.org, the website of a Kodiak radio station, the shop initially posted a message on social media on Tuesday announcing that it had closed its doors for the foreseeable future.
Though the message was later deleted, the shop’s answering machine message states: “Thank you for calling Monk’s Rock Cafe and Bookstore. We are closed today and until further notice, we apologize for any inconvenience. But thank you for all your support. Thank you and God bless.”
Monk’s Rock manager Herman Hill told the Kodiak Daily Mirror that the café was forced to close due to a labor shortage.
Trip Advisor
Monk’s Rock opened in 1997 with the blessing of St. Herman’s Monastery in Platina, California. The first person to work there was Monk John Marler, also known as one of the founders of the popular Death to the World zine that reaches out to youth trapped in punk culture.
The coffeehouse has always been staffed by local Orthodox volunteers, but according to Hill, many of them have left Kodiak to return to their families, enter the workforce, or for various other reasons.
“Really the sentiment coming from Monk’s Rock is one of heartache,” Hill said. “These young people have really labored with a lot of love for Kodiak and to see such an establishment closing is very hard for us and the community.”
The coffeehouse is a favorite of both locals and visitors. It has 5 stars on Yelp and Trip Advisor, with more than 150 glowing customer reviews.
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