UA Wayne College and MARRs Cafe Celebrate Grand Opening
There was a bit of added excitement in the air at UA Wayne College at the start of the spring semester as members of the university and the Orrville Chamber of Commerce celebrated the grand opening of MARRs Cafe with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, January 13th. Special guests included the Mayor of Orrville, Matt Plybon, Chamber President & CEO, Dan Franks and Membership & Marketing Director, Landre McCloud, and Dr. Heather Howley, Director of Regional Campuses.
A unique partnership has formed between the college and the new restaurant, located in the Marketplace area of the Student Life Building on campus. Amy Haynes, Director of Business Operations and Finance at UA Wayne College, said, “MARRs Cafe operating their business on The University of Akron Wayne College campus has been such a mutually beneficial partnership. While they now have a physical location to operate their catering business, they are also providing tasty and nutritious food options at affordable prices to our students, staff and community. I am happy to welcome them to campus and look forward to watching their business grow.” UA Wayne reached out to Michael Middleton and Rachel Drake, the husband-and-wife team behind MARRs Cafe, to learn more about their new venture.
An unexpected student comment and request on Facebook was the catalyst for the partnership between UA Wayne and MARRs Cafe, which had a soft launch on Nov. 18th. After the Facebook post, “that sparked the idea of us having a standalone restaurant inside the college. I came in the next morning and asked to speak to whomever would be in charge of those decisions and had a meeting with Amy Haynes that day,” Michael said.
Michael and Rachel have a simple concept behind their restaurant: “healthy and affordable fresh food for all.” Michael said, “We believe that meals don’t need to cost as much as they are, so we do everything in our power to keep consumer cost low while still providing a delicious product and reducing food waste.” When asked what MARRs stands for and how they came up with the name of their business, Michael said, “First and foremost, we believe in family, so MARRs is an anagram for each member of our family: Michael, Aaliyah, Ryden and Rachel.”
Entrepreneurship has always been in Michael and Rachel’s blood. From a very young age, Rachel always knew that having her own restaurant was her dream. Michael has an initiative-driven mindset and has always wanted to do something independent. The couple knows each other’s strengths, so balancing their roles isn’t difficult. “We very much know our roles and what we excel at and tend not to cross those lines. I run everything on the backend to keep the business running properly and efficiently while Rachel is the chef. She knows food inside and out and makes the magic happen. Personally, I cannot cook, so I am more than happy leaving that role to her!”
The biggest challenge in launching the restaurant, Michael noted, has simply been adapting. “Prior to this we were solely a catering company, so coming in and starting a cafe has been a beast to tame all on its own. But I believe we’ve done pretty well and have overcome every hurdle. Luckily, we have an amazing team behind us in our staff and the support of the university as well.” When asked if their restaurant were to have a theme song, what would it be and why, Michael said, “Stayin’ Alive by the Bee Gees, because when all the students get out of class and we have huge groups of people here ordering at the same time, we are lucky to be staying alive!”
Even before moving on to the UA Wayne campus, MARRs’ signature menu item has been cheesecake. Michael said, “Our cheesecakes are always very popular. With a list of over 30 flavors, we try to put out a different one each day so everyone can try them all!” Besides offering affordable, delicious food on campus throughout the week and operating their catering business from here as well, the one thing they’d like everyone to know about their restaurant that might not be expected is that they are completely open to the public. “We understand being located inside one of the buildings on campus is an unconventional location. Most people would think we only serve the students, and the public isn’t allowed to come in the building, but they most definitely are! We encourage everyone to come in, try us out and learn about the university. They also have an amazing 3D Lab the public can utilize as well!”
Having been open now for a few weeks, Michael believes their connection with UA Wayne is a strong one. “We are on a first-name basis with so many people here and have been overwhelmingly accepted and supported.” Michael and Rachel’s long-term goals are to keep building their relationship with the university, grow in popularity among the public and possibly add a dinner service in the future. “In time, we would also be interested in booking the Smucker Multi-Purpose Room to host a bridal event, and entrepreneurship seminars for young people who want to learn about starting a business.”
MARRs began as a catering business, and their motto has always been “client first.” “We get to know every single client as a person and learn their wants and needs and tailor every experience we offer just for them.” Their catering services can be booked by phone or text at 330-347-4525, by messaging them on their Facebook page, or by email at marrscafe@gmail.com.
MARRs Cafe is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There are many affordable items on their menu, including their ‘Small Selects’ options. Online ordering is available at marrscafe.square.site, and they have partnered with DoorDash for delivery outside of campus. “We think the community will be thrilled to have another option in the area that they can trust in. Also, businesses in the area now have a trusted local catering service right in town for any of their events,” Michael added.
Click here for a list of menu items.