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Entrepreneurship:  Tea Room/Tea Bar?  |
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Aunt George
True Blue Farmgirl
1476 Posts
Georgann
Midlothian
VA
1476 Posts |
 Posted - Aug 09 2007 : 04:15:05 AM
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Are there any farmgirls out there running a tea room or tea bar right now? I would love to hear from you if you are. Any hints or tips or wisdom on this matter?
I have collected vintage milk pitchers, sugar bowls, relish dishes, tea cups and pots for years and can use them in this venture. It has been a dream of mine to open a tea room for years too...I guess that is why I have been collecting tea items secretly. I have a list of tried and true cookies...some entirely my own invention, others from misc. cookbooks. I make scones too.
Yesterday, a friend of mine who runs a little shop that has bagged tea said she was thinking of opening a tea bar in her shop when she expands soon. She is getting together with a Yoga friend, my friend has candles, tea, herbs, healing stones etc and now she wants to put in a tea bar and wants me to run it.....be baker, tea barrista (tea-rrista! LOL) etc. My baking skills are limited to home baking, but every one who tastes my cookies, pies, cakes etc say they are the best. I also do great soups and sandwiches. I have made a tentative menu for the bar.
I guess this goes along with what Joni was saying about people not wanting to or knowing how to cook. I'm the only one of my circle of friends who cooks regularly from scratch and who knows how to choose and cut of meat. I know how to cut a chicken the meatcutter style and what I call grandmother style with the wishbone as a separate breast piece. (my first husband ran a meat department back when they cut all of their own meats.) Anyway, I digress.
What do you all think. Oh, and I thought I could make and sell handmade aprons in the tea room too.
??????????????
G
http://auntgeorgeshouse.blogspot.com/index.html
http://auntgeorge.etsy.com
"Made With Love" |
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ktknits
True Blue Farmgirl
582 Posts
Kathy
Northwest Indiana
USA
582 Posts |
Posted - Aug 09 2007 : 04:23:05 AM
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This sounds great, Georgann! May be just what you need!!
My mom exclusively drinks tea and she's always complaining that we "coffee people" have all of our places to choose from, but she has very limited options for tea because she can't stand the smell of a coffee shop. She'll hardly walk into a Starbucks!
I could make knit tea cozies for you.......
Kathy T (and, yes, I have started the socks--one is about halfway done--I may send it to you for a try on before I start the second one!)
http://ktknits.blogspot.com |
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Aunt George
True Blue Farmgirl
1476 Posts
Georgann
Midlothian
VA
1476 Posts |
Posted - Aug 09 2007 : 04:34:18 AM
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Ooooo Cool Kathy, knitted tea cozies!! How cool!!! I'm hoping if this pans out, to have a little section for the sale of farmgirl hand made products in the shop....that would just be so, so cool!! If customers see the items in use, like a cozy, then what better advertisement for the product!!
Your poor Mom, I agree with her about no place to go. I do love coffee too though. And their are alot of tea shops in this area, but none in the immediate area where this shop will be going. So who knows!!??
Oh, I'm excited about the socks!! Sorry been so under the radar lately.
G
http://auntgeorgeshouse.blogspot.com/index.html
http://auntgeorge.etsy.com
"Made With Love" |
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knewslady
True Blue Farmgirl
555 Posts
Kathy
Russellville
KY
USA
555 Posts |
Posted - Aug 09 2007 : 05:56:46 AM
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I have always dreamed of having a tea room. I would go for it and go all the way. I can just picture what I want mine to look like, the atmosphere, and all the extras. Be sure to keep us posted, I wouldn't give a second thought to this adventure, I would definitely seize the moment.
Kathy
Will always be a farmgirl at heart
Visit my online shop at http://thebackfence.etsy.com
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Nancy Gartenman
True Blue Farmgirl
9093 Posts
Nancy
West Seneca
New York
USA
9093 Posts |
Posted - Aug 09 2007 : 06:03:00 AM
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I think its a great idea!!! The ideas for things to make and do are endless. Change the decor with the seasons, or make it very Romantic English, or or or---- Get people to come in for tea and offer little drawings for a gift a day, like a tea cup or something handmade. Now I can see I should be living closer so I can play too.
NANCY JO
www.Nancy-Jo.blogspot.com |
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KYgurlsrbest
True Blue Farmgirl
4853 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4853 Posts |
Posted - Aug 09 2007 : 06:04:34 AM
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Hi Georgeann--
While I don't run a tea room, I do frequent a couple here, in Northern Kentucky. One is in Bellevue, Kentucky, called Mrs. Teapots, and really goes for the formal sit-down tea. Lots of chintz and floral patterns and typical tea fare (finger sandwiches, scones, etc...). For some reason (maybe the area) it draws a lot of an older crowd, and can be overtaken by Purple Hat society members, which can be offputting for people under the age of....75 
The other, is in Florence, and it's a tiny little establishment, and has all kinds of teas, including, what appears to be the newest "thang" for tea drinkers, bubble tea, from asia. I don't think I'd like it, based on the description, but I'm an Earl Grey girl...
My favorite tea room, however, is in Perryville, Kentucky. http://www.elmwoodinn.com/. Please check out their website, because it's a luxury. If I were going to make a tearoom, this would be it. They've been open for years, and they even offer seminars --you could meet up with me, Janice and Frannie (hint hint), but seriously, I think you could really shine with this as a guideline.*** Oh! They are apparently selling, Georgeann. They are closing the tearoom to make way for their wholesale business, which I know, is huge. I found their tea in a gift shop in Alaska a few years ago!!! Take a look at their Tea 101 in specific. The proprietor is also making a tour at booksellers and tea shops as well, and it looks like there may be something in your area or nearby. Yippee. Just buy the Elmwood Inn, why don't you?
"She was built like a watch, a study in balance ... with a neck and head so refined, like a drawing by DaVinci"...
NY Newsday sportswriter Bill Nack describing filly, Ruffian. |
Edited by - KYgurlsrbest on Aug 09 2007 06:09:25 AM |
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MustangSuzie
True Blue Farmgirl
634 Posts
Sarah
New London
Missouri
USA
634 Posts |
Posted - Aug 09 2007 : 06:56:29 AM
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Sounds like a great idea and lots of fun! Best of luck to you G!! 
Blessings....
Sarah
"In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations." -From The Great Law Of The Iroquois Confederacy.
REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE!!!!
http://mustangsuzie.wordpress.com
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blueroses
True Blue Farmgirl
1323 Posts
Debbie
in the Pandhandle of
Idaho
USA
1323 Posts |
Posted - Aug 09 2007 : 09:22:11 AM
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hi georgeann,
i think it's just right for you. i'm sure your baking is yummy. i recently had tea at a place in spokane, wa called "brambleberry cottage & tea shoppe" and it was wonderfully girly, delish and fun. they sell all sorts of things in addition to teas & tea accessories. this sounds like a great opportunity for you.
"You cannot find peace...by avoiding life."
Virginia Woolfe |
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mima
True Blue Farmgirl
1573 Posts
1573 Posts |
Posted - Aug 09 2007 : 09:42:38 AM
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| Amazing idea! Go for it!!!! |
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mommatracy
True Blue Farmgirl
490 Posts
Tracy
My. Olive
NC
USA
490 Posts |
Posted - Aug 09 2007 : 10:20:37 AM
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| A tea room is a wonderful idea! I use to frequent two of them before we moved to the coast. One was called the Village Tea House and it was open for many years until the owner retired. It was a littel old cottage fixed up so sweet. Pretty floral tablecloths, napkins, pretty cups, decor,not fancy but really shabby sweet. Twinkle lights here and there. The menu was light. Chicken Crepe(Chicken Royale) with 7layered salad along side on the plate. Fruited chicken salad plate,sandwiches. The most popular tea they served was hot Russian tea, fruity w/spices. This Tea House was "the place" to have birthday luncheons with friends, bridal luncheons,just a great place to go for a wonderful afternoon. They also had desserts such as French Silk Chocolate pie, lemon merangue pie,etc. It was a very quaint and very special place. The other place was called the English Tea Room and it was situated in the historical section of town in a beautiful turn of the century home built by one of the original families that settled the area. It was magnificent. The owner and operator was from England. She had a wonderful collection of tea cups,saucers,tea pots that were used for serving. The house was full of antiques, old hats, gloves, china cabinets,floral wallpapers,rugs, just beautiful. The women in my family celebrated our grandmothers 85th birthday there back in 2000. About 35 of us..women,young ladies, little girls, dressed up with hats,gloves, the whole tea room lady dress up day. It was so much fun and so memorable. Everyone was so creative with their outfits. From funky to 30's fox fur throw around the neck. Lots of pearls, grandma jewlery.....really creative. I will try to post a picture we had made that day if you'd like. It was a very busy and popular place to go. Even the men from the business district would come in for lunch! Good food..Sheperds pie,tea cakes, lemon squares, cheese bisquits, pimento cheese sandwichs,etc. I am getting carried away! I wish you the best and much success. Tracy Smith |
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Aunt George
True Blue Farmgirl
1476 Posts
Georgann
Midlothian
VA
1476 Posts |
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Utahfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1940 Posts
Portland
Oregon
USA
1940 Posts |
Posted - Aug 09 2007 : 11:39:48 AM
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Georgeanne, who hasn't wanted to own a tearoom at one time or another? I know I have. Still do sometimes. I know that anything you put your mind to, you'll do. You're just that kind of gal. Much good luck!
Love,
Patricioa
check out my etsy site http://ThePlayfulFarmgirl.etsy.com
Take me home, country roads |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
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Tina Michelle
True Blue Farmgirl
6948 Posts
Tina
sunshine state
FL
USA
6948 Posts |
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abbasgurl
True Blue Farmgirl
1262 Posts
Rhonda
USA
1262 Posts |
Posted - Aug 09 2007 : 6:41:14 PM
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This sounds wonderful Georgann! Perfect for you! It's great that you have a couple of kindred spirits to help with the work load too. I think this is just a fabulous idea! Good luck & many blessings in your new venture!
Rhonda
I'm a one girl revolution. |
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Buttercup
True Blue Farmgirl
1433 Posts
Talitha
Vermont
USA
1433 Posts |
Posted - Aug 09 2007 : 11:31:51 PM
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How neat and wonderful! I do so hope it works out, I think it will be wonderful! Do keep us posted! All the best!
Happy Hugz!
Talitha
"If we could maintain the wonder of childhood and at the same time grasp the wisdom of age, what wonder,what wisdom,what life would be ours" |
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katmom
True Blue Farmgirl
17161 Posts
Grace
WACAL Gal
WashCalif.
USA
17161 Posts |
Posted - Aug 10 2007 : 08:23:30 AM
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Hwy Georgann,
we are such kindred spirits....I too have yearned for years to have a Tea Room of my own & have been collecting tea pots/cups, sugar & creamer bowles, silverware, linens etc. in hopes of someday having a nice victorian/elegant tea room.
I have a friend who had a tea shop & antique shop combined, it pretty much took her 3 years to get out of the red & into the black. She did well for 2 years & then her lease on the 1920's cottage did not get renewed (owners figured they could make a wazoo of $$$ by selling the land) so she had to close up business. Much to the dismay of all the local ladies groups/Red Hatters etc.
But It is still fun to day dream of having a shop catering to ladies groups, bridal showers, special events/birthdays erc. If I thought I could make a go of it, I would jump in with both feet. Just not to sure how well a tea shop would do here, but trust me, it's in the back burners of my mind! But, that being said, I would probably try to buy the cottage/victorian house rather than lease from someone else. Then if things didn't work out I could lease out the cottage as office space for a insurance/lawer type business.
hugz to you & let me know what you do.
Geepers, to bad I don't live next to you, we could go in 1/2 and have fun. But the wearing of beautiful Aprons would be mandatory! lol!
>^..^< Happiness is being a katmom.
www.katmom4.blogspot.com |
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Utahfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1940 Posts
Portland
Oregon
USA
1940 Posts |
Posted - Aug 10 2007 : 11:42:18 AM
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Grace, let us know if your dream comes true. You're fairly close enough for our chapter to make a field trip!
Farmgirl hug,
Patricia
check out my etsy site http://ThePlayfulFarmgirl.etsy.com
Take me home, country roads |
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britchickny
True Blue Farmgirl
1048 Posts
Angie
Port Orange
Florida
1048 Posts |
Posted - Aug 11 2007 : 05:44:13 AM
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Georgann, I read your post with excitement! From an ex-Brit, Tea is always a winner! In the fast paced world we live in, tea forces us to sloooooowwww dowwwwn! I love your idea! And yes, how many of us would love to create a wonderfull environment for ladies to come and sit and just enjoy themselves!
I work for a local advertsing newspaper here in WNY and have met a wonderfull lady called Wendi. Wendi has opened a tea-room and is doing really well. She is not a Farmgirl (yet!) but was so interested in what you are doing! I am e-mailing you her information as she would love to chat with you. I think you would both enjoy the connection! Good luck in your endeavor!
Angie.
"Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance" JUDE 1:2 |
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Cheryl
True Blue Farmgirl
919 Posts
Cheryl
Magalia
CA
USA
919 Posts |
Posted - Aug 11 2007 : 07:07:18 AM
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That is a wonderful idea. I would love to have one of your scones right now! I like your idea of selling your aprons also. When I go to Tea Room's I am always buying all kinds of things that they sell.
Cheryl
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 |
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queenofdreamsz4u
True Blue Farmgirl
3845 Posts
Stephanie Suzanne
Smoky Mountains Tennessee
USA
3845 Posts |
Posted - Aug 12 2007 : 8:33:24 PM
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Georgann,
Oh, how exciting! A tearoom and plus all the goodness of your private recipes plus all the other healing items that the shop is selling..Sounds like a winner to me!
I think it's exactly what you would love to do especially now that you fessed up to the secret tea "do-dah" collection And sewing aprons to sell in the shop is just perfect!!
I'm just so happy! Wish I lived near so I could frequent the tearoom and shop.
I look forward to the updates on this...
until next time ~ queenofdreamsz
www.dreamkingdomdesigns.com/apronpocketswap.html
www.dreamkingdomdesigns.com/artfulapronswap.html
"hold close your inner child and always listen to the gentle whispers" ~queenofdreamsz
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Carol Sue
True Blue Farmgirl
4033 Posts
Carol Sue
Washingtonian
USA
4033 Posts |
Posted - Aug 12 2007 : 11:30:57 PM
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Georgann,
How absolutely perfect that would be, right up your alley or should we say tearoom. How very exciting, let us know how things go. Looking forward to hearing the news.
Carol Sue
Enjoying life. |
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_Rebecca_
True Blue Farmgirl
568 Posts
Rebecca
OK
USA
568 Posts |
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Bonne
True Blue Farmgirl
3003 Posts
Bonne
Littleton
CO
USA
3003 Posts |
Posted - Aug 13 2007 : 1:00:35 PM
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Georgeann, what do your girls think of the idea? It will majorly cut into time with them, but if they are OK with it, sounds like a neat opportunity that won't require you to procure the location, clientele, and such. Where do you get your energy? LOL
I'm becoming a victim of "menopausal funk" and struggle with that daily anymore. 
By the way, do you make Chai Tea blends? I drink buckets of that all day~YUM!
http://www.bonne1313.homestead.com/spiritspace.htmlSoap
http://groups.msn.com/spiritspaceCrafting Group |
Edited by - Bonne on Aug 13 2007 2:28:06 PM |
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Lizabeth
True Blue Farmgirl
560 Posts
Washington
560 Posts |
Posted - Aug 19 2007 : 10:13:38 PM
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Hey Aunt George, I found another post of yours about working at the fabric store...congratulations! I am so glad you seem to be doing better than when you were ready to throw in the towel.
Would you be working at the fabric store until getting the tea room established or trying to do both?
Good luck not spending your paycheck at the store :) when you work at a place like that you are doing well if you don't owe them money at the end of the week ;)
http://www.handcraftsbyheather.com |
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CabinCreek-Kentucky
True Blue Farmgirl
8529 Posts
Frannie
Green County
Kentucky
USA
8529 Posts |
Posted - Aug 20 2007 : 10:10:21 AM
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jonni . .i think the elmwood inn closed down as a tea room a coupla' years ago .. sometimes i roam through perrysville .. and i think they just sell and ship their teas now .. oh goodness .. if you believe they have re-opened . .i will surely meet you there. i was jus' sick cuz' i put it off thinking i'd go there 'someday' .. then they closed! let me know!! xo, frannie
p.s. georgeanne .. i presented tea parties for children (yesteryear's children) and for women (women's comforts) for ten years .. in my home (crooked tree hollow) in maryland .. i have TONS of fun ideas. jus' let me know what you need to know .. cuz' i could talk for HOURS on this subject! xo, frannie
True Friends, Frannie
CABIN CREEK FARM
KENTUCKY
http://freedomvalleyfarm.blogspot.com/
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Entrepreneurship: Tea Room/Tea Bar? |
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Tea Room/Tea Bar?
