 | The Tea Hive, Newton, NJposted by TeaHouseTimes Admin, ADVERTISER TEA RELATED PRODUCTSThursday, December 10th 2009 @ 7:05 PM |
Featured tea room: The Tea Hive, Newton, NJ
How about a nice drive in the country? Visitors to The Tea Hive, located in picturesque Sussex County, New Jersey, are in for a real treat as they visit this 1793, renovated farm house.
In 1999, Julie Shotwell, owner of The Tea Hive, retired from teaching and bought the old house in Fredon; now celebrating its Tenth year as a wonderful tea room. From teacher of the year to successful tea room owner, Shotwell pours her passion into the tea business to which visitors come from near and far to enjoy.
The Tea Hive is a quaint old place with several different themed rooms in which to enjoy afternoon tea. The old home has a bee hive oven which inspired the tea room name. Since opening in 1999, The Tea Hive has been busy with lunch and afternoon tea reservations; so busy they needed to enlarge the parking lot.
“We just love our employees, our Tea Hive Family, says Shotwell.” “Even our resident ghosts are friendly. We also love our wonderful customers. They bring smiles to us everyday. I continue to be surprised at how many first timers we have. We strive hard to make everyone’s experience a happy one.”
The Tea Hive is currently For Sale, as Shotwell prepares to retire from working and move on to her next love - travel. She wants to leave the business in the capable hands of a passionate new owner. Even in the midst of putting the business up for sale, Shotwell has added monthly Sunday Brunch and some variations to the menu.
“We are pleased to be adding some new menu items and are happy to have $7.95 lunch specials and 10% off for seniors and Red Hat groups. Men are always surprised that we also offer generous sandwiches that they love. Our 1st Sunday of the month brunch has also been well received, says Shotwell.”
Celebrating 10 years of success in a wonderful tearoom; when the business sells, customers will surely miss Julie Shotwell, but the fabulous staff and menu plans set in place will ease the transition for all.
“Of course, I could never do this without my wonderful husband and his great energy and skills. He makes some of our desserts, soups and dressings and also tends to our perennial flower garden. Our great staff’s enthusiasm and caring also make The Tea Hive a happy place.”
“While we are looking for a buyer, we still love it here; we would like to pass the torch along to someone else who shares our ideals. We hope to do a little traveling, volunteering and spend more time with our daughters and grandsons.” Learn more about The Tea Hive by visiting www.teahive.com 310 Route 94, Newton, NJ 973.579.7177
From The Tea House Times NovDec09 issue.
