Press Release - Fancy That Opens a Tea Room in Walpole

This is the press release that was sent out to local media sources today!!

 

 

For IMMEDIATE Release                                            February 3, 2013

Fancy That opens a Tea Room in Walpole, Massachusetts

The dry spell of “no local tea room” soon to end 

Walpole, Massachusetts.  Fancy That, selling tea and whatnot and offering vintage rentals of English china and glassware, is pleased to announce the opening of a Tea Room in Fancy That’s Shoppe in Walpole, Massachusetts.

 

Sarah Erlandson, proprietress of Fancy That points out that she started her vintage china rental company in 2003 before “vintage” became the popular theme for weddings and showers that it is today.  She opened her “tea” themed retail shoppe in 2011.  The Shoppe was born out of Erlandson’s passion for all things tea.  Her company, Fancy That, rents English bone china for weddings, bridal showers, tea parties, etcetera.    “Now celebrating our tenth year of renting vintage china, and two years as a tea themed retail shoppe, the natural progression was to open a Tea Room where you can enjoy a proper Afternoon Tea and a unique selection of teas including a locally blended tea called Courtship Tea which my husband and I served at our own “Afternoon Tea” wedding.  We are thrilled to be opening a Tea Room in Walpole to offer a place where you can escape the stress levels of the day.”    Erlandson notes that the licensure process is on track and they expect to be taking reservations by April 2013.

 

According to the Tea Association of America, the US Tea Industry has grown to over a $10 billion industry with only more growth in sight.  Given the stress levels of modern day living, the respite being offered in a cup of tea in a tranquil atmosphere may be just the relaxation you are hoping to find.  “Like stepping back to a different time, Fancy That’s Tea Room will offer old world charm and the respite you can find only in a cup of tea.  We plan to keep the Tea Room intimate – only seating for eight or ten guests,” Erlandson continues.

 

Fancy That’s Tea Room will be an elegant Victorian-inspired tea room.  Working with a local caterer, their expectation is to be serving tea by April 2013, only by reservation.  Contact Fancy That by ringing them up toll free 1-888-3232-TEA (1-888-323-2832).

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Proprietress, Sarah Erlandson.  For more information, contact Brad McCracken, General Manager, Fancy That, 272 Main Street, Walpole, MA 02081.   Phone: 1-888-323-2832  Fax 1-866-551-2194.

Now Serving Tea (well, almost!)

photo credit: www.etsy.com/shop/vintagebella 

Exciting 2013 update: Fancy That is pleased to announce that we expect to soon be taking reservations for Afternoon tea! If you are from the Norwood/Walpole, MA area, you already know it has been far too long since there has been a local tea room. The drought is almost over :) visit out site (www.AfternoonTea.com) to sign-up for our infrequent e-newsletter and be among the first to be alerted to our exciting new expansion!

Becoming a Tea Room - Permitting

Remember, if you want to become a tea room, you cannot simply start serving tea.  After hiring the architect (see earlier post) you will then have to begin the permitting phase.  You will need to complete the forms to become a food establishment, even if you are serving just a small group of people.  Don't be overwhelmed:  take it step by step and stay in touch with your Board of Health and your Building Inspector.  Before you know it, you will be getting ready for the big meetings!  You will also have to become a Common Victualler which will require a permit.  So gather your forms, make a nice cup of tea, and enjoy the process!  More soon!  :)  Thanks for stopping by.

Join Fancy That at POSH Upscale Vintage Boutique Bridal Event 1.26.13

Photo from POSH Upscale Vintage Boutique's Facebook Bridal Event Page

We are always delighted to be a part of a local bridal show!  POSH Upscale Vintage Boutique invited Fancy That to be a part of the Bridal Event being hosted at POSH Upscale Vintage Boutique in Norwood, MA from 10am - 4pm on Saturday, January 26, 2013. You can get directions and address by clicking the link above or the link below.  Stop by and see our table, and browse the other wonderful vendors that that will on site.  Be sure to say "HI" when you stop by!  :)

Shall we see you at POSH's Bridal Event?

Becoming a Tea Room - Common Victualler's License

In getting licensed to open as a Tea House or Tea Shop, we have found out two important things: 1 – It is always easier to find a commercial property in a proper zone than it is to find a nice property and try to get a variance and 2 – you will need to get licenses. If you are serving tea, you will become a Common Victualler (pronounced VIT-ler). The only way to become a Common Victualler in the USA is to get permitted through a license. Let’s look at the process right now:

A Victualler is traditionally a person who sells foods or other provisions, serves food or other provisions, similar to a grocer, and in particular, British usage can be used to mean a person licensed to sell alcoholic beverages (of course, that is another license in the USA).  Here’s a summary (very generic) of how to get open, properly with licenses in hand….

Step 1 - get the architectural drawing of how the kitchen or food prepare SHALL BE (there is usually a certification affidavit that you will sign with the Common Victualler application that says you will do the work as drawn – you will provide that affidavit with the drawing.)

Step 2 - take drawing to Board of Health and Building Inspector (be prepared to leave a copy with them for review) for their approval - providing initial spaces or signing spaces would be perfect. If they choose to sign elsewhere that will be up to them).

Step 3 - Complete application for Common Victualler and submit along with the fee to BOS (Board of Selectmen), Town Aldermen, or designated board. They will notify when a public hearing will be accomplished.

Step 3 A - for the application: letter and/or lease from owner; affidavit of workman's comp; affidavit of tax payments made to department of revenue; bank reference.

Step 4 - Appear before the Board of Selectmen Public Hearing with a copy of package for each selectman and answer any questions. Getting supporters to join at this meeting would help! :)

Get Victualler's License and start construction. Upon Final Board Of Health inspection and their permit issued, OPEN!

More very soon!  :)