You've done your planning and found your perfect space and are ready to open your tea room. But there are still SO many questions....
Top 10 Questions when opening a tea room
Here are the answers to the top 10 questions when opening a tea room:
What do you use to keep your water hot? We use commercial-grade electric kettles or hot water dispensers designed specifically for tea rooms. These appliances ensure consistent water temperature for brewing different types of tea.
Do you buy filtered water or warm water from tap?
We prioritize using filtered water to ensure the best quality and taste in our teas. Filtered water removes impurities and enhances the flavor of the tea. We have a water filter fitted to the pipework which goes into our water dispenser.
Can you recommend items that you suggest for purchase for a commercial kitchen. What are your “can’t live withouts”?
Absolutely! Essential items for a tea room's commercial kitchen include high-quality teapots, infusers, tea cups, a variety of teas sourced from reputable suppliers, water filtration systems, commercial-grade kettles, tea timers, and serving trays. For food storage and holding you'll need at least a fridge and freezer - lots of baked items can be frozen. We had a prep fridge and 4 freezers. Important if you buy in bulk and most wholesale companies sell in bulk, so space is a consideration. Stove and oven, microwave, 3 bay sink and hand sinks and a mop sink to meet health department requirements. Oh and a grease trap to meet city water regs.
How do you determine how to make your menus and where do you find your recipes?
We craft our menus based on a balance of traditional and innovative tea offerings, taking into account customer preferences and market trends. Our recipes are often developed in-house through experimentation, research, and sometimes through collaboration with tea experts. Additionally, we draw inspiration from reputable tea recipe books and online resources and family recipes. More of these recipes can be found in the Tea Room Secrets Business Vault
How do you determine how much food to buy and where do you buy your food from wholesale?
We estimate food quantities based on projected sales, taking into consideration factors like peak hours, seasonal variations, and customer preferences. We source our food items from trusted wholesale suppliers known for quality and reliability.
How do you know how many dishes to purchase?
We assess our menu offerings and customer demand to determine the quantity of dishes needed. Additionally, we regularly monitor sales patterns and adjust our inventory accordingly to minimize waste and ensure freshness.
Did you do a soft opening before going public?
Yes, we conducted a soft opening to test our operations, gather feedback from early customers, and make necessary adjustments before the official public launch.
Do you charge a deposit at the time of booking?
Yes, we typically require a deposit at the time of booking for events or large group reservations to secure the reservation and cover any potential cancellations or no-shows.
What type of tea varieties do you offer and how do you ensure their quality and freshness?
We offer a diverse selection of high-quality teas, including black, green, herbal, and flavored teas. We ensure their quality and freshness by sourcing directly from reputable tea estates and suppliers known for their commitment to excellence and sustainability. Additionally, we store our teas properly in airtight containers away from light, heat, and moisture to maintain their flavor and aroma.
How do you create a cozy and inviting atmosphere for your tea room to enhance customer experience?
We create a cozy and inviting atmosphere by paying attention to details such as comfortable seating, soft lighting, soothing music, and tasteful décor. We also train our staff to provide attentive and friendly service, making customers feel welcomed and valued. Additionally, we regularly solicit feedback from customers to continuously improve and tailor the ambiance to their preferences.
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