Tonia's Victorian Rose tearoom is closing: Years of memories, we'll wait for 'Chapter Two'

Tonia's Victorian Rose tearoom will close March 2

Tonia's Victorian Rose has been more than tearoom -  it's been a second home to local tea enthusiasts and, for us at Barb's Tea Service, it's been close to our heart for over two decades. So, hearing of its closing in less than two weeks is sad news, indeed.

Laura and Barb this week at tea, a bittersweet celebration

Last week, we talked with owner Tonia Carsten who informed us that Tonia's Victorian Rose would be shutting its doors on March 2, but it's not her preference.  The "building", a three-story vintage home, built in 1910, is up for sale by its owners, which leaves Tonia and her staff looking for new opportunities.

(L): First tea talk at Victorian Rose, newspaper photo. (R): Office outing, posing on VR's porch

Barb's Tea Service goes way back with this Rochester, Michigan tearoom starting when it was known only as the "Victorian Rose" and owned by Loretta Curry. Twenty years ago, when we were just starting our "tea talks", Loretta hired us enthusiastically. We gave our first tea etiquette talk (outside of home parties) on Mother's Day and even garnered some local news coverage for the event. We are forever grateful to Loretta for opening that door for us. 

In 2017, the Sistah's came to visit the "new" tearoom 

We also launched our first "ladies outings" with a group of friends at the office - a fun group of nine gals who bonded over tea and a desire to "hang" outside of work.

Teacup dessert for birthdays where Laura Q and I celebrated quite a few!

When, Tonia purchased the tea business from Loretta in 2017, keeping many of the menu favorites like the scrumptious chicken pot pie, we continued to patronize this charming tearoom.  We came with our favorite cousins (aka, "the Sistahs") shortly after Tonia took over and returned to celebrate many birthdays with most awesome friend, Laura Q. 

Victorian Rose

Teatime over the years at Tonia's

                             

Even during quarantine times, Tonia's continued to serve the tea community, offering afternoon tea carry-out.  We happily took advantage of this, often ordering for two and sharing a virtual tea time with favorite daughter, Rachel.

During quarantine, Tonia offered carry- out teas.

Virtual tea with Rachel and Tonia's tea fare

This week, Laura and I came once again for tea, lunch and celebration - although this time, it was, most assuredly. bittersweet.  

We'll miss Tonia's Victorian Rose, but will watch for "Chapter 2"

Tonia tells us that after March 2, there are plans for tearoom "pop ups" throughout the tri-county area, so we advise to stay tuned. With Tonia's Victorian Rose's great following, any event is sure to be an early sell out.