Originally established in 2003 by Kathy Heck, The Talking Teacup continues its tradition as a special place for friends and family to relax and make memories – reopened by Patti Fitzpatrick in August 2021 to continue Kathy’s legacy and fulfill Patti’s dream.
How The Talking Teacup Reopened
The New Owner of The Talking Teacup, Patti Fitzpatrick was an employee at the original teahouse, working as a scone maker, waitress and manager over the years. She also served as The Teacup’s marketing and graphics designer.
Patti worked very closely with Kathy, and they became friends. This friendship led them to start teaching Tessie’s Cooking Class together during the last year of operation.
Kathy and I loved meeting for dinner out coming up with ideas on the cooking classes and also on special events at The Talking Teacup. We spoke about my DREAM of one day opening a teahouse either here at original location or somewhere else. – Patti Fitzpatrick
Prior to passing in 2020, Kathy wrote a note to Patti encouraging her to not give up on her dream. “You’re a good chef, baker and marketing person and you would be great at it. GO FOR IT!”
Well into the Coronavirus pandemic, with the arrival of 2021, Patti got to thinking and wanted a life change. She was missing Kathy and The Teacup. Knowing that with the pandemic, many people will be looking for a place to go relax and reconnect with family and friends. What better place to do it than at The Talking Teacup. If Kathy were here and well, she would have brought it back. Patti reached out to Kathy’s husband, Eric, with a plan and to see if he was ready.
Several months later, in August 2021, The Talking Teacup was reopened. We offer teas, scones, tea sandwiches, soups, salads and other delicious foods. Everything is made fresh daily with love. The front of the restaurant is a gift boutique featuring teas, tea-related items and unique items from local artisans.
The vision for renovations of the house, which had been empty for two years, was to create an atmosphere where guests would enjoy spending time, like visiting grandmom’s house. A relaxing and calming feel while bringing the eclectic, vintage and shabby chic design to it. Touches from Patti’s own childhood memories of visits to her grandparents’ homes were included. The colors and designs help The Teacup have the nostalgia of visiting grandmom with a loving, homey feel.
As you look around, you’ll see some of the original features of the home from as early as the late 1700s. In the Gift Shop we discovered the original brick wall from the early 1800s, and we uncovered wallpaper from the early 1900s. The Dining Room now shows its original wood beams from 1761. To enhance that charm of the beams overhead, a mantel from 1912 was added to the fireplace.
Patti and her team truly hope you enjoy your visit and come back for years to come.
– In Memory of Kathy –
Kathy’s Legacy
Kathy Heck opened The Talking Teacup in 2003, where she enjoyed providing a special place for friends and family to relax and make memories.
Kathy’s own love of tea began when she shared her first cups as a child with her grandmother. This love of tea with her grandmother drove Kathy to operate the tea house for 16 years. She decided to retire on a high note and closed in 2019.
Come as a stranger, leave as a friend. – Kathy Heck
Donations can be made directly to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition,
in honor of Kathy Heck.