Founded in 2003 by Kathy Heck, The Talking Teacup remains a premier destination for friends and family to connect and relax. In August 2021, Patti Fitzpatrick reopened the establishment, honoring the original legacy while fulfilling a long-held professional ambition to maintain this cherished community tradition.
How The Talking Teacup Reopened
Patti Fitzpatrick’s journey with The Talking Teacup began long before she became its owner. Having spent years as an integral part of Kathy’s team, Patti touched nearly every aspect of the teahouse—from baking scones and serving guests to managing daily operations and leading the shop’s marketing and graphic design. This deep-rooted history ensures that the tradition you love is in the hands of someone who helped build it
Patti and Kathy’s close professional relationship naturally grew into a lasting friendship. During the teahouse’s final year of original operation, this bond inspired them to collaborate as co-instructors for Tessie’s Cooking Class, sharing their combined expertise and passion with the community.
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.
Throughout the space, you will discover beautifully preserved details of the original home, with some architectural features dating back as far as the late 1700s. While curating our Legacy Gift Shop, we were delighted to uncover a piece of history hidden within the walls: an original brick wall dating back to the early 1800s and wallpaper from the early 1900s. These discoveries serve as a beautiful reminder of the many stories our building has held over the centuries. The Dining Room now shows its original wood beams from 1761. To highlight the building’s historic charm and perfectly complement the original 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, with the vision of creating a welcoming sanctuary where friends and families could gather to relax and create lasting memories.
Kathy’s lifelong passion for tea was sparked in childhood, shared over her very first cups with her grandmother. This cherished connection inspired her to lead The Talking Teacup for 16 years, creating a space rooted in that same warmth. In 2019, Kathy chose to retire on a high note, closing this chapter of the teahouse’s history to celebrate a successful and heartfelt legacy.
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.