Kendra BryantSpecial to the AFRO
Teavolve Cafe, a Harbor East Black-owned restaurant recognized for tea, closed on Sept. 19 after 20 years in enterprise. Over the previous twenty years the institution has made a reputation for itself as way more than only a fashionable spot to get pleasure from a sizzling beverage and join with associates.
Founder Sunni Gilliam’s inspiration for Teavolve got here from a every day life-style change.
“My physician informed me to put off the caffeine as a result of I used to be doing espresso– plenty of espresso,” Gilliam informed the AFRO. “I had a extremely nice tea mentor and he or she helped me select the teas for this cafe.”
The Philadelphia native moved to Baltimore in September 2005. She wished to convey one thing to the town that she felt was lacking.
“I used to be working at a jazz membership in Philly referred to as Zanzibar Blue, that’s once I fell in love with the restaurant business,” mentioned Gilliam. “I wished to have that ‘third place’ the place it’s not your work, it’s not your private home, it’s a spot to hang around.”
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Gilliam opened her first storefront, initially named Tealogy, in November that very same 12 months.
“We had open mics, dwell music and tea tastings. It was a really intimate setting,” mentioned Gilliam.
Three years later, she signed a lease, acquired a liquor license and opened the Harbor East location below a unique title: Teavolve. The neighborhood was nonetheless growing after they first opened.
“Complete Meals and eating places like H and S Bakery weren’t right here,” mentioned Gilliam. “We had been form of like pioneers within the space.”
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“We had weddings right here, we had engagements, bridal showers, child showers,” mentioned Gilliam. “I met one other couple that had their first date right here and so they’ve been married for 12 years now.”
“It’s been an exquisite trip for 20 years. I’ll definitely miss the neighborhood. However I additionally know that that is the best time to do it. It’s the proper factor, as a result of I really feel comfy.”
Over time, the restaurant garnered many awards. It was voted Greatest Brunch, Greatest Tea Home, and Greatest Breakfast by the Baltimore Journal.
Nonetheless, there have been some struggles.
“We went by means of two recessions, a pandemic…we endured a lot, however it was the love and assist of the neighborhood that saved us going. It saved me going, actually.”
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Teavolve turned like a house– and an workplace– for a lot of of its prospects.
CEO of VaynerBasketball, Bay Fraizer, mentioned he held many enterprise conferences and shopper calls within the Harbor East cafe.
“I beloved the environment, the neighborhood,” mentioned Fraizer. “I miss having the ability to meet with totally different folks from my applications right here…It was the proper location, and the meals was nice.”
Now, after years of impacting others, Gilliam is able to take time to decompress.
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“It’s been an exquisite trip for 20 years. I’ll definitely miss the neighborhood,” mentioned Gilliam. “However I additionally know that that is the best time to do it…I really feel comfy.”
