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Fullerton's Tranquil Tea Lounge sees early success
The modern, urban space opened last month, but it's just the beginning for the new concept.
By Christine BorrmannPublished: July 01, 2009 01:54 PM
Orange County is ripe with bars and coffeehouses, where individuals gather for everything from a social atmosphere to an end-of-the-day drink. However, the new Tranquil Tea Lounge in Fullerton, which opened last month, strives to create an alternative to these more common establishments.
This modern, urban lounge was the vision of Cal State Fullerton alums and siblings, Jonathan Munsayac and Michellee Phelps. The two fought for their innovative shop – even before it opened. It took the two nearly a year and a half to finally obtain a Small Business Administration loan from California Bank & Trust, following denials from multiple firms, due to the tough economic climate.
A few months after, the lounge opened with some 100 guests in attendance, and it's beginning to be quite the favorite among locals, according to Phelps.
"We've noticed that most of our guests return to the tea lounge at least three to five times a week," she says.
Phelps also says that the tea industry is on the rise – despite the consumer cutback in spending over the past year. She cites a recent article that states the industry is at the stage where Starbucks was 10 years ago.
Tranquil Tea – nestled in the heart of downtown – is close to colleges, independent businesses and restaurants. The menu boasts 85 varieties of tea, as well as sandwiches, soups, salads and desserts, such as the White Chocolate Lavender Scones, which are baked fresh daily. And most selections are under $10.
Among the other offerings: monthly tea tasting events, unique gifts, tea accessories and a special event room. And, in an effort to promote a social environment, the lounge doesn't offer free wi-fi within its walls.
But this is just the beginning for the lounge, which continues to receive positive feedback from the community and is seeing increasing sales every week. The brother-sister duo are working to promote the lounge through the use of Twitter – the shop has nearly 1,000 followers – and advertising campaigns, and they hope to incorporate online orders in the future.
Tranquil Tea Lounge is located at 106 W. Wilshire Ave. The store is open Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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Readers Feedback:
AWESOME! Just shows you the power of Twitter and social networking as an advertising tool.
Congrats to TT Lounge!
Comment at 9/27/2009
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This modern, urban lounge was the vision of Cal State Fullerton alums and siblings, Jonathan Munsayac and Michellee Phelps. The two fought for their innovative shop – even before it opened. It took the two nearly a year and a half to finally obtain a Small Business Administration loan from California Bank & Trust, following denials from multiple firms, due to the tough economic climate. A few months after, the lounge opened with some 100 guests in attendance, and it's beginning to be quite the favorite among locals, according to Phelps. "We've noticed that most of our guests return to the tea lounge at least three to five times a week," she says. Phelps also says that the tea industry is on the rise – despite the consumer cutback in spending over the past year. She cites a recent article that states the industry is at the stage where Starbucks was 10 years ago. Tranquil Tea – nestled in the heart of downtown – is close to colleges, independent businesses and restaurants. The menu boasts 85 varieties of tea, as well as sandwiches, soups, salads and desserts, such as the White Chocolate Lavender Scones, which are baked fresh daily. And most selections are under $10. Among the other offerings: monthly tea tasting events, unique gifts, tea accessories and a special event room. And, in an effort to promote a social environment, the lounge doesn't offer free wi-fi within its walls. But this is just the beginning for the lounge, which continues to receive positive feedback from the community and is seeing increasing sales every week. The brother-sister duo are working to promote the lounge through the use of Twitter – the shop has nearly 1,000 followers – and advertising campaigns, and they hope to incorporate online orders in the future. Tranquil Tea Lounge is located at 106 W. Wilshire Ave. The store is open Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Related headlines Irvine Co. will spend $100 million on Fashion Island makeover OC METRO, June issue: 'Hashigo Sushi' OC METRO, June issue: 'Olé: Matador Cantina opens in Fullerton' OC METRO, June issue: 'Thasos Greek Island Grille' |
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Readers Feedback:
AWESOME! Just shows you the power of Twitter and social networking as an advertising tool.
Congrats to TT Lounge!
| Comment at 9/27/2009 |