Wonderland: an imaginary land of marvels, and strange beauty. The grinning Cheshire cat, the crazy Mad Hatter, and the overbearing Queen of Hearts; children and adults all over the world can rarely forget the story of Alice in Wonderland. From the mystical creatures, to imaginative adventures, Alice’s fateful fall down a rabbit hole brought fantasy to life. For business owners Lauren and Haley Fox, providing a taste of Alice’s world in the real world, was a dream come true. Through their passion and love for tea, these two women have brought a magical and whimsical touch to Manhattan.
Appropriately named Alice’s Tea Cup, Lauren and Haley Fox opened their first tea room as a flagship location on the Upper West Side of Manhattan at West 73rd street. Giving it the clever title of Chapter I, it wasn’t long before Chapter II and Chapter III followed, this time located on the Upper East Side on East 64th and East 81st Street. All three locations offer breakfast, brunch and lunch, accommodate parties of different types, and include a gift shop with elegant trinkets to match any fanciful interest. Each chapter of Alice’s Tea Cup also offers a different and unique atmosphere which ties into the Alice in Wonderland theme, giving customers that fantasy experience. “People really like the nice atmosphere and how it’s all whimsical,” said Emily, an employee at the Chapter III location.
In Chapter I, customers can be seated in what is known as the “Raspberry Room,” with bright pink walls and furniture straight out of a Mad Hatter tea party. Fairy wings and wands line the walls of the tea room, available to wear for those who want to channel their inner child. Chapter II boasts a “Looking Glass Room,” with eccentric teal walls and most notably is the stairs, cascading with an array of butterflies and framed pictures of Alice. When it comes to Chapter III, although the smallest location, it seems to be the most Alice in Wonderland themed out of them all. Here individuals can find a large mural that depicts Alice’s first encounter with Wonderland, when she lands in the great hall after falling down the rabbit hole. Further adorned with paintings of various adventures, customers can follow Alice’s journey through Wonderland.
The atmosphere at Alice’s Tea Cup isn’t the only thing that makes it a unique little attraction on the Upper East Side. This business is focused around the demographics of the neighborhoods, in which it offers products and services that pertain to the individuals who live in or visit the area. Owners, Lauren and Haley Fox, performed their own research at the start of the business and found just what they needed to be successful. “Our demographic research revealed just what we thought: young mothers, children, elderly, mid to upper income, heavy foot traffic, many successful restaurants and the support of our neighbors,” said owners Lauren and Haley Fox on the Alice’s Tea Cup website.
A closer look at the demographics reveals that females make up almost 55% of the total population on the Upper East Side, beating out males who make up only around 45% of the population. In addition, with a population of 217,063 people, including both males and females, about 190,000 of them are 18 and older. However, for Lauren and Haley Fox one demographic statistic is the most crucial, which is that most of the population includes individuals that range in age from 25-44 years old. It’s the young mothers, the soon to be mothers and the brides to be. The ingredients are all in place for a recipe of success, and with this in mind Alice’s Tea Cup has tailored its business to make a very fitting finished product.
So, whether you are 8 or 38, single or married, Alice’s Tea Cup has just the party for you. The on-site parties at each location have become the most important part of the business, and represent how the owners have used demographics to their advantage. The three main parties that are offered at Alice’s Tea Cup are bridal/wedding showers, baby showers, and birthday or “un-birthday” parties. “Our main customer base, I would say, is mostly young families, young children and definitely women,” said Emily, an Alice’s Tea Cup employee. All locations offer these parties to be held in certain rooms that can be rented out for $100 per hour. The cost of a birthday party in Wonderland varies depending on age. For children, the Wee Tea service costs $20 per person, while the Mad Hatter tea service for teens and adults costs $30 per person. For the brides and moms to be, expect a bridal/baby shower to cost $30 per guest.
Alice’s Tea Cup has covered all the bases when it comes to its customers, priding itself on being more than just a place to relax and have an invigorating cup of tea. If considering a party here, expect only their best. This is not your ordinary banquet hall. Alice’s Tea Cup goes above and beyond to make each occasion personable and unique to the guest of honor. “It was the atmosphere and the little extras that made it so special,” said Rachel, a frequent customer who also had a shower thrown for her at the Chapter II location. From fairy wings for a child’s birthday, to champagne and flowers placed delicately across the table, every event is made to feel unforgettable.
Alice’s Tea Cup is a dream come true for two very dedicated women. Through their love for tea, Lauren and Haley Fox have brought to life an imaginary world, while still successfully serving ours.
This place sounds really cool, and interesting. I thought your lead was very well written. I especially liked how you used the descriptiveness of Alice in Wonderland to tie in with the theme of the story and the tea house itself.