Part of the Adams Family business community, Whimsy Tea is one of many unique and artsy businesses that continue to spring up along the intersection of Fourth and Adams streets. Owners Gordon and Laura Davis, along with their children, have staffed, dreamed and grown Whimsy Tea since its inception in response to the closing of their favorite tea shop.
Whimsy Tea began with a booth at the Old Capitol Farmers Market. That morphed into a short-term lease downtown, and with that success, the business moved into its current location at 316 E. Adams St.
Over the summer, Whimsy Tea kicked off a fundraiser to allow the construction of a full-service kitchen to fulfill the owners' dreams of offering what Gordon calls "a full teahouse experience." The fundraiser was well-received and renovations are ongoing.
Part of the Davis' success is that what they do is unique to Springfield. "We're not competing with other people," says Gordon. The new menu is top-secret for now, but will be revealed at the grand reopening, with a launch of the full kitchen. "What we're about to begin," says Gordon, "is something we thought would happen in 15-20 years, and we're there at 5. It's an adventure."
In addition to teas, Whimsy offers French and Italian sodas and bobas. Espresso-based beverages are also in the future plans. The space is available for private rentals, such as birthday parties, weddings, business meetings, and of course, tea parties.
"I just want to say thank you," says Gordon, of Whimsy Tea's Best of Springfield win. "We want the community to know that we know how much your support means, and we wouldn't be here without you."
