Alice's Tea Cup

Alice’s Tea Cup Saved by New Owner — With a Comeback in the Works Amidst Financial Woes | Eater NY

"A whimsical, Alice in Wonderland–themed tea cafe that opened on the Upper West Side in 2001, it’s long been known for serving around 100 teas, finger sandwiches on tiered stands, cakes and scones and for delighting families—kids could wear glittery fairy wings while experiencing high tea. Over the years it became a neighborhood favorite and hosted celebrities such as Julia Roberts, Conan O’Brien, the Olsens and John Oliver. The sisters Lauren and Haley Fox say they never fully recovered from the pandemic and faced years of complicated financial woes—publications reported unpaid bills in figures between $600,000 and $230,000, and The New York Times reported the business received $800,000 from the Restaurant Revitalization Fund—leading them to file in Manhattan Supreme Court an “assignment for the benefit of creditors” as they shopped for a buyer. Despite earlier reports that the brand was shuttering, the owners say all three locations (Upper West Side, Upper East Side and Brooklyn Heights) will stay open after they “found the right people to pass the baton to,” and that new leader Jeni He plans to be faithful to the core concepts and brand, with promises of “more chapters to be opened in upcoming years.” The founders also recall that when the Upper West Side location was being built around Sept. 11, people felt “safe, comforted and normal” sitting down for a pot of tea and a scone." - Emma Orlow

"These Alice in Wonderland-themed spots are pretty cute (there are now three outposts), making them a great option for a mid-afternoon snack or a birthday party destination. Pioneered by Lauren and Haley Fox, these teashops offer perfectly brewed teas, healthy snacks, and prettily arranged sweets—from cupcakes to cookies. There are also two locations on the Upper East Side."

"These Alice in Wonderland-themed spots are pretty cute (there are now three outposts), making them a great option for a mid-afternoon snack or a birthday party destination. Pioneered by Lauren and Haley Fox, these teashops offer perfectly brewed teas, healthy snacks, and prettily arranged sweets—from cupcakes to cookies. There are also two locations on the Upper East Side."

The Owners of Alice’s Tea Cup May Sell Their Decades-Old Business | Eater NY

"Burnt out by the pandemic, I report that owners Haley and Lauren Foxtell say they may be looking to sell their decades-old tea shops; the small chain began on the Upper West Side in 2001 with an afternoon-tea dining room inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland and later expanded to the Upper East Side (2005) and Brooklyn Heights (2019). I note the business has struggled with staffing shortages, pandemic regulations, poor weather, and the difficulty of taking afternoon tea outdoors, since the bulk of its business comes from indoor seating and events and many customers are children under 12 who have not yet been vaccinated. As a destination for family gatherings, kids’ tea experiences, and birthday, baby and bridal parties, the owners say there’s no easy pivot, and they are now seeking investors or an owner to carry their vision into the future." - Luke Fortney

12 Top Places for Afternoon Tea in NYC | Eater NY

"Alice’s Tea Cup has multiple locations, but the colorful West 73rd Street original is a favorite among long time fans. This is the place to book when visitors with children are in town, with whimsical painted walls, mismatched teaware, and special afternoon tea for kids. For adults, Alice’s offers multiple sizes of tea service depending on hunger levels. Pick from various flavors of scone — get the pumpkin if it’s available — and tea sandwiches, including lapsang-smoked chicken and tea-egg salad, to design a custom afternoon tea set. Warm scones can also be taken to go from the takeout counter." - Kathy YL Chan