In 2008 the Dennehy family was involved in a head on collision by a drunk driver going over 100 mph. Several family members were injured but daughter Morgan fared the worst. With Morgan going through rehab as well as surgeries, having a sustainable income was a challenge. “I always wanted to have a coffee shop or tea room,” Morgan’s mother Karen Dennehy said. Karen talked it over with her mother, Maggie Hyde, and they decided together to make this happen. “It enabled me to have my daughter with me, as we were going through everything,” Karen explained.
Going on six years, Magnolia Terrace Tea Room has flourished with the ambition, desire and dedication to make little girls’ dreams come true. The tea room has monthly princess parties. The September tea party theme was based on the popular Disney movie, Frozen. Elsa (Dawn Wroblewski) was there to teach an etiquette class for the young princesses. “A lot of children can’t afford to go to Disney and a least every month they can afford to come here,” Dennehy said. “It’s so much fun, because you will watch the parents and they will be sitting there and all of a sudden they will straighten up. It is quite wonderful.”
Not only do they have monthly Princess parties, they also offer celebration and sweet sixteen parties. “If the customer comes up with an idea we will do our best,” Dennehy said.
Magnolia Terrace Tea Room is not just for the ladies. Often fathers, uncles and even big brothers accompany their “princess” to the classes and tea parties. The men learn their role at the table such as the custom of pulling the chair out for the princess before she sits down at the table. The presence of the father, brother, or uncle also builds a strong family connection. The day I observed Elsa’s etiquette class, the fathers were clearly happy to see their daughters so excited.
Dennehy and family have built strong friendships in their tea room. They have seen some little girls as young as two years old sip tea from their tea cups. Now those little girls are all grown up, but continue to take tea at their tables. “We love it, it really does touch a lot of children’s hearts, there’s not a lot around here especially for little girls to do, and this is something every girl dreams of; being a princess,” Dennehy stated.
The Tea Room is also actively involved with the community and has taken part in fundraisers, charities including the Make A Wish Foundation.
The tea is exquisite; the sandwiches, wraps, and salads are filling; the desserts are scrumptious and the environment is warm and inviting. All those that have worked hard, from the Fairy Godmother, Disney Princesses, hostesses, bakers and cooks make this tea shop a dream for many children as well as a nice change for adults.
“I love it; I like to see people happy,” Dennehy said.
With Morgan well on the road to recovery and a thriving Tea Room, the Dennehy family is happy as well.
Visit their website to view the great tea variety for any hour of the day as well as their menu and upcoming events with Disney’s favorite characters.
Magnolia Terrace’s next event: “THINK PINK” Friendship Tea on October 17, 2015. For more information visit their Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/MagnoliaTerraceTeaRoom
http://www.magnoliaterracetearoom.com/
