Hidden jewel teahouse works to draw new customers

Although it can be hard getting new customers into The Royal Tea Room in Cypress, according to the restaurant's owners, once they come, they often do not want to leave.

"We constantly have people come in that didn't know we were here," said co-owner Cozetta Evans. "Our location can be hard to find, but most people who come in do come back. Some just come in and stay until we close."

The owners of the Royal Tea Room seek to provide their customers with a cozy and homely environment. Warm peach wallpaper blends with purple drapes and lacy white tablecloths. The lighting is subdued and relaxing and lights are strung through the various plants decorating the dining area. As in many teahouses, teapots and other china are set up on mantles around the venue.

The menu consists of standard lunch fare such as soups, salads and sandwiches, all of which are made from scratch. It also offers desserts such as homemade pie and cake. The owners recently added several panini sandwiches to the menu including ham and cheese, and turkey and bacon.

The Royal Tea Room specializes in both hot and iced teas, which can be ordered on their own or along with meals that include soup, salad, entree and desert.

"We sell quite a bit of hot tea," said co-owner Countess Schatz, who is also Cozetta's daughter. "We've got all sorts of different flavors—peach, raspberry—but what we see people get the most is the mango peach hot tea. It's got a great aroma and actually tastes like it has peaches in it."

The eatery also offers breakfast on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until noon, with everything from breakfast wraps and sandwiches to waffles, French toast and quiche.

The Royal Tea Room features a dining area with tables for smaller groups, and also a party room in the back for groups of 10–20, in which birthday parties or bridal showers occur.

A true family-run establishment, Evans maintains the restaurant with the help of her daughter as well as her grandson, Cody. Schatz's husband also pitches in when he can.

Jackie Davis and Jan Roper visit The Royal Tea Room several times a month and appreciate the venue's quaint and quiet environment.

"The food is what I really like," Davis said. "It's all homemade and it's wonderful. This is just a nice place for a lunch outing."

Although business has been unpredictable and inconsistent at times, the owners of The Royal Tea Room said they will continue to cater to their loyal customers with hopes that they can attract new customers along the way.

"We have a lot of repeat business, but people don't go to the tearoom everyday like other businesses," Evans said. "This is a special type of service we provide, and we're going to try to keep it going if we can."

Owner Recommendations

• Chicken Salad—served as a salad or as a sandwich, with chicken, mayonnaise, lettuce and tomato, with choice of chips or pasta salad ($8.95)
• Royal Breakfast—two eggs, potatoes, French toast and choice of sausage, bacon or ham ($7.95)
• Hot Fudge Cake—made from scratch and served by the slice ($5.95)
• Mango Peach hot tea—the Tea Room's most popular tea, with a distinct peach taste and aroma ($2.95)

After hours

The Royal Tea Room is open during lunch hours, but the venue occasionally plays host to evening events.

• Informal gatherings occur one or two times each month in which patrons socialize and play the dice game Bunco for prizes.
• Bunco nights cost $10 to attend, with snacks and prizes provided by the restaurant owners. People are also free to bring their own drinks, said co-owner Countess Schatz.
• Check The Royal Tea Room's Facebook page for updates on when the next Bunco night will be held.

The Royal Tea Room, 25610 Hempstead Road, Cypress, 281-256-6665, www.theroyaltearoom.com

• Mon.–Fri. 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
• Sat:. 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
• Closed Sunday