New In Town: T and Me Tea Company Paints the Future with Hope

While experts predict the economy is recovering, a Gulfport business reports it is two years ahead of schedule, according to its strategic plan.

Economics aside, the T and Me Tea Company has won over quite a few loyal customers on the Farmer’s Market circuit. That’s especially true in Gulfport, where James Clark is known for his affable and warm style.

“This is a positive thing for Gulfport,” says Sandy Duffy, pitching in at Tuesday’s painting party.

Throughout the day, more than two dozen well-wishers drifted in as Clark and a loyal crew of friends primed the walls for what will be a sunny shade of mango and the company;s signature green- a tropical  lime color.

“We’re going to incorporate some tall plants and create a positive, light, free-feeling place,” said James Clark, whose wife Tania, and four of their children were on hand to transform the former home of Java Nirvana, in the courtyard at 2908 1/2 S. Beach Blvd.

The Clarks say the past three weeks have been a blur of paperwork, planning, strategizing and hunting for items to transform the orange and brown walls into a sunnier haven that encourages patrons to hang out and stay awhile. They’ve blended longtime dreams, business goals and reality to blend a mix of community spirit.. Theirs promises to be a tea and coffee concern with a homey atmosphere, just like the eclectic, but welcoming stall they’ve had at various marketsacross Tampa Bay, since May 22, 2010. They’re forward thinking and ready for the challenge, but it’s a transition that came sooner than expected. Their vision has moved from a 10’ by 10’ stall into a bricks and mortar storefront at just under 800-square-feet.  Still, the excitement is palpable.

During the "painting party" Tania Clark offered frosted teas to the community crew of painters. Shortly after, the pizzas arrived. They were donated by Steven King, General Manager of Anytime Pizza on Beach Blvd.

“It’s a new place coming in to town and people were very nice to us when we arrived three months ago,” King said. “We’re happy to help and they seem like really great people.”

It’s the sort of gesture that seems to define Gulfport and it makes the Clarks beam.   Someone offers a comment about how it paints a welcoming scene.

“That’s just so nice,” says James Clark and the volunteer painters agree. Then he turned a bit more pensive.

“Our goal is to open as soon as possible, but right now, our focus is on the permitting, getting a sink and a beer and wine license and addressing the outdoor seating issue,” he says.

“And we need an espresso machine,” says Tania Clark.

Less than one week ago, the Clark’s took possession of the keys. Since then, the couple has been immersed in discussions, list making, telephone calls and negotiations. They’ve been hammering out details such as furniture, spackling, creation of a tea bar , menu and priming the walls. So far, all seems to be going smoothly. 

“We’re amazed and just so blessed,” says James Clark, pausing to put his arms around the shoulders of sons Eric, 21, and Patrick, 17. 

“It’ll be a nice, cool place to hang out,” says Eric Clark. “I love seeing this some together. This is great stuff,” he says.

The afternoon was filled with good-natured joshing and serious work. Even the Clarks’ two young daughters Lilly Fae, 2 and Emily Shae, 4 helped paint.

“We’re going to have a kid’s corner, with books,” said Tania Clark. “It’ll be one of those places where you can take a book and leave another,” she says. “And we’ll have a Sleepwalker’s Club.” 

The idea behind that is to offer discounts for the first hour they’re open, (likely 7:00 a.m.-8:00 a.m.) to those arriving in pajamas. There are plans to grow herbs such as spearmint, basil, garlic and chives along the outside wall – for use in snacks and teas offered at the shop. The Clarks also plan to offer items sold by friends they’ve made at various Tampa Bay markets, such as honey from the Taste of Freedom Farm.

James Clark talks about creating cozyy nooks for those with laptops, expanding his offerings of tea-infused snacks and a newer creation- the CommuniTea Club. Members can sign up for six-month or one-year memberships that will include a logo mug, ongoing discounts with every purchase, a two-ounce bag of tea each month, and a cubby for each member’s favorite mug. 

“It’s a mug in a cub,” quips James Clark, with his  disarmingly honest style. “Actually, the money allows us to defray operating costs and continue improving our services.”

Those who sign up early will have a special treat, and while Clark is mum about those details, he says they will be revealed at the grand opening- sometime toward the end of May.  A softer opening is likely to kick -off mid-month, say the Clarks. To sign up for the tea club, log on to www.tandmeteaco.com and, click on “donate”. It’s $50 for a six-month membership and $100 for one year. 

The Clarks also talk enthusiastically about the future, which will include live, local bands and artists. After speaking with Gulfport residents, hours may run from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., or later.

“We want to make sure that people getting off work have a place to hang," says James Clark. We want this courtyard to be collaborative and democratic, so we’ll talk with the other business owners about other ideas,” says James Clark.

There are plans for outdoor seating and the vision of making the courtyard even more welcoming. Ideas are percolating at a fast, but thoughtful clip. The Clarks are committed to walking the neighborhood and letting residents know they’re opening soon.

“This is as much their tea shop as ours,” says James Clark.

“It’s your teapot away from home,” says Duffy, who has been painting enthusiastically for several hours.

The group let out a communal laugh.

There are also plans for supporting charities such as Alliance 21 a cause the Clarks know well as the parents of a daughter with Down’s syndrome. Casey’s Cookies is another favorite charity.

“These folks are such a great match for this community,” says Daniel Hodge. “They have a community spirit and foster a circle of giving, which is an active passion for them.”

"This is all going so well," says James Clark. "I've been smiling so much, my cheeks hurt."