Kendra Bryant
Special to the AFRO
Teavolve Cafe, a Harbor East Black-owned restaurant known for tea, closed on Sept. 19 after 20 years in business. Over the past two decades the establishment has made a name for itself as much more than just a trendy spot to enjoy a hot beverage and connect with friends.
Founder Sunni Gilliam’s inspiration for Teavolve came from a daily lifestyle change.
“My doctor told me to lay off the caffeine because I was doing espresso– lots of espresso,” Gilliam told the AFRO. “I had a really great tea mentor and she helped me choose the teas for this cafe.”
The Philadelphia native moved to Baltimore in September 2005. She wanted to bring something to the city that she felt was missing.
“I was working at a jazz club in Philly called Zanzibar Blue, that’s when I fell in love with the restaurant industry,” said Gilliam. “I wanted to have that ‘third place’ where it’s not your work, it’s not your home, it’s a place to hang out.”
Gilliam opened her first storefront, originally named Tealogy, in November that same year.
“We had open mics, live music and tea tastings. It was a very intimate setting,” said Gilliam.
Three years later, she signed a lease, acquired a liquor license and opened the Harbor East location under a different name: Teavolve. The neighborhood was still developing when they first opened.
“Whole Foods and restaurants like H and S Bakery were not here,” said Gilliam. “We were kind of like pioneers in the area.”
“We had weddings here, we had engagements, bridal showers, baby showers,” said Gilliam. “I met another couple that had their first date here and they’ve been married for 12 years now.”
“It’s been a wonderful ride for 20 years. I will certainly miss the community. But I also know that this is the right time to do it. It is the right thing, because I feel at ease.”
Over the years, the restaurant garnered many awards. It was voted Best Brunch, Best Tea House, and Best Breakfast by the Baltimore Magazine.
Still, there were some struggles.
“We went through two recessions, a pandemic…we endured so much, but it was the love and support of the community that kept us going. It kept me going, honestly.”
Teavolve became like a home– and an office– for many of its customers.
CEO of VaynerBasketball, Bay Fraizer, said he held many business meetings and client calls in the Harbor East cafe.
“I loved the atmosphere, the community,” said Fraizer. “I miss being able to meet with different people from my programs here…It was the perfect location, and the food was great.”
Now, after years of impacting others, Gilliam is ready to take time to decompress.
“It’s been a wonderful ride for 20 years. I will certainly miss the community,” said Gilliam. “But I also know that this is the right time to do it…I feel at ease.”