Toni Shelton is excited to announce the grand opening of For+Té Tea Lounge and Eventeur, a vibrant new destination for tea enthusiasts in Cape Girardeau. Located at 120 Broadway, the tea lounge is set to officially open its doors on Wednesday, November 13, and promises to be a haven for both casual drinkers and dedicated tea aficionados.
During a recent soft opening, Shelton was pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming response from the community. “I’ve had people from all different walks and ages saying they love tea. Everyone is saying we don’t have something like this here, so they’re all very excited to come,” she shared. This enthusiasm has confirmed her belief that the lounge will cater to a diverse demographic of tea lovers.
For+Té aims to elevate the tea-drinking experience by offering a carefully curated selection of teas that can be ordered individually or shared communally. “We do curate our own little special blends here and there. It’s fun to create special brews and drinks,” Shelton explained. The lounge will feature a variety of tisanes, with plans to introduce hors d’oeuvres in collaboration with local eateries in the near future.
In addition to serving freshly brewed teas, For+Té will also sell bagged tea blends and merchandise, allowing customers to take a piece of their experience home. Shelton’s passion for tea is evident in her commitment to providing high-quality products that reflect her dedication to the craft.
This venture marks Shelton’s first experience running a storefront, but it is not her first entrepreneurial endeavor. She also operates ARTÉA Wedding & Event Planning and Design, named after her maiden name, Artega. The name For+Té cleverly combines her love for tea with her event planning background. “My maiden name means ‘place of the woods’ in Spanish, reflecting strength,” she said. “The name For+Té also means ‘for tea,’ which adds another layer of meaning.”
Shelton plans to continue her event planning services at For+Té, offering customized menus for weddings, birthday parties, baby showers, and bridal events. “It wasn’t just a phase; it was something I’m meant to do,” she remarked, emphasizing her enthusiasm for creating memorable experiences.
In addition to serving delicious beverages, For+Té will host various cultural events such as Chinese and Japanese tea ceremonies and traditional English high teas. Shelton’s mission extends beyond simply serving tea; she aims to educate patrons about different tea cultures and customs. “I used to teach cultural education, so it just segues right into what I love,” she noted.
To ensure authenticity, Shelton sources her international blends directly from countries known for their unique flavors, based on recommendations from friends and family living abroad. This dedication to quality and authenticity will set For+Té apart from other establishments.
The journey to opening For+Té was not without its challenges. Following a successful soft launch where Shelton and her team tested pricing and menu items, she secured the location after feeling a spiritual connection during a visit with her daughter and son-in-law, who own Golden Eagle Tattoo nearby. After signing the lease on April 8—the morning of the 2024 solar eclipse—Shelton dedicated herself to obtaining permits and designing the space in an art nouveau style.
“I’ve never done anything like this in my life. Owning a storefront is huge,” she admitted. “It’s a lot of work, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It’s a dream come true.”
To celebrate its grand opening, For+Té will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3 p.m. on its opening day. A larger celebration is planned for spring or summer, promising even more opportunities for community engagement.
With its unique offerings and commitment to quality, For+Té Tea Lounge is poised to become a beloved fixture in Cape Girardeau’s social scene. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to enjoy a cup of tea or seeking an engaging cultural experience, For+Té invites everyone to come and explore the world of tea.
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