Weathering The Economy: Tea Bar and Bites Bakery and Cafe

For KSMU’s Sense of Community Series, I’m Mike Smith. Join with me now as we listen to the owner of Tea Bar and Bites share some of her experiences of dealing with the economic downturn, in her own words.

I’m Colleen Smith, and I own Tea Bar and Bites Bakery and Café in the Rountree neighborhood at Pickwick and Cherry. We are primarily a lunch café with a Mediterranean flair. We also offer baked in house desserts and catering. I have 8 employees. Some of them come from MSU, OCT and Drury University. I also have a single mom with a small child, and a couple of others who are married with children. Just like everyone else, the economy has affected our business and our customers buying habits. Some of the challenges for the business include the increase in food costs, the increases in operational costs, taxes and insurance. We have seen a slight decline in sales but not in the number of customers coming through the door on a daily or weekly basis. Their buying habits have changed in subtle ways. They might order water with a meal when before it was tea, coffee or a soft drink. There is more sharing of meals, splitting the cost of a meal. I am seeing a slight drop in our catering business. People are not ordering the lavish platters for parties. Back at the café though, I am seeing an upswing in the sale of our baked goods. I think people need that comfort and sweetness in these difficult times. Times are challenging, but I hope that my business and other businesses can keep their doors open and grow. All of us share in the personal responsibility of fixing this economy, but I am hopeful that our Congress can work together and turn things around.