Rimmer’ s parents – Nikki and Terry Dunford – originally established the business in October 2002 as a garden center, adding the tea house later.
“ They wanted to build a shop with supplies for gardening and maybe a little concessions, drinks and snacks, but it turned into a full-blown restaurant,” Rimmer said.
Rimmer was involved in the business to some degree from its inception.
“ I started waiting tables. I was a waitress all through my 20s,” she said.“ I officially took over about three years ago, but I was running it by myself ten years ago.”
Rimmer said she was interested in being in the family business because it was just that – family business.
Rimmer’ s daughter Kaytlyn Jaco works at the tea house and is in charge of the kitchen.
“ I’ ve been drafted,” she said.“ But, I tried to work at other places and I always come back. You want to put your time and energy into something your family is trying to grow rather than someone else’ s dream.”
Rimmer said she likes being her own boss but she really enjoys the atmosphere and quaintness of the business.
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