My son greatly enjoys their teas and he particularly likes to go to the tea shop and peacefully browse teas, and choose a few that resonate with him to take back to college. We went today after having lunch at Magnolia's and were warmly greeted by a pleasant young man who was behind the counter. I had not been here previously so being a new experience, I followed my sons lead. Total sensory splendor!
There are a large variety of loose teas in glass containers that you can browse and smell. They're in sections by style (green, black, white, yellow etc). You can enjoy a tea flight or cup on site, and they sell other tea related service items. They have a few tables and a small room that has more dim lighting if you want to enjoy the flight or just relax and sip your cup. All teas come with instructions on steep time and water temp etc...Very helpful for max enjoyment. They sell both loose tea and sachets and they sell by the ounce.
Everything was great until a female entered who I am guessing was an owner. She too was warmly greeted by the young man but she gave no response to him. She came in with bleach and other items in her hand. She put them in a back room and promptly began scolding the young man about purchase orders, inventory, his job duties etc. and her tone was not one that, IMO, was acceptable, polite, respectful, and it was far from kind. She was being condescending and rude and not giving guidance. It was a one way conversation. I was so uncomfortable and my son was too. She then walked out with her eyes straight ahead and a scowl on her face.
We madd our choices slightly after and then made our purchase, and I apologized to the young man for the treatment he received and told him that in my opinion, he doesn't deserve to be spoken to that way by her or anyone. It was not my place to completely judge the situation, but the way I see it, once you publicly humiliate someone who works for you in front of customers, you invite them in to your messy back stage. Frustrations should be left for private meetings etc. and not put on display. Guidance trumps bashing. He just let it roll off of his back and said it was really ok and he's ok, and he thanked me. I felt so bad for him.
The young man had a quiet and gentle demeanor - he was very tranquil and had the perfect vibe for a tea shop. He was helpful and knowledgeable - a great representative of Dominion Tea Co. He deserves 5 stars!
In this job market, people have more choices and they're leaving places where they're treated like garbage. I'd give the tea 5 stars as well but holistically, I gave DTC 2 because the owner was so rude to her employee and because not only was it awful for him, it ruined the tranquil vibe for my son and I too. My 19 year old son left and just shook his head and said, "wow, that was incredibly unprofessional...I couldn't listen to that much longer. She was so rude to him...".
Please be kind to your employees. They matter and are the face of your front of house and are the ambassadors for your company and all your hard work.
Son's Favorite Teas: Earl Gray, Apple Pie, and Shenandoah Blue
Mine: I prefer their Earl Gray - simple and great
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