Meet Amy Quinn | Tea Room Owner & Memory Crafter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amy Quinn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amy, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
One thing most people don’t realize about the tea room industry is how much creativity it involves! From designing seasonal menus that complement our teas to planning unique events like themed afternoon teas and family-friendly holiday gatherings, it’s a constant blend of innovation and tradition. Every detail—from crafting a visually stunning tea service to creating a welcoming space for celebrations—is an opportunity to be imaginative. We also find creative ways to engage with our community, whether it’s partnering with local organizations or coming up with fun ideas to make tea accessible and enjoyable for everyone. It’s about making each visit a little bit magical.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My career as the owner of McHugh Tea Room has been a journey filled with growth, creativity, and community. What sets us apart is our approachability—we’ve worked hard to create a tea room where everyone feels welcome, whether they’re celebrating life’s big moments or just stopping by for a quiet cup of tea. We offer a ‘casual-elegant’ tea experience, blending the sophistication of traditional afternoon tea with a relaxed, fun atmosphere.

I’m most proud of the connections we’ve built with our customers and community. Seeing people create memories in our space, from bridal showers to little kids’ tea parties, reminds me why we do this. It’s not just about serving tea; it’s about creating a space where people feel cared for and celebrated.

Getting here wasn’t easy. Like many small businesses, we’ve faced challenges—seasonal slumps, unpredictable weather, and even personal struggles among our team. But we’ve learned resilience and the importance of flexibility. For instance, we’ve embraced creative solutions like themed events, partnerships with local organizations, and even a rewards program to keep our customers engaged.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that people matter most. Whether it’s our staff, our customers, or our community, relationships are at the heart of everything we do.

What I want the world to know about McHugh Tea Room is that we’re more than a tea room—we’re a gathering place, a little haven of comfort and connection. Whether you come in jeans or dressed up like royalty, we want you to feel at home here.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Welcome to Bellaire on Day One!
We’d kick things off with lunch at McHugh Tea Room (of course!). I’d treat them to an afternoon tea experience, complete with our signature finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries. Afterward, we’d explore the local boutiques in Bellaire and nearby Rice Village for some unique finds. Dinner would be at The ‘401, another local business owned by a Bellaire native, for a warm, welcoming vibe and delicious American & Greek classics.

Houston’s Museum District for Day Two
We’d spend the day in one of my favorite places, Hermann Park, Houston Zoo alongside Houston’s Museum District, The Houston Museum of Natural Science (a must-see for the butterfly exhibit) has taught me so much about the world, technology, history, science, and I share it with my children as members year after year. For lunch we’d picnic alongside the giraffe or gorilla exhibits at the zoo after exploring the new sea lion and Galapagos Island exhibit.. Next, we’d walk through Hermann Park, explore the Japanese Garden, roll down the hill at Miller Outdoor Theater, then ride the train around Hermann Park for our last adventure. For dinner, we’d go straight to Good Co. BBQ on Kirby and enjoy the best BBQ in town.

Downtown Houston for Day Three
Our morning would start with a visit to the Houston Aquarium, followed by a walk to Discovery Green, where we could enjoy the park’s art installations and seasonal activities. Lunch would be at Irma’s Southwest, known for its fantastic Tex-Mex and warm hospitality. Afterward, we’d explore Minute Maid Park with a stadium tour or, if we’re lucky, catch an Astros game! In the afternoon, we’d check out the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern, a stunning underground space for art installations and history tours. For dinner, after a big day like that, I would suggest something simple and easy, like Onion Creek in the Heights for a neighborhood backyard feel and great food.

Foodie Paradise
This day would be all about food! China Town offers gems like Tiger Den for Ramen, followed by a tour of Phoenicia Specialty Foods, for treats to bring back home. We could explore Rice Village for some shopping and treats, then for lunch, we’d hit Pondicheri, well known for their twist on Indian flavors. The evening would be spent at Post HTX, where we’d enjoy rooftop views and diverse food vendors.

Day Trip to Galveston
Growing up 60 miles north of Galveston, day trips were a tradition all year long! We’d start with a Dolphin Watch Boat Tour at Baywatch Dolphin Tours, then walk the Historic Strand District, take a walk on the beach, and stop by the Moody Gardens or the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. Lunch would be fresh seafood at Gaido’s, and dinner on the way back at Killen’s BBQ in Pearland.

Shop and Relax
We’d spend the morning shopping at The Galleria and visiting The Waterwall, an iconic Houston landmark. Lunch would be at Backstreet Cafe, tucked away in a charming home with a beautiful patio. The afternoon would be perfect for a spa day at Trellis Spa at The Houstonian. For dinner, we’d go all out at Uchi, a modern Japanese restaurant.

Day 7: A Sweet Goodbye
For the final day, we’d keep it local and relaxed. We’d grab brunch at the Dandelion Cafe in Bellaire, maybe ride bikes through Memorial Park, and then before they leave, I’d take them to Tiny’s Milk & Cookies for a sweet treat and a warm sendoff

Houston is such a diverse, vibrant city with endless options. It’s hard to fit it all in!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The dedication goes straight to my husband. Where I am risk-averse, he is full steam ahead, always ready to leap when my cautious nature might hold me back. His unwavering belief in our dream and willingness to put in the hard work alongside me have been the backbone of McHugh Tea Room. He’s my biggest cheerleader, sounding board, and partner in every sense of the word.

Beyond my husband, I have to give a huge shoutout to the people closest to us, family and friends here in our hometown of Bellaire, TX. From our school and little league communities, networking groups that have helped me grow professionally, to loyal customers who show up rain or shine, their support has been invaluable. Finally, I’d be remiss not to mention my team at the Tea Room. They pour their hearts into creating the warm, welcoming space we’re known for, and their dedication is a big part of what makes our tea room special.

Website: https://www.mchughtea.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mchughtea

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mchugh-tea-room-gifts

Facebook: https://facebook.com/mchughtea

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mchugh-tea-room-and-gifts-bellaire

Image Credits
All photos taken by the owner, Amy Quinn