Although Kathryn Barker didn’t officially close the restaurant portion of her Oregon Street Tea Company until April 26, she mentally shut its doors about a month earlier. It was Easter, and she was visiting her parents, who live near Sacramento. Her father hadn’t been well.

“I realized my father hadn’t left his chair all day, which wasn’t like him,” Barker said as she sipped  (what else) iced tea inside her newly arranged business: Oregon Street Tea Company - Loose Tea & Gift Shop. 

“That was it. My husband and I talked about it. We knew something had to change. I needed to spend more time with them.  I knew I just couldn’t do the restaurant any more. It was too intense.”

Even so, it was an emotional choice to close her 1 1/2-year-old business. Customers were sad.  

“In a way, that made me feel good to know we had something here that people appreciated,” she said.

That’s how Barker, an easy-to-laugh optimist, reached a compromise. Instead of closing the entire business, she reorganized it to allow more personal flexibility.

She now offers reservations-only events, such as classes that focus on the art and etiquette of tea, children’s tea parties and special tea tastings.

For example, Wed.  June 18 Barker will host an Afternoon Tea Etiquette, a time for people to enjoy different teas, foods and receive recipes for some of the treats. The month’s last activity is a June 27 Afternoon Tea that includes a three-tiered tray of delicacies, and of course, a variety of teas - both cold and hot.

These days her loose tea and gift shop are open to the public Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Her merchandise is so pretty has such a wide price point that there’s something for almost anybody.

As a gift for their customers and guests, Kathryn and Phil Barker invite you to an open house at their business on Sat. June 14 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at 1257 Oregon Street in Redding.

They will offer refreshments, and a look at their newly arranged space. 

I’m unable to attend, but if you go, say hello to Barker. Tell her Doni sent you. And have a scone for me.