Florists start with the green and add the feelings to create holiday magic

NWI.LIFE

December 13, 2023

Jeff Vorva

Deck the halls with boughs of holly? Deck everything with holly. The halls. Dining room. Office space. Mantels. The dog. You name it. And toss a little evergreen in there, too, while you are at it. David Yacaginsky, who owns a florist shop in Binghamton, N.Y., told floristsreview.com in September that people should “incorporate many textures of evergreens and holly.” Region florists have their opinions in their busiest — or second busiest to May — time of the year. But one thing is certain, they have had their game plans ready for this Christmas for awhile. Cindy Lopez, who runs the Merrillville Florist & Tea Room, said television has been shaping the wants and needs of her clientele. Specifically, those films that are shown on the Hallmark Channel they have become influencers in the Christmas world, including flower arrangements for the holidays. She said that aside from flowers, customers are on the lookout for local craft items as well as local food products. Charlie Kaper is gearing up for the holidays at his store, Cedar Lakes Flowers and Gifts, 8600 Lake Shore Drive. He said many of his customers wish for a natural look. “It’s mixed pines and greens, cypress and cedar,” he said. “It’s all a very natural look. Berries. Winter berries. Pinecones accented with a few flowers. Those are made for coffee tables.” And he's preparing plenty of other items to sell. “Poinsettias are a big item,” he said. “We have full gift shop of Christmas trees and Santa Clauses and snowmen. “You name it, and we carry it.”

Natural accents enhancing the traditions of the Thanksgiving centerpiece

NWI.LIFE

November 15, 2023

Jeff Vorva

When it comes to trends in floral arrangements for Thanksgiving, area experts agree that things haven't changed much over the years.  People take the traditions of this particular holiday very seriously when it comes to selecting flowers for centerpieces or gifts. So florists keep it simple and borrow from the past.

“It’s a traditional holiday because you have the big table and everyone gathering around,” said Cindy Lopez, who owns the Merrillville Florist & Tea Room. She said that those who are serious about their presentation go for the traditional look.

“A lot of natural elements are being incorporated into their flower arrangements to complement their table and what they try to create when their families are gathering around the table,” Lopez said. “They are trying to draw in the complete look of their tablecscape and complementing what is actually on their menus.

"It’s creating an overall experience for the holidays as opposed to gathering for a quick meal. It’s a hosting experience, and the flowers really complement that.”
She said that sunflowers and a variety of roses, especially orange ones, make for ideal centerpieces. While Lopez can’t buck tradition, she has been able to throw a new wrinkle into the Thanksgiving experience. She is tag-teaming with Katie Sannito, also known as the Gourmet Goddess, to provide appetizers to go with the flowers before the big meal. “We have teamed up this year and doing a Thanksgiving hostess special,” Lopez said. “It’s a charcuterie board that can feed up to 10-12 people, and it also comes with a holiday centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table.

“It’s just a way to encourage people to support their local business and to expand their Thanksgiving experience for their guests. And it gives them a little extra-special feature for their meal and to treat themselves and their families.” At Cedar Lake Florists & Gifts, Charlie Kaper has been in the business more than 35 years. “I’ve seen a lot of things come and go.” But one of the things that has stayed steady has been this wishes of his customers for Thanksgiving flowers and centerpieces. “It’s pretty traditional, with bittersweets and artichokes and pheasant feathers for a natural looking product,” Kaper said. “Some people make the big Thanksgiving meal at home, so they want flowers. Some who are going to the dinner send flowers.” And the colors remain traditional as well. “It’s usually fall colors,” Kaper said. “It’s usually rusts and football mums and oranges and bread and beautiful bridge color with purples and reds. We try to get naturals things in the mix."

 ALL ABOUT THE GIRLS PART 7: RESILIENT WOMEN DIVE INTO THE TRUE GRIT OF WOMANHOOD

NWI.LIFE

June 10, 2022

Anekah Fish

On Thursday night, GreatNews.Life’s All About the Girls Part 7 (AATG) event invited talented women from the Region to share each other's company. AATG attendees enjoyed drinks and hors d'oeuvres while intently listening to each speaker.

There was time to mingle before and after the main event, but when speakers shared their stories, audience members hung on each and every word. A raffle was drawn in which four winners won gifts including a kitchen aid and dinner with two speakers.

The focus of the evening was the concept of “True Grit” and what it means to be gritty and a woman.

"Grit means having perseverance and passion, working toward your goals over time, determination no matter your IQ or your innate talent, having resilience, and getting up when you fall down. We all have storms during life. But grit is being able to have the resilience to get back up and go on—to move on," said Kaye Frataccia-Seibert, community leader.

To have grit is to persevere, but women with grit are more complex than being confident and indomitable. The speakers at All About the Girls exemplified the intricacies that women possess. They each told a story about themselves, their grit, and what it means to be a woman with true grit.

“My dad taught me when I was really young that if you weren't where you wanted to be, then go work. Outwork everyone else and you'll get there,” said Jenny Craig-Brown, executive director of GreatNews.Life and AATG host. "If it depends on me, it will happen or I will die trying because I have grit. Every woman here tonight has grit. I chose these ladies specifically for their grit from Megan's firefighting to Nicki's starting her own businesses, plural." 

“When I think of the phrase True Grit, I think of the brave women who jump out of planes to serve our country,” said Megan Applegate, a certified public accountant at Applegate & Company, PC and volunteer firefighter and medical responder for Long Beach Fire Department. “I think of the female officers patrolling our communities day and night. But when I had the opportunity to sit down with the other speakers prior to tonight's event and learn about their lives, I realized we have a lot of gritty, determined, persistent, and courageous women here in Northwest Indiana. It took some time and some convincing, but I finally accepted that I am one of those gritty women as well.”

Some women know that they are gritty. They have been told so their entire lives, even by being called bossy on the playground. Other women have to be reminded. AATG was all about reminding each other—speakers and attendees alike—of their strengths and celebrating them.

“It's to highlight and celebrate these accomplishments and inspire others,” said Cindy Lopez, owner and operator of Merrillville Florist and Tea Room. “There are some very young women here tonight. My 16-year-old niece is here tonight. I'm talking to you. You need to know to trust in yourself and have the confidence to follow your dreams. Everyone in this room has a story to share and an accomplishment to celebrate. We just happen to be on the stage.”

Each speaker touched on how women encourage and stand in solidarity as a demographic. Support is how women encourage girls to be gritty. Buffy Adams, director of development at St. Jude House, leads by example.

“You may have already asked yourself, why in the world is St. Jude House—a domestic violence shelter, a nonprofit that serves hundreds of women and children each year—Why are you a continuing sponsor of All About the Girls? The answer is really quite simple,” Adams said. “Anytime a group of influential, empowered, intelligent, gritty women gathers, St. Jude House wants to be in that room. It's your awareness, your action, and your attention that's super important in the domestic violence space.”

Nicki Caylor, CEO and founder of Running Vines Winery and Aftermath Cidery & Winery, supports women and the community through her business.

“I had to learn to be a leader and hold those around me accountable, versus being everyone's friend and worrying about if they'd like me,” Caylor said. “In 2020, we all know what happened: COVID. I will tell you that it forced me to slow down, dig deeper, and yet again make decisions based on the health of our business and the restructuring of our company to survive the pandemic. I am so thankful for the amazing community that surrounds us and that has embraced my small business to grow and make Porter County proud.”

When a trial approaches a woman with grit, she conquers it whether that trial is internal or external.

“It's about my perspective, and I choose my thoughts and actions. If I don't like my thoughts, which happens quite often because I'm so hard on myself, I do my best to change them,” said Julie West, founder of the Play for Jake Foundation. “I figure out a way to step forward. I choose to look at the good. I choose to be open-minded, and I choose to offer grace to myself and others. Everything we do in life comes down to choice in our responses. I do fail sometimes, but I choose to focus on the times that I don't fail, and I try to learn from them.”

Being a woman, with as much grit as one can get, still encompasses pain and struggle. That is why taking time to celebrate life and what it means to be a woman is distinctly valuable.

“Women, we are miraculously made. We work. We raise the children. We clean the house. We prepare dinner and get it on the table. We go to the grocery store. We take the children to their games and piano recitals. We make doctor's appointments,” said Dr. Vanessa Allen-McCloud, president and CEO of Urban League of Northwest Indiana. “Some of us have been through a divorce. Some of us the big word: cancer. The heartache. Having a child. Losing a child. Not being able to have a child. We have one breast removed and then the other breast removed. We take care of our parents who are dealing with Alzheimer's. Through it all, we remind ourselves that we have an inner strength."

In the Region, All About the Girls is a key part of taking time to value the complexities that womanhood has to offer.

“We want to provide not only a spotlight for these ladies on stage, but shine a spotlight on someone to look to as a positive influence and someone to relate to,” Craig-Brown said. “All About the Girls is just that, it's all about the girls in our lives who make us better—who makes us want to try more, who inspires us.”

All About the Girls has a spillover effect. Every woman enters with their values, and every other woman elaborates and encourages until everyone’s perspective has been reevaluated and changed. With this newfound knowledge, attendees step outside of All About the Girls considering girlhood and womanhood unlike they did before.

The lens of true grit does this especially well. Grit becomes a motivator and a reason to accept others who are struggling. Whatever grit may manifest as it is within every woman is to be celebrated and be carried, with purpose, into every interaction.

The Merrillville Florist and Tea Room is the best-kept secret in Northwest Indiana - a true hidden gem

Town Planner

April 9, 2022

April Wittenstrom

Santa to ride hot rod sleigh from 'Garage Squad' show to Merrillville Florist and Tea Room

NWI Times

November 21, 2021

Joseph S. Pete

Santa is going to ride his vintage-restored hot rod sleigh from the "Garage Squad" show to Merrillville Florist and Tea Room.

Jolly Old Saint Nick, Mrs. Claus and merry elves will show up at a  Lake County FOP Auxiliary #125 fundraiser at the floral shop and tea room at 7005 Madison St. in Merrillville. The event will take place between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday with the tea room staying open for lunch until 2:30 p.m.

"The event came together when Jennifer Puntillo, aka 'Mrs. Claus,' who is a good friend of mine and a very active member and officer with the Lake County FOP Auxiliary, reached out to me with the idea," owner Cindy Lopez said. "Jennifer was charged with coordinating a police appreciation holiday event and thought the setting of the Merrillville Florist and Tea Room would be a perfect fit for Santa and the vintage hot rod. We have a beautiful setting out back with a decorated gazebo and lots of space for photos and for Christmas enthusiasts to gather and take photos with Santa and the hot rod sleigh. "

The event was promoted via the Fraternal Order of Police, Auxiliary and police departments across Lake County. It will be open to the public as well.

"The event will take place outdoors against the beautiful landscape of the Merrillville Florist and Tea Room," Lopez said. "Cell phone photos are welcomed and encouraged. Kids of all ages will enjoy photos with Santa, Mrs. Claus, Tinsel the Tea Room Elf, a live DJ, tea room treats, and sitting in Santa's hot rod sleigh, which was once featured on the TV show 'Garage Squad.'" 

The Merrillville Tea Room also will be open for a special Sunday lunch for the first time under the new ownership.

"We will feature our normal daily menu, which includes a kid's meal option of chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese and a side of mandarin oranges," Lopez said. "We hope that families will choose to dine in the Tea Room for lunch. It's a beautiful family setting to complete the afternoon, with dozens of decorated trees and lots of tasty treats and even shopping."

Let’s Eat with Chef Nick

NPR

October 21st, 2021

Lake Shore Public Radio

Travel: Make time for tea time

NWI Times

January 10, 2021

Times Correspondent

In my entire life I probably have not consumed a total of a four ounces of coffee. Well, maybe a little more, if you count the coffee I’ve had as an ingredient in tiramisu. But as far as drinking it, I’ve only had a few sips. And well, it’s just not my cup of tea.

But … speaking of tea, that’s a beverage I can get behind. In our home growing up, we didn’t drink water or milk with meals, we had iced tea. It was instant Lipton iced tea, my dad’s favorite beverage. So, tea became a go-to, and although I don’t drink the same instant tea we had as kids every day (my palate has expanded since then), I still love a cup of tea — either hot or cold — often.

At the start of 2020, as I decided to do some tidying up as part of the New Year’s resolutions, I noticed how much tea I had acquired, but was not drinking. I made a resolution to try a new tea each day — without duplication — to help me get through my supply and to try some new brands and flavors. That resolution lasted the whole year of 2020. It’s the first time a resolution stuck for the entire year (although this was a pretty easy one to follow through with).

I didn’t get all the way to 365 teas last year, but I did get up to 276. Once I got through the supply in my pantry, I bought a few variety packs and contacted some tea companies to request samples. I shared the whole experience on a food blog I manage with my sister called Chicago Foodie Sisters.

So, my sister, Becky, runs the blog with me and she’s also a tea lover and non-coffee drinker. We love to visit tea rooms together. We’ve been to three tea rooms in the past year — Pinecone Cottage Tea House in Downer’s Grove and Pekoe & Bean in Tinley Park, Illinois, and the Merrillville Tea Room.

We visited the PineCone Cottage Tea House in late February — a time when we were still dining out without fear, washing our hands less than we probably should have and not wearing masks. My sister, my niece and I enjoyed lunch and tea in this charming spot in downtown Downer’s Grove. At my 4-year-old niece, Ari’s, instruction, we sipped tea with our pinkies up and enjoyed finger sandwiches and soup and pot pie and petite desserts. It was a charming afternoon full of frilly girliness and tasty bites.

The following month we had a tea room date scheduled after I’d learned that the Merrillville Tea Room had re-opened after being closed for some time and transitioning to a new owner. Our reservation was for the afternoon of March 14, the strangest weekend in recent memory. We had been out of town in Wisconsin the weekend before and by mid-week sporting events were being cancelled and schools were warning of possible closures, and other things started to shut down. Several events I had on the calendar that weekend were canceled — my son’s first track meet of the season, the St. Patrick’s Day half-marathon he planned on participating in, a play I was going to attend with my son, a visit with my mom at the nursing home she resided in. Two things weren’t canceled and I went — one as a judge for a Ramen Cook-off event in Michigan City, and our tea room outing.

When we arrived we chatted with the new owner and learned that most of the reservations for that day had canceled. We were in a little nook by a window, but we didn’t really have to worry about social distancing because there was only one other occupied table in the place at that time.

We immediately fell in love with the place, where you enter through the floral shop and make your way through several beautifully-decorated rooms. We sipped on herbal tea and paired it with some amazing menu items — the Chateau Earl Gray (like a very elevated pot pie), the Kingfisher (wild-caught salmon rolled in phyllo dough), chicken pot pie soup and house salad with some delicious desserts. The food was amazing. Becky even purchased a few things to make at home for dinner that night. On our way out we bought some tea and truffles in the gift shop.

Our third tea room experience happened in July at Pekoe & Bean in Tinley Park. I had never heard of this fairly new business until I was writing an article for a Southland section of the Times on local businesses and came across it. I could not wait to check it out. Illinois currently has a ban on indoor dining, but this past summer it was permitted. But it was also warm and sunny outside and we opted to eat outdoors. It’s located in a strip mall, so there isn't really an outdoor seating area, but there were a couple tables outside the entrance, so my sister, her mother-in-law, Robin, and I visited for a relaxing afternoon of high tea. I called ahead and they were willing to reserve a large outdoor table for us.

I did make my way inside to visit the restroom and take a peek around. There are several rooms and they are all beautifully decorated. I can’t wait to return sometime in the future to have tea in the actual tearoom. They have an afternoon tea menu where you can get a combination of finger sandwiches, scones and desserts served on tiered trays. Everything was magnificent.

I’ve been to other tea rooms in our travels and it’s always a favorite part of any trip. I also look forward to getting to a couple long-time and well-known tea rooms in Chicago that I’ve had on my foodie bucket list for some time, but just haven’t made time to visit yet. That’s one thing I’ll be sure to do when we come out of this period of pandemic — make time for more of the things I want to do rather than putting them on a list and putting them off for so long. And making time for tea time will be something I will definitely do.

Tinsel the Tea Room Elf making deliveries for the Merrillville Florist and Tea Room

NWI Times

December 22, 2020

Joseph S. Pete

Tinsel the Tea Room Elf will make deliveries of flowers this week for the Merrillville Florist and Tea Room.

The floral shop's Easter Bunny deliveries this spring proved so popular it's now trotting out an elf to spread a little Christmas cheer.

"The point of the Easter Bunny deliveries was to embrace a little silliness and help spread a couple smiles to people who were feeling the effects of not being able to see family or live a 'normal' life during a time of holiday traditions, and it ended up having great results for myself, my husband, our workers and our customers," owner Cindy Lopez said. "While the current social and economic environment is not quite as it was back in April, meaning there is no official shutdown in place, we are still in the midst of a global pandemic. Many of us are still missing visits with our loved ones in health care facilities, many of us are missing social interaction due to responsibly quarantining and social distancing, and unfortunately many of us have seen someone close to us fall ill to COVID."

So the Merrillville Florist and Tea Room again seeks to fill the void for the self-created niche of themed costume holiday flower deliveries.

"The prevailing trend this Christmas is pointing to all things traditional and nostalgic. There's a shift in our community that I can only hope continues to grow," Lopez said. 'People want to feel the Christmas spirit, and let their loved ones know they care about them in meaningful and thoughtful ways. It's also being seen across the Region that shoppers and consumers are choosing to support small local businesses during these turbulent uncertain times. Humanity is shining through and we can feel the community coming together in a way that is different than pre-pandemic times."Tinsel the Tea Room Elf will make all deliveries the week of Christmas, appear on the business's Facebook and Instagram pages, and "make trouble and hide in the Tea Room just as Elf on a Shelf has been known to do."

The Merrillville Florist and Tea Room also takes part in Sending Smiles to Seniors around Christmas and other major holidays.

"For a $20 donation including tax and delivery, supporters can send a bud vase with an optional holiday wish or message to residents who are missing their holiday visits and visitors," Lopez said. "Thanksgiving was an overwhelming success and we were able to donate over 20 vases of fresh flowers to help send a smile. It's been a very rewarding program and we get a lot of positive feedback about the impact the flowers have had on residents' holidays."

Woman cultivates lifelong goal to own a flower shop

NWI Times

October 21, 2020

Carrie Steinweg

When Cindy Lopez was a little girl, her dream was to own a flower shop. As an adult she has been able to realize that dream. She became the new owner of the Merrillville Florist and Tea Room last December.

“I fell in love with the Merrillville Florist and Tea Room the first time I walked through the door,” said Lopez. “I love the character and charm of the building and the business model overall. For years the previous owner and I would talk and I would say, ‘One day when you are ready to sell, you have to sell to me. I love it here.’ And she would respond with ‘Honey, you can buy it tomorrow.’ ”

Lopez said she and previous owner Ramona McCrovitz would laugh, not realizing that the other was serious. She heard in September 2019 that McCrovitz had sold the shop. She called to offer her congratulations and express that she really did want to own it one day. “It just so happened that the sale had fallen through prior to my call,” she said. “Needless to say, I jumped on the opportunity and here we are.”

When she purchased the business, the tea room had been closed for about 18 months. Once they started the sale process, Lopez worked out an agreement with McCrovitz to re-open the tea room.

“It was greatly missed in the community, and tea-room patrons were eager to return, especially with the holidays approaching. We knew we needed the menu and the service to be perfect, so we started training in the kitchen, learning the original recipes as well as cooking and plating techniques in October. We were able to re-open the tea room in early November and took over the entire business officially in December,” said Lopez.

Lopez had worked for 15 years as campaign director for retiring U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky. The timing worked well as she said she learned of the opportunity with the florist and tea room around the  time Congressman Visclosky decided he would not seek re-election.

“It has been an interesting transition and kind of bittersweet as my career with Congressman Visclosky comes to a close and my time with the Merrillville Florist and Tea Room is just beginning,” she said.

Lopez is a native of Northwest Indiana and a graduate of Lake Central High School and Purdue University Northwest.

As a child, Lopez had an interest in flowers and would plant them with her mother and grandmother. “I always knew I wanted to be surrounded by beauty and dreamed of owning a flower shop for as long as I can remember,” said Lopez. “Then growing up I was raised in a way that encouraged me to recognize the feelings that flowers bring and the significance they represent in people’s everyday lives and special moments,” said Lopez.

She’s pleased that her dream has come true in a place where she has spent special times with those who mean the most to her — Christmas lunches with her mother; a bridal luncheon with her husband, Mark, and two stepsons, Jack and Joey; and with friends lingering in a cozy nook with a scone and cup of tea.

But taking over the business has not come without challenges, especially the COVID-19 shutdown. “It’s a huge responsibility as a small business owner to keep our family, our workers, our customers and our community healthy and safe,” she said. “While we are fortunate to not have lost any loved ones personally to the pandemic, the shutdown from March to May really challenged us to look at the business differently and get creative.”

Lopez said that Easter deliveries in a bunny costume were successful and rewarding.

She’s now challenging herself to adapt to the new world and adjust events held on the property and in the tea room. She also used the shutdown to make improvements and upgrades to the building and property: The patio was renovated for use as an outdoor wedding venue for brides who have had to scale down plans and get married in a safer outdoor setting. 

Lopez is grateful for the support of her husband, Mark. “We make a great team. I could not envision what the endeavor would look like without him,” she said. “He is my rock and he keeps me focused while encouraging me to dream and gives a lot of his free time to the business to allow me to focus on learning as much as I can.”

An avid gardener, Lopez loves spending time outdoors When she’s not at work, she’s often doing yard work and tending to her own garden or taking her two golden retrievers hiking in the Indiana Dunes National Park or on other local trails.

Even with all the recent challenges, she said the best part of business is making connections with customers. “We have a presence in people’s lives during important moments,” she said. “Taking a flower order sounds so simple, yet it’s really meeting people when they’re at their most vulnerable — grieving a loss, celebrating a new life, acknowledging a special moment — and you go through it together in a way where a connection forms with that person. It’s really very special and rewarding.”

Off Mic

Lakeshore Public Radio

May 1, 2020

Michael Puente

TODAY ON OFF THE MIC…

What will Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb do? Will he lift the state’s stay-at-home order or extend it for another two weeks? We’ll hear from small business owners on how the pandemic has affected their business; We also hear from a local lawyer on the rights of workers returning to work; Local college students reflect on how COVID-19 crashed their graduation party; And learn more about the Bulls new general manager.

NW Indiana Business Owner Hopes to Re-Open Soon as Governor Mulls Modified ‘Stay-at-Home’ Order

NBC Chicago 5

April 21, 2020

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb is looking at ways to allow some businesses in the state to re-open, that news comes just in time for one Merrillville florist.

Cindy Lopez, who owns the Merrillville Florist and Tea Room, says that she knew she wanted to be involved in her family’s business from a very young age.

“I love all things beautiful,” she said. “I love the expression flowers bring, and the meaning behind them.”

In December, Lopez’s dream finally came true, as she and her husband became the business’ owners. Things were going smoothly until Indiana issued a “stay-at-home” order in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and since then Lopez has worked hard to keep her business afloat.

“We closed the gift shop to the public and limited customer contact,” she said. “We’re still doing curbside pick-up. We have had a lot of calls about when our re-opening date is going to be.”

That date could come in the near future, as Holcomb has begun to make modifications to the state’s “stay-at-home” order, which runs until May 1.

“We’re receiving a lot of input and recommendations on how to do business in the future,” he said.

Holcomb says the number of new cases and deaths reported in the state will help to drive his decisions forward as the state nears the May 1 conclusion of the current stay-at-home order.

In the meantime, Lopez and other business owners say they are trusting the state government to make the right decision as they look to keep their customers and staff safe during the pandemic.

“We are really putting our trust in health officials and the government of Indiana,” she said. “We’re going to abide by their stance on when we should re-open, for the safety of our staff and our customers.”

Lopez says that her shop will still adhere to social distancing guidelines even when the state allows their business to re-open. They plan to open their tea room with tables pushed at least six feet apart, and they plan to make other changes to keep everyone safe amid challenging times.

Easter Bunny to hop around Region to make deliveries for Merrillville Florist and Tea Room

NWI Times

April 10, 2020

Joseph S. Pete

The Easter Bunny is delivering more than brightly colored Easter eggs in the Region this year.

The Merrillville Florist and Tea Room snared the mythological hare and is pressing him into service. The Easter Bunny will personally make all Merrillville Florist and Tea Room deliveries Saturday.

The Region institution at 7005 Madison St in Merrillville, which has hosted formal teas for around 40 years, will deliver Easter Chateau Earl Greys, Emperor Salads, scones and other food, as well as flowers. Customers also can get an Easter meal that they can bake and serve at home.

The Easter Bunny will drop off food or flowers while observing social distancing.

"My husband is volunteering his time as my driver and will call to notify customers when he is on his way, so that he can wave to recipients as he drops off the orders on their doorsteps to observe recommended health protocol," owner Cindy Lopez said. "Social distancing is obviously hard on us as a social society, and it’s a real balance of keeping our distance while making sure our family and loved ones know we are thinking of them. The Merrillville Florist and Tea Room has a real opportunity to provide our customers a safe means of keeping in touch. Events, school and work may be cancelled, but people are still celebrating milestones in their lives — holidays, birthdays, anniversaries — and loved ones are still unfortunately grieving losses."

She hopes the tea room's special holiday deliveries will help put customers in the Easter spirit.

"While taking the appropriate responsible precautions in preparing and delivering orders, we can help safely spread a little joy and happiness to our family and friends," Lopez said. "This idea of this job for me has always been about the flowers, the happiness and the experience, which is why it’s been my dream for most of my life. But lately, it’s turned out to have a greater meaning for me, and has really focused me on the task of putting a smile on a customer’s face and letting them know we are here not only in the good times, but during rough times as well."

Off Mic

Lakeshore Public Radio

February 14, 2020

Michael Puente

TODAY ON OFF MIC …

The future for a historic high school in Northwest Indiana looks bleak. 

We talk to a member of the Indiana State Board of Education. With Iowa and New Hampshire in the bag, it’s on to Nevada and South Carolina for the Democratic candidates for president. We talk about how local supporters for Bernie Sanders, Amy Klobuchar and the rest are gearing up those primaries  as well as Super Tuesday. It’s valentine day so we make a stop at a local florist on this the Super Bowl for those in the flower business. It’s All-Star weekend in Chicago – we get an update on all the festivities. All this on Off Mic.

NWI Business Ins and Outs:
Merrillville Tea Room reopens

NWI Times

November 10, 2019

Joseph S. Pete

The Merrillville Tea Room, a Region institution for nearly 40 years, is bringing back formal afternoon teas and light lunches under new ownership — just in time for the holidays.

Longtime owner Ramona McCrovitz is selling the Merrillville Florist Shop and Tea Room at 7005 Madison St. to longtime customer Cindy Lopez.

"I have known Romana for 15 years," Lopez said. "She and I get along really well. We're as close as family. We had a long-running joke that if she sold the business one day she'd sell it to me. Neither one of us took it seriously until she actually tried to sell it and it fell through. Then she asked me if I really wanted to buy it and the fates aligned."

Lopez bought the business for an undisclosed sum and is transitioning into taking it over. She recently reopened the tea room that McCrovitz closed in June of 2018 after losing her chef. 

A beloved destination that's especially popular during Christmastime, when it's decked out for the season with trees and decorations, the tea room serves formal pots of tea as well as freshly baked scones, pumpkin cranberry bread, sandwiches and salads.

Regulars have rejoiced to see it come back.

"We've certainly been filling up," Lopez said. "It was missed last Christmas season. We've been getting a lot of reservations from mothers and daughters, the Red Hat Society, book clubs, and bridal showers. Business has been picking up because of word of mouth. Word has been spreading as people call their lady friends."

Lopez hopes to carry the vision that made McCrovitz successful over the last 40 years while expanding on her business. She sees the Merrillville Florist Shop and Tea Room as a one-stop-shop for flowers, gifts, and lunch.

"I think it means a lot to the Region," she said. "It's definitely a tradition. It's an annual lunch or holiday party for women or groups here. Whether for a children's tea party or a holiday party, people are excited that it's come back."

She has brought back the same menu to the tea room, which serves 100 to 150 diners, including in "different dining nooks that are super cute and have a ton of character." The 5,000-square-foot restaurant employs 10, including previous staff members like a server who had been there for the last six years. 

"Romana is an amazingly talented woman who comes from an amazingly talented family," she said. "Her daughter owns Captain's House in Miller. The family has such creativity, which is something to be envious of." 

The floral shop is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, while the tea room is open from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday with the last seating at 2:30 p.m. It's open for reservations for baby showers and other events.

"It's always been my dream to own a flower shop," she said. "I have a love for the design and putting the flowers together."

Tinsel Town

NWI Town

November 27, 2019

Bob Moulesong