The Elephant Room experience begins as patrons enter into its spacious and visually calming, minimalist Zen-like interior. Tony and Olga Lopez, the charming owners of The Elephant Room, imagined an earthy theme comprised of bamboo tabletops, sea glass walls and rattan furnishings. The result is a space in which a state of relaxation is not just possible, but altogether probable.

The ambiance is a key aspect to The Elephant Room. However, Tony and Olga put a lot of thought and work into creating an entire experience designed to stimulate mindfulness. This approach was all encompassing and now reflects in their products, service and the meditative music, which acts as segue from the daily hustle and bustle into a serene retreat.

The idea was born from their shared love for tea as well as the tea ceremonies they shared with family and friends at home. Not unlike wine tasting, the tea experience at The Elephant Room seeks to fill your senses. Loose-leaf tea is prepared in clear teapots, served with a steeping timer, which promotes a slowing down process. The pressures of the outside world dissipate and some may even feel like they’ve escaped into another world.

Their individual cultural roots influenced the couple’s vision. Tony is from Mexico and has always carried an entrepreneurial spirit. He grew up in a lake house where he started a wake boarding business. Some of Tony’s happiest early moments were had in his morning routine of sitting on the terrace overlooking the lake while chilling out to exotic, ambient music. He tapped into this experience to be the creative force behind The Elephant Room.

However, the core concept was Olga’s brainchild: the idea to open a teahouse that also serves crêpes. Olga holds a degree in International Business and is from Russia, a country with a rich culture of tea and crêpes. The two met one Valentine’s Day and have been a love story ever since. Having decided to build a life in Rhode Island, they chose Pawtuxet Village for its well-known charm, strong sense of community, and AL current locals, who embrace the experience at The Elephant Room.

The Elephant Room, which opened in August 2012, offers over forty different types of tea, a variety of crêpes (which make for a healthy alternative to most sandwiches), tea-infused scones, wheatgrass super shots, soups, salads. There’s also an array of specialty items and gifts.

At The Elephant Room, guests are sure to feel that they have left routines behind, and have stepped into a momentary parallel universe forgetting the need to be productive and truly enjoy being in the moment.

If you’re wondering where Tony and Olga came up with the name “The Elephant Room,” you’ll just have to stop in and ask them in person. And while you’re there, check out their daily specials and also find out more about the latest events that they’re hosting, such as Poetry/Open Mic Night and other community activities.

Hours
Monday: 8 am - 3 pm
Tuesday - Thursday: 8 am - 8 pm
Friday - Saturday: 8 am - 10 pm
Sunday: 8 am - 3 pm

Submitted by Paula Santos