By RJ Murphy
MIDLAND — Grove Tea Lounge has occupied the former Chemical Bank facility on the corner of Abbott Road and Eastlawn Drive for one year.
The Lounge is owned by two couples: Patrick and Shannon McElgunn, and Erin and Joe Rivard. The Delta Collegiate followed up on the thriving business.
“The response and the feedback we’ve gotten from the community has been fantastic,” says Patrick McElgunn.
Grove Tea Lounge serves 32 different teas, kombucha on tap, delicious breakfast, lunch and snacks. Some of the more popular food items include their skillet wrap and energy bites, as well as vegan and gluten-free doughnuts.
The Lounge prides itself on having options available for everyone. Since last year, the Lounge has introduced new vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options to the menu.
“If I didn’t tell you they were vegetarian, vegan or dairy-free, you would never know,” says McElgunn.
Their new spring menu will be rolled out within the next month or so — they are adding even more allergy-friendly and dietary-inclusive options across the board.
Last year, McElgunn told the Collegiate about the Lounge’s sustainability goals and so far, they’ve followed through. Leftover tea leaves and coffee grounds are donated to be used as fertilizer. Last summer, the compost was donated to community gardens.
“It helps us reduce the amount of trash we put out and at the same time, we’re helping local gardens grow some amazing things,” says McElgunn.
Grove Tea Lounge plans to keep growing.
“We created the space, but it’s really our awesome staff, customers and community that breathe life into it,” says McElgunn. “We’re always so thankful for all the support and encouragement from the community.”
They’re doing something right. On Thursday, Feb. 13, Grove Tea Lounge won the Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the Midland Business Alliance.
The Lounge is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can check out their menu at www.grovetealounge.com.
The Grove Tea Lounge in Midland offers a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere. Thursday, Jan. 30. (Rebecca Roberts/Photo Editor) 
The Grove Tea Lounge in Midland offers a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere. Thursday, Jan. 30. (Rebecca Roberts/Photo Editor) 
The Grove Tea Lounge in Midland offers fresh pastries daily and features kombucha on tap. Thursday, Jan. 30. (Rebecca Roberts/Photo Editor) 
Bring in your student ID card to receive a discount Mondays through Fridays, from 2 to 6 p.m.! Thursday, Jan. 30. (Rebecca Roberts/Photo Editor) 
The Grove Tea Lounge has a welcoming atmosphere as soon as you step inside. Thursday, Jan. 30. (Rebecca Roberts/Photo Editor) 
The Grove Tea Lounge offers free wi-fi as to accommodate study sessions, work sessions and meetings. Thursday, Jan. 30. (Rebecca Roberts/Photo Editor) 
Customers read through the menu at The Grove Tea Lounge in Midland, filled with beverages, pastries and meals. Thursday, Jan. 30. (Rebecca Roberts/Photo Editor) 
Customers read through the menu at The Grove Tea Lounge in Midland, filled with beverages, pastries and meals. Thursday, Jan. 30. (Rebecca Roberts/Photo Editor) 
A barista pours tea into a teapot matching the Grove Tea Lounge’s signature shade of blue. Thursday, Jan. 30. (Rebecca Roberts/Photo Editor) 
The Grove Tea Lounge in Midland has a modern, geometric aesthetic. Thursday, Jan. 30. (Rebecca Roberts/Photo Editor) 
Part-owner Patrick McElgunn works from his laptop at the Grove Tea Lounge. (RJ Murphy/Reporter)