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Did you know that the Olympia Tea Room is turning 100? Here are two recent press releases regarding the upcoming season at the Olympia Tea Room. They open for the season on April 29th at 5 pm…signs of summer!
WATCH HILL, RI (March 16, 2016) – More than a restaurant, a local institution, the Olympia Tea Room is set to open for its 100th season this upcoming spring. Located in the heart of the village of Watch Hill, this full-service restaurant is one of the oldest continuously operating businesses in the town of Westerly. The Olympia has been thriving at the same Bay Street location since 1916. Through its century old history, the business was owned and operated by the Tramis brothers from 1916 to 1979. In 1980, Jack and Marcia Felber acquired the business inheriting a small menu of sandwiches, sundaes, and fountain sodas. Over the years, the menu evolved to an exciting selection of simple yet elegant bistro-style fare complemented by a full-service bar and award winning wine list.
Chef Kyle Lydick, a graduate of Johnson & Wales University, crafts a menu highlighting locally sourced seafood prepared as New England classics with a Mediterranean twist. The menu is accentuated by a creative cocktail and wine list curated by the owner’s daughter, Georgia Felber Jones, one of Rhode Island’s only female Certified Court of Masters Sommeliers.
The restaurant offers seating for nearly 100 guests in cozy mahogany booths or at the antique marble bar. Guests are also offered outdoor European-style seating. The sunset pink walls, black and white checkered floor, and retro neon clock offer a taste of nostalgia of an era passed, embodying their slogan of “Famous not Fancy”.
The Olympia has entertained the likes of Mark Walhberg, Regis Philbin, Albert Einstein, Meryl Streep, Robert Plant, Conan O’Brien, Jessica Simpson, Clark Gable, and more recently, Watch Hill resident Taylor Swift and friends.
WATCH HILL, RI (April 11, 2016) – Surviving hurricanes, fires, and floods, the Olympia Tea Room has certainly withstood the test of time. In 2016, the treasured Watch Hill eatery celebrates 100 years in operation from its same Bay Street location. Through the years, thousands of customers have been greeted by the same timeworn mahogany booths, antique marble bar, and sunset pink walls.
“We’re proud to be here,” says Georgia Felber Jones, Manager, “the village has changed so much through the years just by hurricanes and fires alone, but we’ve never missed a season. I can’t imagine Watch Hill without the Olympia and I can’t imagine the Olympia without Watch Hill.”
The Olympia has survived massive building fires, the 1938 Hurricane, Hurricane Carole, and more recently, Super Storm Sandy. Despite these catastrophes causing great damage to the area, the Olympia has continued its Watch Hill legacy year after year.
Owners Jack and Marcia Felber are committed to maintaining the restaurant and its rich history.
“The Olympia Tea Room is the heartbeat of old Watch Hill. There’s a certain nostalgia we like to keep but it’s a balance. We’re maintaining the history while providing our customers with a fresh modern approach to good food and wine.”
The Olympia sources local ingredients, offering an innovative take on old world crafted food, complemented by their expansive wine program with over 40 wines by the glass.
To experience this time honored tradition, the Olympia Tea Room is open May through November serving lunch and dinner.
About Olympia Tea Room
Olympia Tea Room is a classic family owned restaurant located in the heart of Watch Hill, Rhode Island, owned and operated by Jack and Marcia Felber.
For more information, visit the website at www.olympiatearoom.com
Lois and Bob Loomis, my grandmother and grandfather lived in watch hill and when we were kids, we used to go to The Olympia Tea Room at the door which was located by the bar, ( back when ), and Teddy used to give us little cups of the homemade ice cream that the brothers used to make. only three flavors, chocolate, strawberry and vanilla, my favorite. when Spiro saw Teddy giving it to us kids, he’s shoo us away, and yell at Teddy for giving it to us.. Teddy was such a nice man.. great memories..