Diane’s Creations & Tea Room
114 Broadway • Kissimmee, Florida 34741
facebook.com/dianes.tearoom/ • 407-201-4733
Tucked into a small storefront in downtown Kissimmee, Diane’s Creations & Tea Room has been serving hearty meals and pots of tea for more than a decade. But when owner Diane Watkins opened the restaurant, she could never have imagined how it would thrive.
“I had a store where I was selling furniture,” Diane recalls. “I was ready to close, but I got this whim when a customer said I should do a tearoom here. I just thought, ‘God’s got me in His hands.’ I thought I’d do this for two years. I’ve done it for 14.”
With the addition of tables adorned with linens, chairs, and a kitchen space, Diane transformed her original furniture business into a homey setting. From icicle lights and chandeliers hanging in the venue to a variety of teapots, cups, and saucers in different patterns on the tables and available for purchase, visitors to Diane’s Creations & Tea Room will discover a relaxed setting for a filling meal.
Admittedly, prior to transitioning her store to a dining establishment, Diane didn’t have any experience owning a restaurant. But as a seasoned home cook with several years under her apron strings, Diane quickly learned what her clientele craved. Along with a luncheon menu full of sandwiches and quiches, Diane taught herself how to create a high-tea service that reflected her personal philosophy that no guest leave hungry. As high tea traditionally was offered as a heartier alternative to the lighter fare served for afternoon tea, Diane’s interpretation is fitting for diners who wish to enjoy a more ample selection of classic teatime fare. Diane keeps a collection of 43 different teas from which guests can choose to accompany their high tea, which consists of freshly baked scones, an assortment of tea sandwiches, fresh fruit, and a collection of pastries.
“I always explain that mine isn’t a normal high tea,” Diane says. “My mom always told me that more was never enough. Guests almost always leave with a doggie bag.”
As Diane is busy cooking all the food for the business, her husband of 36 years, Wayne, can often be found serving tables and handling any odd jobs Diane can’t attend to herself. Despite spending most of her days cooking and baking, Diane is still able to connect with her guests, as her open-kitchen concept puts her within her patrons’ eyesight.
“I want them to feel relaxed, like they’re in my house,” Diane adds. “The nicest compliment I receive is when guests will bring their out-of-town friends and family. I’ve had so many customers throughout the years, and they’re each so rewarding for me.”
Diane’s Creations & Tea Room is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Reservations for high tea are required at least 24 hours in advance.
