FORT WALTON BEACH — Pam Goodwin made her last batch of scones Thursday, just a week before her shop Fiddly Bits and Tea closes.
Her heart was heavy as the final day drew near.
“I took my white (apron) off and that’s it,” said Goodwin, who owns the shop with Cheryl Parish. “We put blood, sweat and tears into this, but we just weren’t cutting it so I’m afraid we are closing.”
The tea shop and gallery opened on U.S. Highway 98 downtown in April 2011. It drew customers of all ages for a baked good, sandwich and a kettle of tea.
Goodwin, who is originally from London, said she tried to bring a little piece of her home to the Emerald Coast.
“In England there were little tea rooms everywhere,” she said. “You can chat, gossip with your friends and have a good time. That’s what I wanted and I think I achieved that.”
Eileen Workman, who calls herself a devoted customer, said she stopped by for lunch or a treat at least once a week to catch up with her two adult daughters.
She said she is not taking the news of the closure well.
“I wish it wasn’t closing. It’s going to be missed by so many people,” Workman said. “It was just one of those favorite places. It wasn’t like going to a restaurant; it was more like going home.
“I kept hoping a miracle would happen. I miss it already and it’s not even closed yet.”
Parish said the combination of location and a rough economy are the likely culprits for the business closing. She said the gallery and gift portion of the shop attracted more browsers than buyers.
“Our tea room did very well, it just wasn’t enough,” Parish said. “We’ve been through our tears, sadness, anger and disappointment, so when we do close I will be relived.
“But I want to thank all the people that did come in. It’s been a pleasure meeting everyone.”
Goodwin and Parish believe they achieved what they set out to do by offering a unique shop and experience.
“We may not have made any bloody money, but we made some good friends,” Goodwin said.
Contact Daily News Staff Writer Angel McCurdy at 850-315-4432 or amccurdy@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @AngelMnwfdn.