About
Welcome to The Sassy Rose Tea Parlor
Asheville’s boutique tea sanctuary where Gilded Age elegance meets playful modern charm. Nestled in downtown Asheville, we are inspired by the city’s creative energy, historic character, and Appalachian soul. Our space reflects an independent spirit, a love of artistry, and a deep connection to the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The Sassy Rose Tea Parlor was created to bring something rare to Asheville: a dedicated destination for formal afternoon tea that feels immersive, memorable, and delightfully unexpected. Inspired by the social rituals of the Gilded Age and the city’s eccentric spirit, we blend vintage beauty with contemporary values.
Our Values
We believe true luxury is thoughtful, ethical, and rooted in community. That is why we are committed to sourcing artisanal and local ingredients whenever possible, celebrating the makers and flavors of the Blue Ridge region, and fostering a workplace built on dignity and living-wage values. Every detail—from our tableside tea service to our retail collection in The Pug’s Pantry—is designed to reflect quality, intention, and a genuine connection to place.
Our Story
Hi, I’m Jade, owner and creator of The Sassy Rose Tea Parlor.
The Sassy Rose Tea Parlor is the culmination of a lifetime of wonder, heritage, and Appalachian influence — all tied together with intention, beauty, and a touch of pug-powered charm.
Although I grew up in Durham, I have always been drawn to the Blue Ridge Mountains and their mystery and magic. Summer trips to Asheville with my grandmother are some of my most cherished memories.
We always went to the S&W Cafeteria, Woolworth’s, or the High Tea Café in downtown Asheville, and wandered through the shops in Biltmore Village. And then there was Biltmore. As a child wandering its halls and gardens, I felt like I had stepped into a living fairytale. It’s where I first experienced and fell in love with European architecture. The grandeur, the craftsmanship, the sense of timelessness all set against the beautiful blue hues of the mountains — those visits planted the earliest seeds of inspiration for the world I dreamed of creating.
Even today, Biltmore remains one of my favorite places; its gardens, architecture, and atmosphere continue to inspire the aesthetic and spirit of The Sassy Rose Tea Parlor. Guests at Sassy Rose may notice touches of these influences woven into our décor, our service style, and the delicate artistry of our menu.
There is also something beautifully full-circle about welcoming guests at 62 Haywood Street, once home to Cecil’s Business College in the late 1920s. The Cecil name echoes Asheville’s Vanderbilt legacy through the Cecil family of Biltmore, adding another quiet thread of history, hospitality, and local heritage to this address.
And at the heart of everything in life are two adorable black pugs — Sassafras and Rosie. Their personalities are as bold as their names, and their charm inspired the very identity of this tea parlor. Sassy Rose is named for them: a blend of sweetness, mischief, and elegance that perfectly captures the spirit I want every guest to feel when they walk through our doors.
Welcome to The Sassy Rose, where every visit is meant to feel a little magical.
