Antioch's Linda B's features teas, handmade desserts

By Roni Gehlke

Name of business: Linda B's Coffee, Tea, Espresso and More

Type of business: Cafe and gift shop

Owner: Linda Brantley

Founded: February 2009

Address: 615 W. Second St., Antioch

Phone number: 755-BUZZ (2899)

Hours: Tuesday through Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday

Number of employees: one

Products and services: Linda B's offers a variety of coffees, teas, loose teas and espressos served with a mix of handmade breads, scones and dessert items. The breads, scones and desserts are all made in house. They offer takeout or eat-in services. For those who want to host a tea event, Linda B's offers a catering service with varieties of teas and baked goods. Linda B's also features
a gift shop area with tea accessories and purchased and handcrafted items.

How did you get into the business: "This was something I was always about to do," Brantley said. "About 15 years ago we looked in the area for a location but that didn't work out."

She said that she wound up moving away from the area for several years, and then when she moved back she revisited the idea of opening her coffee and tea place. She finally found the location she wanted and opened her doors.

Best part about the business: "I would have to say the best thing is the people I get to meet and deal with here," she said.

Worst part about the business: Like many businesses, Brantley said she is worried about the uncertainty of the times. Business has been slow, but she is hoping things will pick up over the next few months.

Key to success: "I think that is still to be determined," she said. "But if I had to say it would be determination."

Biggest misperception about the business: Brantley said if people were to just look into the window of their shop they would be confused as to exactly what type of business she had. That is because they not only have the coffee, tea and espresso part of the business, but they also have a wide variety of gifts. "They just have to step inside to find out," she said.
Future plans: Over the next few months for the holidays, Brantley has invited local artists and crafters to come in on Saturday to sell their items. She is also working on possibly adding Wi-Fi services and expanding her menu to include some simple lunch fare.