The entire world revolves around tea — at least, it does at Savouré. Located at 201 W. Broadway, the shop is an aromatic haven. According to the store’s employees, customers can duck in from the traffic and stress of everyday life to enjoy an hour or two of tea, tea and more tea.
The shop sells tea by the pot — to be consumed at Savouré’s fancy tables or comfortable couches. Teapots and every tea accouterment imaginable, including tea magazines, also line the shelves for purchase.
The sign outside reads, “Tea As It Should Be,” and manager Deonna DeBusman said customers would agree.
“We probably have about 75 percent regulars,” she said. “You recognize almost everyone that walks through the door.” DeBusman said she sees 10 to 15 percent of these customers on a daily basis.
According to DeBusman, owner Cindy Potter opened the store in November 2000 after she traveled to Paris with family members. In France, she encountered the tea shop Mariage Fréres, which inspired her to create Savouré.
This French theme is evident in Savouré’s decorations — deep red walls and fine furnishings — and its tea. The shop serves 60 varieties — from Choco Menthe to Earl Grey. Eleven of these are imported from Mariage Fréres, including Savouré’s most popular, Marco Polo tea.
Despite the elegant setting, the atmosphere inside the shop is not staunch; leisure also happens to be one of Savouré’s themes.
“(Potter) wanted a place where people could come and have tea in a relaxing environment,” DeBusman said.

On this Friday afternoon, customers lounge around tables and couches, knitting, reading, writing and, of course, sipping their favorite teas. Along with their drinks, they eat “savories” and “sweets,” which the shop offers as part of its “Salon Tea” selection.
Artichoke and spinach tartlets, orange muffins with turkey and cranberry spread, scones with clotted cream and jam and petit fours are just a few examples of Savouré’s tea-complementing fare. The selections change from month to month.
“You need at least an hour to really enjoy it all,” DeBusman said.
Tea-maker Jessica Yarris agreed.
“The act of taking tea is not something you rush into,” she said. “You don’t ever take a shot of espresso for a break. Tea is very unique in that area.”
Yarris, a University junior and self-described “tea nerd,” said Savouré also hosts wedding showers, baby showers and other parties. The store’s customer base has expanded substantially since its opening.
“Business has more than doubled,” Yarris said. “It’s rolling.”
Yarris added that the shop is building up a student customer base.
Customer Karrin Dailey said she has been sipping tea at Savouré since August.
“I had a friend who brought me here,” she said. “I immediately fell in love with the place.”
The Eugene-based fantasy writer said she visits the shop two or three times a week, where she meets friends, reads or writes.
“I like the relaxed atmosphere,” she said. “I like the fact that I can come and hang out, not be in a hurry. I could stay for an hour, I could stay for two — it’s all good.”
Dailey said her favorite order is the Wedding Imperial tea with rock sugar and cream. She also makes tea at home and is building her own collection of Savouré fare.
The store also sells these selections at its Internet site, www.savouretea.com. DeBusman said Savouré ships orders all over the country.
There’s something in the air here that suggests the shop’s secret goes beyond tea, and both DeBusman and Yarris said Savouré’s essence lies in its laid-back, community atmosphere.
“It’s wonderful to get to talk to people in Eugene I wouldn’t ordinarily meet,” said Yarris, ” — to produce something that’s beautiful and relaxing.”
As the afternoon traffic rolls by outside its large windows, Savouré floats somewhere between here and Paris, its interior a mixture of warm aromas and soft chatter.
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