About Us
The Tea Trolley was born in 1930 as the first standing building on Entrada Avenue which had been the town’s main street depot during the town’s initial formation in 1913. She has contently watched her neighborhood transform over her 95 years. One of her first neighbors was the original post office and use to stand just across the street (now Bramble Pie Company). Despite the downtown’s significant growth and development, Tea Trolley continues to stand strong. And despite her short stature, she is still able to admire and peak over at her very handsome and longest friend and companion, the majestic golden-domed City Hall, built in 1914.
Wendy Richardson
Wendy Richardson was the original owner and heart behind the Tea Trolley. Raised in England by her devoted single mother —a woman who, naturally, loved tea— Wendy carried her mother’s dream of running a tearoom, across the pond when she moved to the United States in 1960 to work as a nanny.
In 2000 she discovered this “quaint little house on Entrada” Avenue and instantly knew this would be the perfect place to bring that dream to life. Fulfilling her mother’s long held wish, Wendy opened the doors to the original Tea Trolley in December of 2002.
For the next two decades, she poured freshly brewed pots of tea, baked scrumptious scones, and welcomed both locals and travelers near and far. Generations of guests found warmth, conversation, and community within these walls. After the pandemic, Wendy made the very difficult decision to close her beloved shoppe. In 2025, with grace and hope she lovingly passed her apron to me —entrusting me to carry on her legacy of creating this sanctuary space where the community can continue to gather, celebrate, and share life’s many blessings for many more generations to come.
An Enchanted Landmark
The Tea Trolley, offers an elegant ‘high tea’ experience on California’s Central Coast. Tucked into beautiful downtown Atascadero, our 1930s home is more than a venue —it is a magical setting for afternoon tea, private celebrations, dinstinctive retail treasures and unforgettable moments.
This historic home will soon celebrate its centennial, proudly wearing her original shingles, first laid over the knee of a Franciscan friar nearly one hundred years ago.
Over the years, she has been home to a dressmaker and a lawyer, and for more than two decades, generations of guests have gathered around her tables to share countless cups of lovely tea and fond memories.
Chef Andre Averseng
Pastry Chef
For over the past 23 years, Executive Chef Andre Averseng has served the Paso Robles community his own special ‘classic’ cuisine at Paso Terra Restaurant. But time moves on, and so has Chef Andre. His new venture, Le Gourmet Spot, will provide new opportunities for SLO county residents who miss those mouth watering scallops, escargot, decadent Paellas and perfectly presented seafood prepared in the ‘classic’ cuisine way a chance to enjoy his food ‘up close and personal’ either at home, at an Air B&B, perhaps a local winery once again!
If you don’t know Chef’s history, well, it began literally with his birth in a kitchen! His culinary expertise is quite impressive and began in the south of France, studied and worked at a well known catering company in his home area of Avignon. He graduated in 1972 with honors and was named Best Culinary Apprentice in all of France! In 1978, he fulfilled his dream of coming to America and was a pastry chef at Santa Anita racetrack and sous chef at the well-known ‘Le Restaurant’ in West Hollywood, rubbing elbows with Wolfgang Puck, Michele Richard in Beverly Hills, Jean Bertranou of L’Ermitage, Henri Tissot of Henri, Daniel Forge at La Chaumier, and even encountered Julia Child along the way just to name a few of those ‘tres chic’ establishments of the ‘80s.
His vast background includes such experiences as teaching at the major culinary schools as well as the Art Institute in Los Angeles, serving as Chef Garde Manger at the most prestigious Jonathan Club in downtown L.A. and being owner of “Dining with Andre” in South Pasadena just to name a few. (He even did a stint as personal chef to Andy Gibb of the BeeGees if you’re old enough to remember them!)
His credentials include being a member of the Club Culinaire Francais, and he holds diplomas in pastry, butchery. He is a member of the American Culinary Federation and holds the coveted title of Certified Executive Chef…a most prestigious honor. Many may not know that he is also a proficient beer brewer (and has been a judge for several competitions), and wine maker! These credentials afford him the ability to be a superb talent at pairing both wines and beers with fine cuisine of any locale.
Talk to this most down to earth yet superbly talented man and you will find his greatest joy comes from watching people enjoy great food, good company, and all that comes from a superb dining experience. Now at Le Gourmet Spot he is looking to prepare fine meals for families and groups of friends to celebrate special occasions, or…just because they want to once again enjoy their favorite dishes prepared by Chef Andre. Aside from that, teaching is a passion, so classes from pasta making to luscious sauces, decadent pastries, breads baguettes and croissants are available. Paso Terra may be in the past…but Chef Andre will continue to offer his own special classic cuisine to friends both old and new…’up close & personal’.
Lillian Germond
Lead Dining Server
Born and raised on California’s Central Coast, I wandered my way through Santa Cruz and Seattle, following the trail of good food and warm company. Along the way I learned the art of fine dining at places like Copine, The Herbfarm, and Art of the Table, where every detail mattered. These days I am more enchanted by the simple magic of everyday moments, whether it is a pot of tea shared, a story swapped, or a laugh that lingers. Now a new mom, I draw inspiration from family, cooking, and creating little pockets of wonder that feel both comforting and a little magical.
Gina Hammond
Tea Expert, Herbalist
With over 15 years of experience in the local tea and herb industry, I bring both hands-on expertise and a deep passion for plant-based wellness. My background includes work in natural food environments as well as study through Rosemary Gladstar’s Science and Art of Herbalism.
Family is at the heart of my journey. As a mother and grandmother, I value the importance of simple, nourishing traditions that foster health, balance, and connection across generations. Whether creating restorative tea blends, cultivating a garden, or sharing a wholesome meal, I am dedicated to supporting others in discovering the everyday benefits of herbal wisdom and mindful living.
Lynne Lyles Anger
Biscuitier
Hello there!
I grew up in a small, quaint town much like Atascadero. On the very first day of first grade in Los Gatos, I walked right up to Deneen and asked her to be my best friend — and that friendship has lasted ever since. So when she invited me to create her favorite shortbread cookies to pair with the Tea Trolley’s curated teas, I happily said, “Absolutely!”
For nearly 30 years I’ve worked as a labor and delivery nurse, but my creative outlet has always been DIY projects, baking, and cookie decorating. During the pandemic, I poured my heart into perfecting a buttery shortbread recipe — and what began as a hobby quickly became a true passion.
Though I’m still working in the Bay Area, my husband and I — now newly dubbed “free birds” — have fallen in love with Atascadero. I’m delighted to share my perfected shortbreads here at the Tea Trolley, the cookies Deneen has chosen to complement every cup of tea.
Pinkies Up!
Deneen DiCarlo
Owner
Welcome to the Tea Trolley!
I am truly honored to be the new owner of this beloved 95 year old Atascadero tea house. Every detail of its renovation was inspired by my love of entertaining (thank you, Mom) and aiming to create a delightful space for friends and family to gather, celebrate and enjoy a memorable and unique experience.
Over my 50 plus years, I've been blessed with such a rich and loving life. And I'm overjoyed to have found this especially charming house on Entrada to collect and share ALL my favorite things that I have catalogued throughout my journeys and many cherished friendships. There is a little bit of every place I have visited and a lot of everyone I have ever loved in this tiny beautiful house.
To me, the Tea Trolley is more than a place to sip and savor the timeless joy of sharing tea— it’s a space for connection, community, elegance, celebration, and enchantment.
Carrying on the legacy of the Tea Trolley's original owner, Wendy Richardson, is a privilege I hold dear to my heart. I hope to make Wendy proud as I nurture this beautiful tea house and share its magic with all who step through our doors.