Mr. Big came to London last week.
Once Upon A Teacup, a child-friendly London café, held their grand opening of a second Canadian franchise this past weekend amidst a flurry of anticipation of the arrival of Chris Noth, aka Mr. Big of Sex and the City fame, owner of the chain along with his partner — and Windsor native — Tara -Wilson and sister-in-law Stephanie Cenze.
The London franchise located on the corner of Southdale Ave. and Wonderland Rd. is co-owned and operated by the husband and wife team of Laura and Chris DeGroot.
The concept of the franchise is to allow adults to enjoy their tea or coffee, while children play dress-up and enjoy a tea party of their very own. It’s a win-win situation. You can have your cake and eat it too along with scones, salad, finger sandwiches and a bevy of desserts.
The idea was the brainchild of the two sisters and the first Canadian franchise opened in Windsor in May of 2007.
Next stops include Montreal, Toronto and LA. The venue can also be booked for birthdays and baby and bridal showers.
Mr. Noth says while his wife and sister-in-law, “do all the work,” he in fact, “doesn’t officially do anything.”
What he does do is lend a face to the operation, a face that on this day did not disappoint. Many patrons waited an hour or more to catch a glimpse; snap a photo; exchange pleasantries and ask for autographs from the actor famous for his starring roles in Law and Order, Sex and the City and currently The Good Wife where Noth’s role, in his own words, is more of a, ”glorified guest star” and his character less than reputable.
The grand opening event was well represented from area media. Asked how -London was chosen for this franchise, Mr. Noth was quick to reply, “because it’s a family-oriented, university town.” Chris and Tara became parents of a son Orion, some 18 months ago.
Easy rock 97.5 previously held an on air contest whereby contestants, after answering a few trivia questions based on the movie, Sex and the City, were entered into a draw to have tea, the specialty of the house, with Mr. Noth. Out of more than 500 entries, the winner, Courtney Hern, won a limo ride to and from the café; lunch with Mr. Noth as well as CD’s, videos and a Sex and the City photograph book.
Mr. Noth was more than gracious in answering questions and offering up some information on other avenues other than acting, he pursues. Mr. Noth stated he is an advocate for the environment and is involved with the Rainforest Action Network, an environmental organization based in San Francisco, California campaigning for forests and rain forests.
It is a group Mr. Noth says that in essence is, “at the forefront of trying to save us from ourselves.”
When asked if he was aware that London is known as the Forest City, Mr. Noth seemed genuinely inquisitive. “Really? It’s a green city?”
Article ID# 1975574
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