Time for a Cuppa with ‘Tea Syndrome’
Around 5.30 pm for the past few months, any passers-by along Stanley Thilakaratne Mawatha in Nugegoda would notice a tiny tea stall, neatly set up under a colourful umbrella and fitted atop what looks to be a bedside stand. By the side of it stands a mini-whiteboard bearing the name ‘Tea Syndrome’. This charming little kiosk is run by thirteen year old Sh’lom Fernando and his eight year old brother Jehayel Fernando. With the lockdowns taking up most of the year and schools being shut for extended periods, most kids naturally find their time spent at home to be quite boring. Consequently, Sh’lom began searching for a productive outlet. Since some of the ‘ideas’ he had in mind were too costly for a start-up, he became frustrated and complained to his mother.
Sh’lom with his brother Jehayel Pictures courtesy Tea Syndrome
“For goodness sake, you’re good at making tea, go outside the house and sell some tea,” came the reply.
Today, Sh’lom runs the Tea Syndrome with his younger brother Jehayel, playing the role as the venture’s official marketing manager. Their mother prepares the food, while Sh’lom makes his now famous tea.
At the onset, the focus was to sell a good cup of tea at a reasonable price, Sh’lom tells us. But he realized that people would also enjoy a small snack as well, at that time of the day.
Soon, Tea Syndrome began selling delicious, clean, homemade snacks. At present their menu includes Chicken Lollipops (topped with a secret sauce), Spicy Chicken Marmite Bites, Cheese in Chicken Buttons amongst the savoury items. Their sweets include Vanilla and Chocolate Sponge Cakes.
They have also introduced a couple of dinner items which include “Seeni Sambol in Thati Paan and Seeni Sambol with Meatballs in a Thati Paan”. They hope to expand on this menu with a few vegetarian items as things progress.
But the stall is definitely not complete without its Ginger (Inguru) Plain Tea and Tea Syndrome’s Signature Milk Tea. And both Sh’lom and Jehayel find their customers coming back for more. Consistency is the key to this business and Sh’lom firmly believes in maintaining the taste and quality of their products, especially the tea. As a result, many customers who come in daily for their tea often end up having two cups. “Our snacks are also not the normal snacks you know – they’re different and tasty!” says the young entrepreneur.
His aim is to gather as much knowledge and experience as possible in all aspects of the business. Sh’lom is also guided by his father, who spends a considerable amount of time at the stall teaching him how to look at things from a business point of view. This includes handling customers, gathering feedback to perfect their menu, daily accounts, and the importance of marketing and branding, etc.
But of course Sh’lom’s main focus at the moment is his school lessons, which finish at 1.30pm daily. He’d then finish his homework and read through his notes, before finally beginning prep for the evening service. “So there is ample time to finish my studies,” he says.
The Tea Syndrome is also concerned about the safety measures they currently have in place. At the stall, the food is always handled with gloves and masks. A sanitizer bottle sits next to them at all times.
As things progress, young Sh’lom’s plan is to take Tea Syndrome to greater heights once he completes his schooling career. “I want it to become a big branch network locally and possibly internationally with absolutely affordable, clean and fresh food,” he says.
Indeed, the future seems bright for this simple business that continues with a lot of passion and hard work. Sh’lom is grateful to his family, his landlord and everyone who goes out of their way to see that his small business keeps growing.
He is strongly encouraged by the kind words and wishes he receives from his customers. These leave him determined to make Tea Syndrome not only a place that serves a good cup of tea, but one that is filled with lasting memories.
The Tea Syndrome stand is located between Cargills and Synergen Health along the Stanley Tilakaratne Mawatha, Nugegoda. Customers can also contact them via their hotline 0777 793 312 or 0767 477 441 for more information.