Tea-A-Maria Café: A dream steeped in charm
Sometimes the stars just align. Some call it happenstance, others call it coincidence – or maybe a gentle nudge from the universe. Whatever you call it, it happens. And for Wes and Maria Janzen, formerly of the Roland area, that nudge led them on a path that recently came full circle. Through a series of serendipitous events, the couple found themselves purchasing Café Bru – soon to reopen as Tea-A-Maria Café & B&B.
The first nudge came years ago, when Wes, then a real estate agent, was driving through the countryside and happened to spot a sign advertising Café Bru.
“I thought to myself, ‘That looks like an interesting place – something my wife Maria would enjoy’,” he recalled.
Intrigued, they drove out one day to see it for themselves, not realizing the café was only open for special events. Though they never got the chance to sample the menu or step inside, they were instantly drawn to the charm of the building – a quaint, symmetrical little church on the prairie, just a few miles southeast of Cypress River.
Years later, that same white church reappeared – this time in a real estate listing Maria stumbled across online. The property included a large home, a guest cabin, and yes, the same little church that had captured their imagination so long ago.
“We found out there was an open house, so we decided to check it out – at first, mostly out of curiosity,” Maria said. “Then we saw it and got such a wonderful vibe from the building and from the owners, Albert and Annette Wytinck. My mind started racing with ideas, and it hasn’t stopped since.”
In fact, more ideas were brewing even during the interview. But for now, the plan is to offer a light farm-to-table lunch menu Wednesday through Saturday, featuring homemade soups, fresh salads, and sandwiches, alongside specialty coffees. “I’m learning the art of being a barista,” Maria giggled.
Maria, who has always loved cooking and baking, discovered an even deeper passion during the pandemic.
“I was stuck at home, and I had to do something – so I started playing around with recipes and focusing on presentation. I made everything from fancy main courses to dainties and charcuterie boards. I just love creating beautiful plates.”
Honouring the café’s name, a variety of herbal teas will be available, and Maria plans to host elegant High Tea afternoons – perfect for a girls’ day out or special celebration.
Dinner service may eventually be offered by reservation. The church, which already features two guest rooms and a suite, will also serve as a charming Bed and Breakfast.
Maria and Wes are dedicating one of the basement rooms to becoming a small gym for guests, and they hope to rent out space to a massage therapist or reflexologist in the future.
Wes, who currently works as a property manager, will be around to help with odd jobs and repairs, but the business will be Maria’s baby – something she has dreamed of for years.
“It’s always been a dream of mine. I’ve spent many years working for others and helping them build a business. This time, it’s for me.”
The property also includes four serviced campsites, which Maria admits they’re still figuring out how best to use. “We’re not quite sure yet, but a few ideas have come to mind,” she said with a smile. When asked about the possibility of hosting weddings, Maria said it’s something she’s considered – though only for smaller, more intimate celebrations. “Definitely under 100 guests,” she added. “But we’ll see where things go.”
Maria and Wes are very mindful of the many memorable evenings Albert and Annette once hosted at Café Bru, and they hope to carry on that same spirit of warmth and hospitality.
“They really created something special here,” Maria said. “We’d love to honour that legacy while adding our own touches.” And while the dream may have started years ago as a whimsical idea, it’s taken real form in a place that feels meant to be. “We always joked that we wanted to live in an old school or church,” Wes added with a smile. “Well, this is pretty close – and honestly, it feels just right. For now, Maria’s focus is on setting up the Bed and Breakfast, listing it on vacation rental websites, advertising, and preparing for opening day – which, as of now, is still to be determined. Menus are ready for printing and feature fresh, creative, and healthy offerings at more-than-reasonable prices.
From a passing sign on a country road to a dream realized in a prairie church, Tea-A-Maria Café & B&B is sure to be steeped in charm, vision, and heart.
PHOTO CAPTION: Maria and Wes Janzen are the new owners of the former Cafe Bru, and plan to open a new business called Tea-A-Maria Cafe & B&B. PHOTO SUBMITTED
