Innovative Teacups Bring Music And Customers To Restaurants And Shops

Musical Teacarinas developed by the STL Ocarina attract customers and add a
dynamic twist to the dining experience at local restaurants and tea shops
ST. LOUIS--(Business Wire)--
Our parents have taught us not to play with our food, but what about our
teacups? Recently the St. Louis Ocarina Store developed the Teacarina - an
ocarina that doubles as a teacup - and now local restaurant owners and teashop
owners are learning that an interactive place setting can be fun for their
customers as well as a savvy business move.

Developed by professional ocarina musicians with the help of a pottery artist,
the Teacarina is a whimsical and playful take on the ocarina, a small flute-like
wind instrument with a 12,000 year history that is known for its practicality
and versatility. The Teacarina retains the ocarina`s original four-hole
fingering and soft tone while also incorporating a functional teacup. The glazed
clay instrument is available in bright, Asian color schemes - and is ready for
either a warm drink or a song.

Since the Teacarina`s release, St. Louis restaurants and coffee shops are
finding that the new musical cups are keeping their customers engaged,
entertained, and coming back for more.

"We have had a very enthusiastic response from the restaurant owners who have
experimented with using our Teacarinas," said St. Louis School of Music director
and ocarina enthusiast Dr. Dennis Yeh. "They have told us that their customers
enjoy learning how to use the instrument and often linger at their tables to
perfect a song or two. Even customers with no musical background are able to
create tunes and feel a sense of accomplishment - all while dining out with
friends or family."

While some restaurants serve their tea in the bright, interactive cups (along
with laminated note cards that teach the diner a simple song), teashop owners
are displaying their Teacarinas or offering them for sale. The attractively
designed cups brighten each table, while the instrument`s sound is mellow and
quiet enough not to bother neighboring customers.

"Drinking tea is often a social occasion, and the Teacarina is a wonderful way
to bring together a group of people through shared music," explained Yeh. "From
a business perspective, the Teacarina is also a success - customers will visit
more often, stay longer, and perhaps purchase a Teacarina to take home."

The Teacarina is now available for sale, both on location at the St. Louis
Ocarina store and online. To learn more about offering Teacarinas at your
business, please visit www.stlocarina.com.

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St. Louis Ocarina Store
Dennis Yeh, 314-469-4980
info@stlocarina.com
http://www.stlocarina.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009