A revered tea shop and book store in Fort Worth is calling it quits: Leaves Book and Tea Shop, a Magnolia Avenue bookstore, tea room, and bakery all combined together into one will close its doors at the end of the summer.

According to a post from founder Tina Miller Howard, their last day will be August 15.

She thanked the community for coming together and help her realize her vision to "celebrate life's moments, enjoy ordinary days, and recognize extraordinary ones."

Howard first opened the shop in 2018 at 120 St. Louis Ave. with a goal to create a space to pause from the hectic pace of life. It was a darling location with a cozy courtyard and supportive neighbors, uniquely positioned near South Main and downtown.

They began their tradition as a true community spot, hosting myriad events such as silent book clubs, afternoons with authors, afternoon teas with teens, Harry Potter Read-Alouds, galentine's yoga, mik & cookie "snacky" hours, "sip & stitch" crochet classes, writing workshops, vendor pop-ups, and more.

It was a role much appreciated by fans, one of whom said, "We have loved every book, sparkling tea, sweet treat, beautiful encounters with staff and your community and most importantly a special place to gather with friends."

Unfortunately, Leaves was one of many small businesses that got pummeled by the pandemic, with an aftermath that would never be the same, leading to a struggle to remain solvent.

In 2022, Leaves took over ownership of Stir Crazy Baked Goods, the small bakery at 1251 W. Magnolia Ave. By January 2024, they had consolidated the two concepts together into the Stir Crazy space.

Howard called the departure from her original location "bittersweet," but stated that it was the only way they could save the business from completely closing. But it allowed them to merge into a tea shop-bakery where customers could purchase baked goods, tea, and books all in the same place.

Their menu included hot, iced, and their signature sparkling teas, plus a menu of savory and sweet goods. The sweet side included whole cakes, cookies, bars, sweet breads, sweet rolls, biscotti, muffins, scones, pies, cupcakes, decorated cookies, and more. Savory offerings included sausage rolls, quiche, frittata, and other breakfast items.

Their pastries earned them a nomination for a CultureMap Tastemakers Award for Dessert Program of the Year in 2026, touting customers' ability to shop for books while savoring something sweet. "The menu of cakes, cookies, bars, biscotti, pies, and even house-made peanut butter dog treats draw patrons from Near Southside neighborhoods, many who visit by foot," the nomination said.

They often did thematic and seasonal specials like conchas tinted like King Cake for Mardi Gras, or the limited-edition dinosaur-shaped sugar cookies they issued to celebrate the dinosaur exhibit at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden in 2024.

Howard said that, in their remaining time open, they'll continue occupying their strong role as a gathering place.

"Over the next 10 weeks, we will revisit favorite traditions, beloved events, memorable partnerships, and some of the flavors and products that have defined us," she said.