By Tim Vondell
This month, Lady Ray’s celebrates its fourth anniversary, marking a significant milestone for the beloved Destin-based brand known for its whimsical tea parties, refined café offerings, and immersive lifestyle experiences. What began as a charming concept has grown into a thriving, multi-faceted business—and now, it’s preparing for its next chapter.
To commemorate the occasion, Lady Ray’s has announced plans to begin renovations in May, introducing a highly anticipated addition: a private tea room designed to function as both an elegant lounge and a banquet space. The new area will be available for birthdays, baby showers, and private events, further enhancing the brand’s signature tea party experience while expanding its hospitality footprint.
The space will also serve a practical purpose. During peak café hours, when regulars know seating can be at a premium, the tea room will act as overflow—ensuring that more guests can enjoy the Lady Ray’s experience without compromising comfort or ambiance.
Alongside the physical expansion, the organization also plans to introduce a highly curated “Founders Club,” an invitation-forward membership experience designed for those who value priority, access, and distinction. Members will receive first-right booking privileges, preferred access to limited seatings, bespoke brand offerings and preferred pricing, as well as invitations—with guest privileges—to private, members-only gatherings and preview events.
Positioned as an elevated extension of the Lady Ray’s experience, the Founders Club is intended to deliver a more intimate, refined way to engage with the brand as it continues to grow.
“If you’ve ever stopped in during our busiest hours, you know we’re often at capacity,” said Rachel Ploegmakers. “We’ve thoughtfully utilized just about every inch of our café space over the years. This expansion allows us to grow while preserving the charm and intimacy our guests love.”
Ploegmakers, the creative force behind the culinary direction at Lady Ray’s, has become known for her artful approach to tea service and seasonal menus. Her work blends classic tea traditions with modern, inspired flavors, earning her recognition among both locals and visitors seeking a unique, elevated experience.
“Our goal has always been to create something transportive,” she added. “Tea parties are more than a meal—they’re a moment. This new space lets us lean even further into that magic.”
Owner Tim Vondell emphasized that the expansion reflects both customer demand and a long-term vision for the brand.
“Lady Ray’s has always been about thoughtful growth,” Vondell said. “We’re building something that goes beyond a café—a brand that brings together food, wellness, retail, and community. This renovation is a natural next step in delivering more of what our guests already love.”
A Brand Built for Experience
Lady Ray’s is a Destin-based, multi-concept culinary, beauty, and lifestyle brand operating a diversified portfolio of consumer experiences and product lines. The company integrates food service, wellness, retail, and branded distribution under a scalable platform designed for measured growth, strong community engagement, and long-term brand equity.
Over the past four years, Lady Ray’s has distinguished itself not only through its offerings but through its atmosphere—where curated tea parties, delicate pastries, and intentional design converge to create a memorable escape from the everyday.
As renovations begin and the brand continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: a commitment to experience, detail, and community.
“We’re just getting started,” Vondell said. “And we’re excited to bring our guests along for what comes next.”
With its expansion underway and its reputation firmly established, Lady Ray’s appears poised to turn four years of success into a foundation for even greater growth—one tea party at a time.
