NIRVANA

November was a ‘behind the scenes’ whirlwind of new and unexpected possibilities

On November 3rd, the community and we learned that Nirvana Tea House and Cafe was closing effectively immediately. Countless people messaged me about this.  I will admit I immediately wanted to make sure that the founder was ok, and began to brainstorm about what we could do. Conversations over the next few weeks grew into a proposal for our Board of Directors, developed from the help of invaluable industry-veterans Chef Tyler Wehr and Chef Brian D'Angelo! We have savvy Board members who are lawyers, realtors, business people in the for-profit and the non-profit space, and in hospitality. A tremendous amount of thought and risk-assessment happened in a very short period of time.

We now can share news about what we have kept under wraps!

Unity Farm Sanctuary has officially purchased Nirvana Tea House and Cafe in Millis MA, to further support our mission of compassion and kindness with the best thing on earth - good food! A special financial gift from the endowment makes this possible. The Sanctuary is grateful to founder Ed Williamson for believing in the Sanctuary, and  for creating Nirvana as a wonderful welcoming place in the community.

The Sanctuary has long had a relationship with Nirvana. Did you know Nirvana began in the pandemic? They were our very first food vendor at Dudleyfest, and people enjoyed iced teas, baked goods and fresh wraps and salads. At the Celebration of the Turkeys, they brought their signature butternut squash bisque and hot apple cider to keep our guests warm. 

When visitors came to the Sanctuary, we recommended the short 10 minute drive to Nirvana for a delicious plant based meal after the tours. Our Volunteers would regularly treat themselves after volunteering with the rescues.

We have some new tasks in the next month to get the cafe reopened: re-licensing, restocking, restaffing. We will start with a limited menu of the classic favorites of tea, coffee, baked goods and meals, but that will grow as we maintain fiscal responsibility and can bring on more staff. Nirvana will be run as a separate Massachusetts business entity (LLC) with completely separate bookkeeping. Our donors supporting the rescues at the Sanctuary can rest assured that their donations are exclusively for the rescues and the mission of compassion and kindness

We will have MANY more details and LOTS of updates as we get closer to the re-opening of Nirvana Tea House and Cafe very early 2026.

Spread the word - we hope you are as excited as we are!