Film Expansion

NIGHTMARE NOSTALGIA: Reanimating The Movie Rental Experience

Black Kettle Tea Shoppe specializes in the spooky, and now they’re adding horror flicks for rent

Nicole Lincoln, photos by Andrea Paulseth |

GET READY FOR GOOSEBUMPS. Nostalgia is creeping its way into Black Kettle Tea Shoppe in downtown Eau Claire.
GET READY FOR GOOSEBUMPS. Nostalgia is creeping its way into Black Kettle Tea Shoppe in downtown Eau Claire.

Feeling nostalgic or lookin’ for a thrill? Downtown Eau Claire’s Black Kettle Tea Shoppe has you covered!

Owner Brianna Vodvarka is excited about the shop’s re-grand opening, slated for Saturday, July 20, unveiling new offerings – including horror movie rentals. Nightmare Nostalgia Horror Movie Rentals will give folks the opportunity to rent out thrilling DVDs and VHS tapes. (Don’t worry if you don’t own a VCR anymore, they’re renting those out too!). Vodvarka is hoping that by October this year they will have a full shelf for selections. The shop will host other classics too, such as Indiana Jones, but they aim to present mainly horror and thriller titles.

Vodvarka and her employees reminisced about the days of Blockbuster and Family Video and wanted to bring that wistfulness back to the area. Flicks can be rented for two days for $3 or one week for $5. VCR rentals are also offered at $15.

Another addition to the biz is the opportunity for vendors to showcase their work in the shop’s back room. Eau Claire has so many incredible artists who deserve recognition, and while Black Kettle Tea Shoppe already hosts local artist goods in the shop, the addition brings a dedicated space for more. There is no charge for the booth and vendors can reach out directly to schedule a setup day.

The shop still has their unique, horror-inspired jewelry, tea, and more for purchase, too: Things are just getting jazzed up. Black Kettle Tea Shoppe is the place to stop at for all things spooky-related, so if you aren’t already prowling the shop, get introduced at the re-grand opening.


For more information about movie rentals, selling or donating to the shop's thrift section, and about vending, contact Brianna Vodvarka at blackkettleteashoppe@gmail.com • Keep up with the biz on Facebook • Visit at 217 N. Barstow St., Eau Claire