Trendy Tea Retailer Takes to Southport

Lake View cafe-dwellers will soon have one more option for "tea time."

The Canada-based company DAVIDsTEA Inc. is expected to open doors to a new tea shop this fall at 3530 N. Southport, near West Addison Street. The chain is also sprouting two other Chicago stores—one at 1645 N. Damen Ave. in Bucktown and the other, 924 W. Armitage in Lincoln Park. 

“Since the creation of the company, becoming a part of the fabric of a community is of utmost importance to us," said DAVIDsTEA co-founder, David Segal, in a news release. "We wanted to come to Chicago because of the city’s strong support of culture and pride in the neighborhoods."

The three Chicago cafes will bring the company's U.S. storefronts to seven, with other locations in San Francisco and New York City. The Bucktown shop will open first—Oct. 13—and the other two, thereafter.

"Bar any unforseen delays, we should be opening in November," wrote DAVIDsTEA to Patch on Twitter. 

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The company boasts a "massive" tea collection, including white, green, oolong, black, pu’erh, yerba maté, rooibos and seasonal and herbal blends; some of which contain nontraditional ingredients like mulberry leaves, hot chilies, pomegranate seeds, kombucha powder and caramel pieces. It will also sell signature blends, like the "Read My Lips," a black tea with chocolate, vanilla, mint and red candy lips; and the Goji Pop, a red fruit infusion with goji berries.

Topolosky said that although stores have more of a retail feel, there will be limited seating available for customers to enjoy a cup of tea, if they so choose. To-go cups will also be available.

"The owners are familiar with the Chicago area and they feel it will fit in very well with the neighborhood," said Topolosky of the decision to come to Lake View. "It's very urban and trendy."

Visitors can expect to find all manner of gifts, from sample packs and steepers to teapots and travel mugs. Stores typically aren't open for the morning rush, Topolosky noted, and start their days around 10 a.m.

“Chicago is one of the nation’s best cities for food and drink, so naturally, we are thrilled to introduce our unique approach to tea to the Chicago area," Company Chief Executive Officer Jevin Eagle said, in a news release.

Originating in Toronto, the chain was founded in 2008 by Segal and his cousin, Herschel Segal. Today, there are more than 75 stores offering a "tea experience that is fun, fresh and unintimidating."

Also: They're hiring. A sign plastered to the doors of the still-under-construction Bucktown location says interested applicants can email careers@davidstea.com for more information. Workers enjoy "all the free tea they can drink."

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