Starbucks has announced plans to debut its first “tea bar” in New York City, NY Daily News Online reported.
Following the Starbucks acquisition last year of Teavana—a chain of about 300 stores—Starbucks is making good on its plans to use the acquisition to make tea a bigger part of American culture with the introduction of the new Teavana Fine Teas + Teavana Tea Bar.
The location is set to serve sweets and other food from flatbreads to salads and small plates, ranging in price from about $3 to $15. Teavana will also serve hot and brewed iced teas, tea lattes, sparkling, and tea fusion beverages.
Teavana operates about 300 stores in the U.S., but this is the first “tea bar” that represents a joint effort from Teavana and Starbucks. Teavana stores are usually located in shopping malls and sell boxed and loose teas as well as tea accessories, and the new Starbucks-style freshly-made beverages and foods will be a marked change for the store. Drink prices are expected to range from $3- $6.
Starbucks opened a similar tea shop last year near its headquarters in Seattle, under its Tazo brand. That store is slated to switch over to a Teavana tea bar next month.