The next Starbucks?
Posted by Richie Heron on June 3, 2011
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Since Starbucks arrived in the UK in 1998 they have helped to change the coffee landscape. A favourite beverage was given the American treatment and created a new consumer experience.
The US now has its sights set on the quintessential British drink, our beloved cup of tea.
Chicago based Argo Tea is trying to create a new trend in the US by introducing tea cafes to Chicagoans. The first café, offering an alternative to coffee, was opened in 2003. Since then they have expanded the number in Chicago to 14 (included Chicago’s O’Hare Airport) as well of out of Illinois to St Louis and New York.
The menu has both hot and cold drinks to cater for all tastes whilst educating customers on the benefits of drinking tea. They have been creative with the names of the drinks with the Mojitea (cool mint, lime juice and Armenian Mint tea over ice) perhaps being the most creative.
With an emphasis on health, wellbeing and sustainability Argo Tea also aims to help the community with the aptly named ChariTea® where they select a monthly charity to partner with and donate 10% of net proceeds from the drink to that non-profit partner.
Although international expansion has not happened as yet, if the tea trend continues to grow in the US then you would expect to see Argo Tea nestled between your local McDonald’s and Starbucks in the years to come.
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