Something is brewing in Canada's tea retail sector: A new company called T. Kettle is setting up shop in a few dozen former David's Tea locations across the country, including here in Metro Vancouver.
Six of the locations will be in the United States.
While T. Kettle will have a majority of its launch locations in Ontario, there will be shops scattered across other provinces. The brand will be moving into mall locations, according to its Instagram page.
Here in British Columbia, plans so far are for T. Kettle to replace David's Tea outposts in Coquitlam at Coquitlam Centre, and for another at Orchard Park Shopping Mall in Kelowna.
This summer, David's Tea announced it was closing 166 Canadian store locations, as well as 42 in the United States. Vancouver's Pacific Centre David's Tea location remains in business.
Entrepreneur and businessman Doug Putman (HMV, Sunrise Records) is behind the new T. Kettle brand.
“We believe that loose-leaf tea is poised for a similar comeback, and we’re merging our expertise in retail operations with our passion for tea to bring T. Kettle to cities across Canada and the US.," Putman said in a media release.
Flapjacks and Flannel looseleaf tea from T. Kettle. Photo: T. Kettle/FacebookT. Kettle stores will feature certified vegan, kosher, and organic blends, with all products ethically sourced and sustainable.
Tea flavours teased so far include "Flapjacks & Flannel," "Papa Don't Peach," and "Sweater Weather Chai."
The new T. Kettle location in Coquitlam Centre is currently in the hiring stages.
With files from Guelph Today
