While Little Rock now has an abundance of locally owned coffee shops, tea is an area not yet dabbled in. But The Green Corner Store has set out to fix that.
The store will debut its new tea bar on Nov. 16, stocked with Arkansas-made tea from Fayetteville’s Savoy Tea Company. Offerings include loose leaf teas, A Lively Brew kombucha on tap and tea lattes. The Green Corner Store owner, Shelley Green, says she saw a need within the community for a tea shop and decided to do something about it.
"I wanted to create a welcoming space where people in the community and out-of-town visitors could meet, relax and enjoy one another," Green says. "I was reading more about independent tea shops around the country and didn’t know of one in central Arkansas. Focusing on tea would be unique and complement the store’s ambiance and mission. Not only is tea great-tasting, but it’s also a good choice for a healthy lifestyle."
Green decided to go with Savoy tea after she took a trip to Fayetteville and stopped by the store located off the square. She felt like what Savoy had to offer was a perfect match for her store in Little Rock.
"Their tea is delicious, but the brand, gift shop, café and the customer service experience was also well done," she says. "I could picture it in my store. As an Arkansas-based company, they blend all their teas in northwest Arkansas, so we are also being true to our mission of supporting local."
Shoppers can choose from among 30 types of loose leaf tea ranging from black, oolong, green, white, rooibos and caffeine-free varieties. The Green Corner Store will serve both hot and cold tea, sweetened iced teas and specialty tea drinks. Tea lovers can take their favorite blends home in gift tins and sample packs.
For those not as familiar with tea varieties, Green says staff at The Green Corner Store will be on hand to help customers find their new favorite flavors.
The Green Corner Store is debuting its tea bar with a grand opening celebration. Stop by from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. for a chance to win door prizes, try the new tea and enjoy refreshments and party favors while supplies last. For more information, head to the Facebook event page.
