San Francisco's Samovar tea bar is attempting to give tea an image overhaul. Unlike its hyper-caffeinated counterpart coffee, tea has been unable to elicit an evangelical-like zeal from the masses.
Coffee has been deemed "cool;" it's a beverage that has an artisanal drinking experience to go with it. It's this type of experience that owner Jesse James is attempting to recreate with tea, which explains why he has invested so heavily on the Valencia Street location. Decorated simply, the bar is lined with white ceramic mugs and tall French presses, giving it a similar "reverential air" to upscale coffee houses.
Much more than the decor, however, is the process. James is attempting to bring a "third-wave" tea movement to America, which requires an emphasis on the ingredients, how they are treated and prepared.
Artisanal Tea Bars
Samovar's San Francisco Location Seeks to Elevate the Tea-Drinking Experience
Trend Themes
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Industry Implications
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