One of downtown St. Pete’s favorite spots for tea, coffee and baked goodies is growing and moving to The EDGE District. TeBella Tea Company, currently operating its café out of the lobby in Station House, will open a full café and retail shop at 1445 Central Avenue at the beginning of April.

The move and expansion will allow the locally-owned company to return to its roots as not just a great spot for a pick-me-up, but as a retail destination with more than 115 varieties of loose-leaf tea, tea accessories and locally-made confections, including French macarons, artisanal chocolates, homemade biscotti, scones and vegan baked goods.

TeBella is already a local favorite, with their teas available at several cafes and restaurants around town. Ownership is excited to provide the opportunity for tea drinkers to be able to bring the tea making (and enjoying) process home with them.

Of course, that doesn’t mean they won’t still be a hotspot for great drinks to enjoy on-site or on the go. Their variety of hot, iced and latte tea concoctions is enough to make anyone salivate, and the location on Central Avenue will make them a perfect spot to stop in while shopping, strolling or sipping around The EDGE District.

TeBella comes from lifelong passion for tea

The building itself is both old and beautiful, offering even more character and charm for the lovely tea shop. TeBella will be open seven days a week, opening its doors from 10 am – 7 pm Monday-Saturday and 12-6 pm on Sundays.

Abigail StClair, the founder of TeBella, said she is thrilled to showcase the incredible teas and products she’s discovered over the years.

“I opened TeBella Tea 10 years ago despite having no real background in business.” She says. “I had no idea what I was doing or where it would take me, but since then, I’ve visited Japan, China, Sri Lanka, and India on tea-buying trips, and have learned so much from the tea masters and farmers I’ve met in each country.

“What I’ve always loved about tea is the ritual aspect of it. The process of making tea is an art form, even in the every day. You choose your tea, a favorite cup, something sweet to eat with your drink–it is a respite from the frantic pace of daily life. To bring that love of tea to other people, and teach them about the complexities and nuances of loose leaf tea, has been a dream.”

Learn more and follow the company on facebook here. As TeBella moves to its new location, Station House is sourcing candidates to take over its café space beginning in April.

What to read next:

• Prestigious Youth International Ballet Competition comes to St. Pete this March
• Salty Nun opens in Grand Central, bringing big breakfasts and live music to St. Pete
• Burg Built: Matter of Fact, a curated men’s clothing store in the EDGE District