Got Tea? Pause on all you coffee drinkers. Tea is the new wave in Atlanta and it’s trending in the south. This isn’t your typical “southern sweet tea” café! Brooklyn Tea brings you a variety of options for all tea enthusiasts in town.
“When you walk in, it’s bigger than putting your name on the cup, it’s actually knowing your name,” says Kerri-Ann T. Thomas, the owner of Brooklyn Tea’s Atlanta location. The company thrives from building relationships, engaging in the community, and the obvious reason—to vibe while enjoying delicious tea and all vegan-based treats. Thomas was brought into the franchise by good friends Jamila and Alfonso Wright, who are the founders and owners of two locations in Brooklyn, New York. Thomas is no newcomer to Atlanta—she finished her undergrad at Spelman College and felt strongly about expressing her love for tea and the love she has for the community, making it a no-brainer that she chose the Castleberry community.
Just like most businesses, there are issues that may arise. Imagine opening a brick and mortar during a pandemic. Thomas expressed how difficult it was during that time. When asked if she was fearful of opening the Atlanta location, she simply responded, “In terms of the business aspect, I was terrified. There were times where I cried and thought to myself ‘Am I really going to do this?’ It took everything in us to keep maintaining the faith and seeing the location through.”
Entering a new market is extremely challenging. However, Thomas made it possible.
“There’s no blueprint to success. Follow your heart, be in tune with yourself and know your why, and the rest will come,” she says. Unlike other tea shops, the restaurant displays amazing artwork, music for culture, and diversity. Many describe it as a second home and sanctuary.
Everyone who lives in ATL and those who visit to stop and shop will love to “sip something sensational!”