On an impulse, I stopped at Mayfair tonight on the way back from Pike Lake and was looking for something different to try and share with you, dear readers. I found Teavana! This is surely not only the most heavenly-smelling retail store evar, but also a suprise-and-delight—if not downright shock-and-awe—customer service experience. The leaf-ista was exchanging banter with fellow employees and a couple other customers, but when I focused on the menu, the converstation stopped and everything centered around the leisurely tea ceremony unveiled before my eyes.
The turnaround time on the drink was probably no longer than at Starbucks, but the Teavana experience is designed to make much better use of that time. Basically, the server prepares your tea in a method similar to pourover coffee (there are stop-clocks and everything), except that the beverage infuses in the pot for a defined period of time, then is released out a little trap door on the bottom into your cup. Nifty—wonder if that would work for coffee? During these 3-4 minutes, the server has engaged you in some light conversation and made you feel like a human being. Your beverage is like balm from heaven for your frazzled nerves.
The price of all this? $2.95 plus tax for a 16oz. Chai Latte (you can choose between Masala and Rooibos—and, of course, many other hot and cold drinks are available). Here's an interesting article about the Teavana brand from brandchannel.com.
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