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Story tools: E-mail story | Printer-friendly | iPod friendly Teavana, plus more stores, now open at Coconut PointTea bar/emporium welcomes customers Wednesday, November 29, 2006 Shoppers of Coconut Point will be happy to know that more than 15 new shops opened within the last week, including a place to buy and drink tea. Photo by LIANE SMITH / Banner Teavana, which just opened its doors in the Coconut Point mall, sells more than 100 loose leaf teas from $3 a pound to $25 a pound to combine for more than 3,000 flavors, as well as all the accessories to brew and drink the popular beverage. Teavana, which sells fresh, loose leaf teas and the accessories to match, opened a week ago. The tea bar and emporium has more than 100 teas, which can be combined together to make about 3,000 drinks, some of which can boost metabolism. Rene Brown, associate manager of Teavana, was always a coffee drinker. She says, she still has her cup of coffee, but tea is growing popularity for an all-day drink. "Coffee just doesn't have the vitamins," Brown said. First-time customer Laura Horoszewski, of Estero, agreed. She has been switching her lifestyle to more natural and organic tones. She read that the best way to deliver natural herbs to her body was through drinking tea. "I just think that's where everything is headed," Horoszewski said. Teavana, first opened in Atlanta, wanted to introduce customers to the aromas, textures and beneficial qualities of loose leaf teas. After research teas, they selected those with rich flavors and good health benefits for its stores. White tea, sold in flavors such as Chinese Honey Dew White, Pear Luna and Silver Needle, are high in antioxidants. White tea, according to Teavana, has been shown in studies to also aid in detoxifying the body, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and may inhibit the growth of certain forms of cancer. Photo by LIANE SMITH / Banner Porsha Collier, assistant store manager, brews tea. Porsha Collier, 25, was a Teavana customer in Jacksonville for three years before joining the staff. "Silver Needle is the best thing we have," Collier, assistant store manager, said. Other teas include red tea, which can improve digestion, and also is high in vitamins and minerals with more antioxidants than green tea, which is caffeine free, high in Vitamin C and antioxidants. Oolong tea is good for weight loss, Brown added. They also have flavored and scented green tea and black single estate teas. Brown, who has only worked for Teavana for three weeks, is learning about and loving tea more each day. "It's a relaxing thing," Brown said, adding it's somewhat like wine used to be. "Nobody knew anything about (wine). That's how tea is right now, except simpler," Brown said. Photo by LIANE SMITH / Banner Rene Brown, associate manager, tells Teavana customers Dolores Preston, of Fort Myers, and Laura Horoszewski, of Estero, about the shop's teas. Teavana teas range in price from $3 to $25 for two ounces of loose tea leaves, which will brew 25 to 30 cups. Its most expensive tea, Monkey Picked Oolong, costs $25 for two ounces. It was named for Buddhist monks who trained monkeys to harvest the youngest leaves from the top of wild tea trees. Today, Monkey Picked Oolong refers to the highest quality of oolong available. When customers enter Teavana, a tea station at the entrance will provide them with tea samples. Upon entrance, they will be surrounded by cast iron tea pots, cups and plates, as well as brewing machines and tea light warmers. A play mat in the store allows customers to arrange their own tea settings from different merchandise to coordinate with their home. "You can make your own set," Brown said. "Play around until you find what you want." Teavana is located 23160 Fashion Dr. at the new Coconut Point shopping complex in Estero, near Dillards. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information, call Teavana at 498-5620, or visit its Web site at www.teavana.com. Other new stores open at Coconut Point: • Rug Decor 
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