By Anne White
The Spice & Tea Exchange, a national chain known for its gourmet spices, loose-leaf teas, and custom blends, has opened a new franchise in the heart of New Canaan. Managed by local entrepreneurs John and Pam Robinson, this latest addition to the community began welcoming customers on May 10.
The journey to open The Spice & Tea Exchange in New Canaan began with a simple conversation. “We were talking, and we said, ‘Why don’t we open up a Spice and Tea Exchange by us?’ I said, ‘New Canaan.” “It had to be New Canaan,” recalled John Robinson. The couple evaluated various locations but found New Canaan’s community-oriented atmosphere and robust support for small businesses particularly compelling.
Pam Robinson emphasized the town’s welcoming nature. “Between the people here and the town’s support, it was clear that New Canaan was the perfect place. It’s a community of entrepreneurs, and the town loves supporting small businesses.”
The Spice & Tea Exchange, founded in 2008 in St. Augustine, Florida, has grown to over 70 locations nationwide. The franchise offers a unique retail experience, featuring a vast selection of gourmet spices, teas, and exclusive hand-mixed blends. Each store encourages customers to explore and engage their senses with the aromatic selections.
Since its opening, the New Canaan store has quickly become a local favorite. The Robinsons hosted a private event for family and friends the night before their grand opening, ensuring everything was perfect for their first official day. The community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many regular customers already frequenting the shop.
Popular items at the New Canaan location include the Coastal blend, Vic’s Garlic Fix, and Tuscany blend for spices. Tea enthusiasts particularly favor the Pomegranate Green, Marrakesh Mint, and the newly permanent Dragon Fruit blend. “We initially introduced the Dragon Fruit blend as a summer special, but it became so popular that we decided to keep it year-round,” Pam Robinson explained.
Demonstrating their commitment to the local business community, the Robinsons joined the New Canaan Chamber of Commerce even before opening their doors. They are eagerly preparing for the upcoming Sidewalk Sale, where they plan to offer exclusive iced teas and a refreshing matcha.
The Spice & Tea Exchange in New Canaan is not just a store but a community hub where customers can discover new flavors and enjoy personalized service. The Robinsons are considering extending their hours to better serve the community and have already seen success by staying open on holidays like the Fourth of July, attracting visitors who otherwise might not have had the chance to stop by.
As The Spice & Tea Exchange continues to thrive in New Canaan, it stands as a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit and the close-knit community that defines this charming Connecticut town. Connecticut is home to two other locations of The Spice & Tea Exchange. One is located in Mystic at 6 West Main Street, offering a wide selection of fine spices, handcrafted seasonings, and teas. The other location can be found in Guilford at 80 Whitfield Street.
