DavidsTea, New York

DavidsTea, a Toronto-based tea chain, aims to put the fun in drinking tea with a modern and unpretentious experience. “We strive to educate people about this classic beverage and our unique take on it,” says founder David Segal.

With more than 70 locations across Canada, the company turned its sights toward the U.S. market and partnered with Jordan Parnass Digital Architecture (Brooklyn, N.Y.) to create a modern parlor setting that showcases the brand’s range of ingredients and flavors.

Ash wood, Corian and glass materials create a contemporary setting where customers are invited to take in the sights and smells of the product. Modular custom millwork fixtures display product as well as inserts for merchandising and promotions. Custom sampling stations allow shoppers to explore select products and purchase pre-packaged containers.

At the heart of the experience is a glass tea bar where staff experts can educate shoppers with views, sniffs and tastes of teas. An eye-catching tea wall behind the counter displays more than 100 varieties and blends in color-coded canisters.

“Any notions of burlap sacks, fussy doilies and stuffy cozies were omitted,” says principal Jordan Parnass, “in favor of foregrounding high quality ingredients and creating the best possible environment for sampling and brewing tea.”

Project Source List:

Retailer
DavidsTea, Toronto – Jennifer Brier, retail designer; Elise Trudeau, retail coordinator; Sarah Segal, ceo

Design
Jordan Parnass Digital Architecture, Brooklyn, N.Y. – Jordan Parnass, principal; Sean Karns, design director; Anthony Moon, designer

Outside Design Consultants
Acertus Consultanting Group, Lenexa, Kan. (MEP engineers); A Degree of Freedom, New York (structural engineers)

Custom Millwork: Bois D’Action Inc., Quebec
Flooring: Stone Source, New York
Lighting; Juno Lighting, Des Plaines, Ill.; Hera Lighting, Norcross, Ga.

Wallcoverings and materials: Interlam, Claudville, Va.

Photography: Sean Karns, Brooklyn, N.Y.