As the it’s name implies, Teavana is an herbal enthusiast’s Eden. Founded in Atlanta, Georgia in 1997, the store sells loose tea and tea accessories as well as brewed cupfuls. Particularly interesting is the collection of Yixing clay teapots fashioned in shapes ranging from cats to melons to Frank Lloyd Wright inspired geometrical designs.
Unlike the employees at most chains, Teavana workers are very knowledgeable about their product and can rattle off the subtle flavor differences between say, Oolong tea and Earl Grey. Teavana currently has locations in Minneapolis, Jacksonville, Las Vegas, Atlanta, Orlando, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, San Francisco, Buford, Georgia and Northern Virginia. Plans for expansion to other major markets are in the works.