Two local families, bonded by a love of tea, recently opened a shop on the edge of downtown McLean to share their passion with the community.
ArTeA TeaShop quietly began serving customers at 6635 Old Dominion Drive on May 1, tweaking the menu and continuing to train staff before a more formal launch — and the addition of delivery options — last Tuesday (June 11).
The families who founded ArTeA wanted to bring a contemporary, artsy flavor to downtown McLean, positioning the shop as a platform for local artists to showcase their work as well as an eatery, a spokesperson says.
Open on Tuesday through Sunday starting at 11 a.m., the shop sells a variety of organic, loose-leaf and milk teas, both with and without boba. Signature blends include a jasmine green tea with lemon, fresh mint and cucumber that’s intended to refresh, an “energy” tea that mixes Earl Grey with coffee, and a caffeine-free “detox” tea.
Freshly baked desserts are also on the menu, including cakes, macarons, gelato and sorbet. Gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free and plant-based options are available.
“Downtown McLean kids usually go to Tysons, Vienna, and Falls Church to get bubble tea. We brought their favorite product closer to them [and] made it with [an] organic tea base and less sugar,” the spokesperson told FFXnow. “We are excited to provide McLean residents with a wellbeing style of life menu.”
In addition to emphasizing its ability to accommodate different dietary needs, ArTea says it’s distinguished from other cafes by a “no tips” policy, telling FFXnow that it guarantees adequate payment to employees “regardless of sales performance, fostering a sense of security.”
“Our commitment to customer satisfaction means we strive to maintain fair pricing for healthy desserts and bubble tea,” the business said. “We challenge ourselves to provide delicious products and excellent service without [begging] for tips.”
ArTeA comes from the families of Raushan Sapar, founder of the Sapar Contemporary Art Gallery in New York City, and Amir Zhan, a certified tea room owner and graduate of New York’s International Culinary Center with a degree in restaurant management.
According to the business’ website, Sapar and Zhan wanted to “curate high quality teas from around the world” and traveled across continents and states before settling down in Northern Virginia.
“The families strived to create a unique space where people could come together to enjoy the art of tea,” the spokesperson said.
Soon, customers will be able to try their own hand at the craft of tea-making. In the coming weeks, ArTeA will expand with a TeaLab, which is described on its website as a “welcoming space where you can connect, unwind, and explore the art of tea.”
The lab will open in stages, starting with breakfast service around mid-summer before presenting high and afternoon teas in September. A grand opening is being planned for the second week of that month.
“TeaLab will offer rare opportunities to create your own delicious blends, indulge in sweet or savory delights, and enjoy our unique tea-based cocktails and mocktails,” the spokesperson said.
