So, maybe it’s because I’m curled up in front of my computer with a head cold, sipping a herbal tea compliments of this lovely tea house, but I’m really digging this place. Can I use that word? Digging? I’m talking about a tea house with a tropical island theme, I think the vocabulary is acceptable. It’s a day like today when most of us could really use a break from the harshness of winter and visit the tropics (without the price tag and the effects of the water…), which is where Cha comes in!
I met with the owner, Jake, last week and we talked about his vision for Cha. Keep reading to find out about this little Whyte Ave gem located at 10332 – 81 Ave. Also feel free to visit their website to find out more…and I’ll let you in on another little secret…They have a Groupon today!
What is Cha Island Tea Co.?
A tea shop with a bright, tropical atmosphere! When I first envisioned this idea I was thinking about some familiar tea houses in this area and how they are dark and earthy. I wanted to make something that makes you feel so warm that you want to take off your coat and order an iced tea.
Where did the name come from?
Cha is the Chinese character for tea and the Island Tea House part is kind of self explanatory in the atmosphere of the shop.
What would you consider the most unique part of what customers experience when they visit you?
I don’t think there are many other places I’ve been to that have this kind of tropical feeling. Which is surprising when you look at where everyone goes on vacation.
What inspired you to create something like this?
I started with the iced teas. That was from living in Taiwan, I was there for 6 years and you wouldn’t go a day without having 2 or 3 of them. All the foreigners there drink them and love them and keep asking why Canada doesn’t seem to have real iced tea. When I moved back to Canada I decided that I would do a teashop.
So what’s in an iced tea at Cha?
I have a black tea and green tea that are steeped here every day and that’s the base and then you can choose flavoured syrups to sweeten the teas if desired. Someone pointed out to me that there are 2000 possible combinations you could create.
What do you offer aside from tea?
Aside from the iced tea we have all the loose-leaf teas, we also have French press coffee. Fresh squeezed lemonade, Belgian waffles, and panini sandwiches.
What’s your favourite pick at Cha?
My favourite panini is the Swiss Hammock (ham & Swiss) with a berry mintelo iced tea (raspberry/peppermint green tea).
Did you grow up in Edmonton, or are you a transplant? If so, what brought you here?
I’m from Ontario originally and then I spent 6 years in Taiwan. I came to Edmonton when my wife chose to complete her education at the U of A.
How do you like it so far?
Well, it was all tropical and sunny in the brochure, so I feel like I’ve been tricked… Honestly, it’s growing on me, but very slowly because I don’t see anything outside my shop very often.
If you could see one thing change here what would it be?
The drab colours…imagine if no one here was allowed to paint their house white or brown. Things would be so much more colourful here in the winter. One very specific thing I’d like to see though is to have Whyte Ave shut down every weekend and turned into a pedestrian street. Apparently they are working on having it closed more often in the summer months.
Why is it that people are so hesitant about shopping local? Why do you think Edmonton is so “Big Box” in general?
Everybody drives big boxes and they need somewhere to park them…I think it’s mostly because everything is so spread out. You can’t go for a night out unless everyone goes to the same place and that’s where the big places excel. Crowds don’t develop naturally here because everything is so spread out.
What item could you not live without during the cold winters here in E-town?
The only reason I like cold weather is because I like snowboarding. So, my board.
I’ve noticed that you sell art here, is it all from local artist?
Yes. We probably change them up about once a month.
Do you think networking with other businesses is important?
100%, although I think it’s more important to connect with individuals because they become ambassadors for your shop.
Is there a store or restaurant local to Edmonton that you really enjoy?
I haven’t had much opportunity to get out, but I really want to go check out Wunderbar on Whyte Ave.
Do you have a holiday tradition that you can’t live without?
Tobogganing on New Years Eve with candlelight…extremely dangerous, but very fun. You take two liter pop bottles and you cut the top off and put candles in them and then place them down the hill like a runway. The darker it is the better. It’s good times.
Any last words?
I just want to invite everyone to just come see us once.
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