Checking out Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Tokyo Part 4 – Teavana (2nd Floor)

As I continue my coverage of the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Meguro, Tokyo, we have explored the first floor. But now it’s time to check out the second floor – Teavana.

I think people who are not familiar with the Starbucks acquisition of Teavana back in 2012, probably are surprised to find out that there is a Teavana floor.

Teavana started in Atlanta, Georgia back in 1997 after a husband and wife were inspired to invested their life savings after noticing the trend of people getting into fine wine and coffee.

Since then, Teavana products and specialty stores started to flourish and for Teavana, their drinks are now found at most Starbucks locations and people can also purchase hot tea sachet or pre-made ice tea.

Despite the popularity of Teavana and people frequenting Teavana stores at U.S. Malls, Starbucks closed all 379 Teavana retail locations in 2017 and the remaining stores in January 2018.

And while people can still purchase Teavana online or at supermarkets, they can also find them at Starbucks Reserve locations and that includes the new Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Tokyo.

But for those who love coffee, have all that on the first floor. The second floor, people can purchase tea and pastries and having that alternative makes the location more appealing, especially those who think Starbucks is primarily all coffee.

The Teavana wall is quite fascinating to see. According to Starbucks: Inspired by the unique Washi tradition, this exclusively designed art piece provides a backdrop to our exquisite tea merchandise.

You’ll notice the origami ceiling above. According to Starbucks: Inspired by the Japanese paper-folding tradition of origami, this ceiling brings a sense of tranquility and peace. It also shows beauty through the intricate dance of light and shadow reflected through various planes and ensures optimal sound via built-in systems.

Near the Teavana main bar is wall of coffee cups. According to Starbucks: This special art piece is designed and fabricated using Teavana™ teacups. Japan’s best tile craftsmen passionately attached the 2,300 cups by hand. The unique design entices you to enjoy Starbucks’ world of tea on the second floor, and is a nod to the long-standing importance of tea in Japan.

The Teavana bar is interesting because according to Starbucks, the bar was 3-D created. According to Starbucks: This beautiful 3D-printed bar provides our baristas a space to craft delightfully unexpected tea experiences with extraordinary ingredients and ingenious methods. Experience tea reimagined through mixology, tea-inspired cocktails and unique brewing systems. Bring home our innovative tea accessories and serveware to design and enjoy your own Teavana™ experience.

Like the first floor, the second floor was packed.

Many wanting to try the Teavana Signature Collection which included the Teavana Cream Soda Matcha, Teavana Cream Soda Honeybush Vanilla, Pop’N Tea Pineapple Passion, Golden-Sky Black Tea Latte and Matcha Tea Fondue.

Or their Nitro Collection such as Nitro Milk Tea, Nitro Tea Citrus Lavendar Sage, Nitro Tea Lapsang Souchong and Niro Tea Flight.

And of course, their goal is to offer several seasonal teas as well.

Tomorrow, I will explore the third floor, the Arriviamo Bar which offers classic cocktails, aperitivi, beer and wine.