Tea Bar
Food & Beverage · Coffee & Tea
Description
What is Tea Bar?
Tea Bar® is the Hermès of tea. Founded in Portland in 2014 by Erica Indira Swanson and over one million cups later, we have built the design-forward, premium tea cafe the category was missing, and we are now expanding through franchising. This is not another boba shop. There are no artificial syrups, no powdered mixes, no neon dyes, no pre-made anything. Every drink is made to order from whole, fresh, farm-direct ingredients sourced through our own relationships with growers around the world. We rejected the bagged teas (and their microplastics) that dominate the market and built a loose-leaf, made-to-order system instead. The result is a menu of beautifully crafted teas, lattes, matcha, and seasonal drinks that hold up next to any specialty coffee program, with a customer base that treats Tea Bar as a daily ritual. Design is core to the brand, not a finish. Our Design Director (formerly behind Stumptown, Salt & Straw, and Olympia Provisions) builds every Tea Bar as a minimalist, intentional space. Calm, modern, and unmistakably ours. The aesthetic has earned features in Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Bon Appétit, Forbes, and more, plus a 35K-strong organic Instagram following. Tea is the fastest-growing beverage category in the U.S., and almost no one is elevating it. Tea Bar franchisees get a decade-tested business model, proprietary recipes, a turnkey buildout package, a dedicated wholesale supply arm, and hands-on support from a founding team that has been building this brand intentionally. Not chasing a trend, but defining a category. If you have been waiting for the Erewhon-meets-Stumptown of tea, you are looking at it.
Location Analysis
Where Tea Bar wins
Location Summary
Explore Franzy's Location Analysis to get a comprehensive overview of franchise and corporate locations. With detailed metrics, including total US locations, open franchises, corporate sites, and average square footage, this section provides valuable insights into the geographical footprint and operational scale of each brand. Whether you're looking for the density of franchises or specific regional presence, our location analysis helps you make informed decisions.
Is your territory available?
We'll take you through a few quick questions, then Tea Bar confirms availability directly.
Financial Analysis
The numbers behind Tea Bar
Franzy provides comprehensive financial analysis to users, offering invaluable insights into investment ranges, gross revenue, and other key financial metrics. This detailed analysis helps prospective franchisees understand the financial commitments and potential returns associated with different franchise opportunities. By leveraging Franzy's data-driven approach, users can make informed decisions and find the perfect franchise that aligns with their financial goals and risk tolerance.
Franzy's financial analysis tools are designed to guide users every step of the way, ensuring they have all the information needed to invest wisely and succeed in the franchise market. Learn More
Financing partners
Vetted partners, tailored to franchisees
Your Franzy advisor can connect you with these partners later in the process — competitive rates, specialized in franchise financing.
FranFund
CRF USA
Nonprofit SBA lender; provides financing for franchise acquisitions, startups, and expansion.
First Bank of the Lake
Pension Pros
The model
How Tea Bar works
Owner stays in an executive role — sets strategy, hires a manager, and oversees crews. Typically 5–20 hr/wk after ramp; many keep their day job.
Owner runs the business as their primary job — leads the team day-to-day on the ground, 40+ hr/wk.
Sells to businesses, contractors, or property owners.
Sells directly to consumers and homeowners.
Serves both businesses and consumers.
FDD Item 7
Initial investment range
Per FDD Item 7, total initial investment ranges from $266,037 to $606,680. The midpoint $436,359 is what most franchisees report at signing — financing typically reduces cash-at-close by 80–90%. Knowing the investment range helps you plan confidently and ensure you're fully prepared to make the leap.
2026 Franchise Disclosure
FDD documents
Below are items 2, 3, 4, 7, 11 and 19 for Tea Bar's 2026 FDD. The complete FDD is delivered to you directly by the franchisor, per the FTC Franchise Rule.
Connect to download Items 2, 3, 4, and 11 — direct from the franchisor.
Buyer FAQs
Frequently asked questions
The initial investment for a Tea Bar franchise typically ranges between $266,037.00 and $606,680.00. This includes the franchise fee, equipment, real estate, and other startup costs. To get a detailed breakdown and better understand the financial requirements, we recommend scheduling a call with the Franzy team. We'll walk you through the specifics and answer any questions you might have. For more detailed information, refer to the financial sections of the FDD.
Disclaimer. The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) we have on record, which was issued in 2026. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. Only the franchisor can confirm that the information is complete and accurate and we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.
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