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New Shop on Howard Street Yosefa AntiquiTEA May Be Just Your Cup of Tea; Opened for Business Oct. 5

By Madison Fisler

Oct. 25, 2012. With its color splashed walls, peaceful, meditative atmosphere, and eclectic decor, Yosefa AntiquiTEA tea shop on Howard Street adds a little bit of culture to this college town. 

AntiquiTEA opened Oct. 5, 2012 when business partners Amalia Yosefa and Corrinne Loucks decided that Boone was missing something. 

“We view tea as a social experience,” said Yosefa. “The culture surrounding it is all about creating an atmosphere for dialogue. We wanted people to have a clean, comfortable adult setting where they could come together.”

AntiquiTEA offers between 45 and 50 varieties of teas from all over the world. Their selection includes varieties from Europe, Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the Middle East. The preparation of the tea is an experience in itself, as they brew your cup or pot right in front of you, using traditional techniques and equipment pertaining to your specific tea of choice. 

If that is not your cup of tea, AntiquiTEA also offers premium local French pressed coffee served in the press, and various food choices including savory options such as pita and hummus, olives, cheese and sausage served tapas style, and sweet items including pastries and scones. 

“We try to make sure that the majority of our products are local, within 100 miles of our shop,” said Loucks. “We also offer gluten free options.”

AntiquiTEA also offers tea party services where tea will be served in the traditional way of the culture of your choice. Tastes anywhere from Japanese, to Victorian, to Middle Eastern can be accommodated. 

Free wi-fi and a relaxing atmosphere make this tea shop an optimum place for studying, or for a romantic date. The shop even offers a special discount to students, and a rewards program for returning customers.

“In many cultures, the tea house is the center of the community,” said Yosefa. “We want this to be a place for the community to relax and converse.”