A Vancouver-based tea shop specializing in "tea'spressos" and plant-based bubble teas will open its first permanent outpost in Richmond next month.
Paragon Tea Room is set to take over former pour-over coffee bar Faebrew's spot in Kam Do Plaza, near the Aberdeen Canada Line station.
"We met many wonderful people at Faebrew, and it was sad to see the owner moving on to other adventures," Paragon owners Michelle Cheung and Nelson Poon told the Richmond News.
"We hope Paragon will bring old and new friends together and a space for people to connect or reconnect."
The News reported last year that Faebrew was closing after eight years as owner Vincent Wong decided to focus on his roasting business.
The Aberdeen location will mark Paragon's first permanent expansion to Richmond. Its pop-up in Vancouver International Airport (YVR)'s domestic terminal opened last December and was recently extended for the summer months.
Cheung and Poon said Richmond patrons can expect "unique menu items and exclusive collaboration with local businesses" at the new location, similar to the tea-infused oat milk ice cream floats and exclusive pastry collaborations at YVR.
Paragon opened its first location in Vancouver's Olympic Village in 2019 and later moved to its current spot on Cambie Street.
The co-owners credit the business' "rewarding" growth to community support.
"The most important ingredient in our growth and any success has been our dedicated team and other local businesses who we have collaborated with," they told the News.
"These amazing individuals have stepped up to every challenge we encountered, and turning our vision into reality one step at a time."
The diversity in Richmond, which Cheung and Poon described as a "melting pot" and "gathering place" for locals and visitors, was also what attracted the owners to expand to the community.
"We believe in creating spaces where people can connect over a cup of tea, share stories and build lasting memories," they said.
"Richmond offers that sense of togetherness and community spirit that we cherish, and we are excited to be a part of it."
Paragon Tea Room's Richmond location is set to open sometime in August 2024 at #140 - 4328 No. 3 Rd.
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