Meet The “David” of DAVIDsTEA

Canada-founded loose leaf tea megastore DAVIDsTEA introduced its first-ever Pennsylvania location in late November in the King of the Prussia Mall. Specializing in an inventive mix of tea blends and high-flavored infusions, we tapped the founder behind it all, David Segal, for the scoop on what makes his tea brand so special, why you need to stock up on the fresh holiday collections and what he’s currently sipping.

Why are you most excited to bring DAVIDsTEA to the Philly-area market?

David Segal: DAVIDsTea is a community brand, and we are always keeping our eye out for the next amazing community to meet—the Philly area is no exception.

DAVIDsTEA is not your average tea shop. What makes this tea experience so special?

We are all about making tea fun and accessible for everyone; whether you are new to loose leaf tea or have been drinking it for years, there is something for you to explore.

There is so much more to tea than what you find in the grocery store. We have over 150 teas and tea blends with everything from traditional Japanese Matcha and Oolongs to flavor profiles like Forever Nuts (apple, almonds, cinnamon and beetroot) or Chocolate Macaroon (black tea with coconut, cocoa nibs and pecans). The flavor combinations are endless.

We launch teas in seasonal collections; every season we introduce five new teas and a variety of new kits and accessories. We also launch a new tea the first of every month—so there is always something new to come and discover! For example, our January Tea of The Month is Yogi Berry.

Speaking of the more than 150 tea and exclusive blends in your repertoire, can you reveal a few of your favorites and why?

One of my all-time favorites is Sencha Ashikubo, which is a high-grade green tea from Japan, and you can find me sipping on a cup regularly. Other favorites include North African Mint and Buddha’s Blend—a delicate white tea.

That said, with the winter collection in full swing I am really excited about the return of Santa’s Secret which is a delicious black tea with peppermint and festive candy canes, and due to popular demand it comes back each year. 

To elaborate on DAVIDsTEA’s eclectic mix of offerings, the level of creativity that goes into creating your tea blends is impressive. Where do you find constant inspiration?

We find inspiration in a variety of places—current ingredient trends, our customers and our staff. What’s hot right now is Alpine Punch, which is a Rooibos blend with coconut chips, apples, cinnamon, cardamom and almond flakes. It is a seasonal favorite that we have brought back to join our permanent collection.

With the holiday being the most perfect time for tea parties and gift-giving, what signature tea blends are you stocking this season?

Our new Holiday blends this season include Bubbie’s Baklava, Sugar Plum Forest and Apple Custard to name a few. We also have a selection of fun Holiday collections perfect for gift giving and hostess gifts. Customer favorites include Tea for The Tree (ornaments filled with our holiday blends) and The Night Before Christmas (9 caffeine-free teas).

 What do you think has been the most interesting tea idea yet?

You have to come in and see our magic steeper! It is a revolutionary way to make iced tea, hot tea and tea lattes. Our tea guides will demo it for you at the store any time.

Wild card: reveal your favorite DAVIDsTEA tea and food pairing?

The Spice is Right is a green tea blend with orange peel and cinnamon and pairs nicely with your favorite chocolate or chocolate dessert. The cinnamon and orange cut the sweetness and compliment the decadence nicely.

Discover the brand-new DAVIDsTEA store in the King of Prussia Mall at 160 N. Gulph Rd., King of Prussia, (610) 768-7143, www.davidstea.com.