The Irie Cup, an online retailer focusing on premium loose-leaf and bagged whole-leaf teas with a Caribbean flair, is opening a new brick-and-mortar in Downtown Huntley, located at 11805 Main St.
The company’s first storefront will move into the former home of Street Slice Pizza, according to the Daily Herald. Owner Joe Lewis tells What Now Chicago he and his wife, LaShanda Lewis, hope to open the new cafe in late November or early December. Although construction is still underway, and the project is close to completion, according to Joe Lewis, the couple is still hoping to raise additional funds through an online fundraiser on IFundWomen, which supports women- and Black-owned businesses.
The Lewis’ hope to raise $40,000 by November 18 and use the money to redevelop the location’s interior, including adding a new bar, painting, and redoing the floors. When everything is said and done, and the cafe opens up later this year, customers can expect a “tea oasis,” where tea lovers can find various types of teas available by the cup or to take home later. On top of providing the community with delicious teas, the Lewis’ hope to use the shop to give back to the community, which they describe as one of their “core values.”
“Huntley has a booming downtown scene,” LaShanda Lewis said in a release. “There are a plethora of great treat options … but there isn’t a space where you can sit, slow down, and savor a cup of exceptional tea. We’re just excited to open up our doors to everyone and to create a tea oasis in Huntley.”
