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Manish Shah, the creative mind behind Maya Tea Company and Transit Tea, and board member of Heirloom Farmers Markets, helps Tucson’s food scene thrive with an energetic and dynamic presence.
In 2005, he began to sell coffee and tea nationally. Maya Tea now offers tea to several hundred specialty cafes, restaurants and tea shops around the U.S. with many of their earliest supporters right here in Tucson. In February 2021, Shah hosted the grand opening of Transit Tea on Speedway Boulevard and continues to reinvent the shop’s menu to the highest of standards.
“There are only three things needed by any business to prepare great tea: clean water, reliable heat, and an effective strainer,” said Shah. “At Transit Tea we use a high-capacity reverse osmosis water filtration system that provides optimal, but light, mineralization perfect for the best water in town. At Maya Tea, a three-stage carbon filtration system provides ideal water for brewing concentrate.”
Tools They Use
Zojirushi Water Boiler & Warmer
“The Zojirushi heats and maintains hot water that’s ready to go with the push of a button! This warmer allows you to serve a soothing cup of hot tea at the snap of your fingers.”
Bunn Hot Water Dispenser
“This unit dispenses the perfect amount of water and the perfect temperature every single time.”
Aberdeen Tea Infuser
“Gravity feed strainers are a good way to get the most out of your loose leaf teas. Aberdeens provide drip-free dispensing and have a good amount of space which allows great extraction.”
Hoshizaki Ice Machine
“I think we can all agree that crushed ice is superior. Our ice is the perfect tool to keep you and your tea temperature cool during hot Arizona summers.”
“We’re not just in the Magic Water business,” Shah. “We’re in the people business and it’s the enthusiasm of our team members that keeps both Maya Tea and Transit Tea firing on all cylinders. The caffeine helps but the fun is contagious.”
For more information about Maya Tea Company, visit mayatea.com. Transit Tea is located at 2645 E. Speedway Blvd. For more information, call (520) 433-2886 and visit transittea.com. Transit Tea is a Restaurant Partner.
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