After months of artistic construction and planning, Transit Tea is hosting its grand opening at 2645 E. Speedway Blvd. on Wednesday, February 3.
Manish Shah, who has also owned Maya Tea Company for more than 20 years, is pleased to know that Transit Tea’s doors are finally open and ready to serve out of their drive-thru and pickup windows.
They’re sticking to takeout orders only for the time being, but there’s plenty to admire while you’re waiting outside for your drink. Shah let local artists design all the artwork found sprawled on the building, including a giant hot air balloon soaring across the walls, making the process quite a local endeavor.
When it comes to what’s on the menu, the flavors and origins come from all over the world, including teas from China, Egypt, Vietnam, and other parts of the globe.
“I’ve been in the business for 23 years,” said Shah. “I’ve seen tea transform people’s lives. I’ve seen people’s health improve because it’s so good for you. If you come to the window for five minutes, I’ll give you something and it’s healthy.”
Within the menu, you’ll find that the tea is available as still, sparkling, or snow — snow cones, that is.
“The snow cones are ridiculous. We invested in a new water filtration system, so our ice is beautiful and small. I mean, it may be the next level.”
Also available to sip and enjoy are lattes, chai tea, and Just Plain Tea, which can be ordered sparkling iced or hot. So, no matter what you decide to order, know that it’s been made with care and with an intention to help you make a transition to healthier choices.
“Tea replaces something that maybe isn’t as good for you and you feel elevated,” said Shah. “If you look on the outside of the building, it has a hot air balloon on it. The whole idea is to have an elevated experience — feel better. Rise up to do better. You’re on your own journey. We’re just here for the ride. Transit Tea is what you take with you on the road.”
The current hours of operation are 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily.
Transit Tea is located at 2645 E. Speedway Blvd. For more information, visit transittea.com.
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
