The city already has its share of branded coffee outlets. But tea lovers have only a handful of options. Three women have come together to offer good quality tea at affordable prices.
Nirmala Richard, Kavitha Lesley and Annapoorna Rajesh started the first outlet of their tea lounge, Chai’s, near KMCH on Avanashi Road. Now, they have two other branches — on NSR Road and near Avinashilingam University.
While travelling, most of us crave a cup of tea, and end up stopping at bakeries, they say. But, the ambience and fear of adulteration was always there. “We wanted to offer a beverage similar to the tea we drink at home. That is why we serve organic tea,” says Kavitha.
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The ambience makes you feel right at home. Hygiene is also given equal importance, with all the staff wearing gloves and caps. The young staff welcomes you with a smile, takes your order and asks for feedback once you are finished with your tea. It is this customer-friendly approach that they wish to maintain in all their outlets. “Customer satisfaction is important. Only then will you get repeat customers,” says Annapoorna.
Chai’s currently offers 30 varieties of tea, one filter coffee and 10 varieties of home-made snacks such as sandwiches, samosas and vada pav to go with the tea. “We use organic tea from Korakundah, said to be a tea estate at the highest elevation in the country. The black tea, green tea and the master blend teas are most popular among our customers,” says Nirmala.
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The teas range from Rs. 20 to Rs. 200, depending on what you choose. The outlet sells even exotic varieties such as Camomile herbal fusion tea and hand-made tea. Kiosks serving tea, coffee and Horlicks for children at Rs.5 have also been introduced. Plans are afoot to open three more outlets by the year-end and also venture into Chennai and Bangalore. The partners also want to employ two differently-abled people at each outlet.
For details, call 90251-11291/ 90470-30640.