"Argo Tea's home is Chicago. We're grateful for any opportunity to share our unique, hand-blended tea beverages and to support healthy communities in our hometown, across the country and around the world. Our shared vision for this park is to provide a public haven for the community to gather, enjoying nature while sipping the best combination of the freshest ingredients from nature," said Arsen Avakian, founder and CEO of Argo Tea.
Argo Tea and the City of Chicago partnered in an effort to revitalize the existing park into a healthier and friendlier habitat. By planting native plants such as tea bushes like chamomile and hibiscus bushes, the joint venture aimed to restore the park and welcome visitors. Chicago Alderman Brendan Reilly, Superintendent and CEO of Chicago Park District Michael P. Kelly and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel were all instrumental in the process.
"I am thankful for Chicago-based businesses like Argo Tea, for taking the extra step to beautify our neighborhoods and makeChicago the best city possible," said Rahm Emanuel, Mayor of Chicago. "This cafe is important to the continued revitalization of our parks, and we look forward to future partnerships that will support similar projects that make Chicago a great place to live and visit."
"This is an exciting day and one that has been a long time in the making," said Ald. Brendan Reilly, 42nd Ward. "After asking the Chicago Park District to pursue local Chicago businesses in order to return this park to its former glory, I'm thankful to Argo Tea, the Chicago Park District and the Mayor's Office for helping make this revitalization vision a reality and for dramatically improving the park as a neighborhood amenity and family destination."
Similar to other Argo Tea locations, the new greenhouse cafe features sustainable elements, including fully recyclable packaging, native landscaping featuring drought-tolerant plant varieties and allowing for natural irrigation, and wind energy power from the purchase of renewable energy credits.
Like all Argo Tea cafes, the greenhouse cafe will support a variety of local efforts. Local non-profits receive 10 percent of proceeds from seasonal signature drinks as part of Argo's ChariTEA program. In addition, local artists and musicians are welcomed to showcase their talents in store, and public tea tastings and wellness events are held regularly for the community.
"This cafe is a physical representation of our core values at Argo Tea, showcasing the best of what we offer in support of creating healthy communities, leading in sustainability and giving back through charity," said Arsen Avakian.
Since opening its first cafe in 2003 in Chicago, Argo Tea now operates 27 cafes in the U.S. and internationally, with more than 15 locations scheduled to open in the next 12 months. Argo Tea is the leader in creating a unique tea experience, whether in cafes, teaosks or at home, and is available through more than 10,000 retailers, including Chicago-based Walgreens, Whole Foods, and many more locations.
Learn more about Argo Tea.
SOURCE: Argo Tea